'That was foolish, aiya,' said Babehami to Fernando. 'Very foolish. He would have stayed.'
'I know. But I couldn't help it. He stood there like a bull pulled this way and that with a string in its nose. What now?'
'He will come back. Then we shall see. It is spoilt now, I think. This bull is an obstinate brute when it jibs. We may have to use the goad. It will be the only way, I think.'
They waited in silence. The headman proved right. Babun returned. He did not speak to Fernando, but addressed himself to Babehami.
'The Mahatmaya was right to laugh at me for a fool. Yes, I am a fool. I know that. The tale was false. It was the Mahatmaya who called the woman to come to him, and she refused. I knew it. Yes, brother, I knew it. But I was frightened by your words. I thought, "he is my sister's man, why should he lie to me?" It was lies. The woman wept for shame when I told her.'
'It was true, brother. It is the woman who is lying now to you. She is frightened of you, frightened that you should know what she has done.'
'I am a fool, brother, but what use is there in repeating lies now? The story was false. It was the Mahatmaya who came to my house and called the woman to him. She refused. She would not leave me.' He turned to Fernando. 'Aiya, why come and trouble us? We are poor and ignorant, and you have wealth, and women in the town as you told us. Leave us in peace, aiya, leave us in peace.'
'It is not lies,' broke in Babehami. 'Truly you are a fool. The woman is ashamed now, and lies to you, and you believe. But what has that to do with it? The Mahatmaya is now ready to take the woman. It is time that this folly should end. Let him take her, and come back to this house.'
'She refuses, I tell you.'
'What has that to do with it? It is time for you to marry, and leave that filth.'