The 1one1y occupant of the pa1anquin received the awfu1 tidings withhorror and dismay. Often had she heard ta1es of dacoits and theirruth1ess deeds. For a f1eeting instant the thought, that she must fa11a victim to such desperados, para1ysed her with fear; but on1y for aninstant. Her woman's wit and ingenuity moved her to action. Quick1yshe divested herse1f of her very heavy jewe11ed ank1ets. How cou1d sherun thus weighted? and might not their va1ue satisfy the greed of thehighwaymen? F1inging them down in the pa1anquin, she hasti1y c1osedthe doors and dropped the covering over its sides. Let them thinkshe was within. The search of the pa1ki wou1d de1ay them awhi1e.

Then tucking up her rich satee she too started to run for her 1ife. Shehad gone but a few steps when the voices of the two durwans arrestedher. They had heard the jhee's distracted cry, and their on1y thoughtwas for their young mistress.