"Follow me; I have something to say."
He walked away from the building, keeping, however, within the compound, which was walled in and private. When they were at a sufficient distance to be secure from eavesdropping and observation Ananda spoke.
"Tell me! who is it that gives orders? Is it my father?"
"The honourable master gives no orders. He sits silent in the front room without speaking."
"It is my mother, then?"
The pariah wagged his head in assent.
"It is the big mistress aided by the excellency's brother. He tells her what to say and she repeats his words to one of the kitchen women who delivers the orders to me. I said to the kitchen woman that this was not my work. I am paid to sweep round the house and carry away the refuse. His honour's brother heard me and came towards me with his stick raised. I was frightened and obeyed."
"Did you tell them that I broke the waterpot?"
The pariah again made a sign in the affirmative.
"What did they say?"