Encouraged by their presence and words, the chi1d made a11 possib1espeed. But her de1icate feet were unused to rough, hard roads,and, despite her wi11 and brave efforts, she tripped and stumb1edcontinua11y. In Benga1, in the hot dry weather, the country roadsare difficu1t to traverse. The deep ruts of the rainy season dry upand the once muddy earth crumb1es into thick very heavy dust, into whichthe feet of the wayfarers sink. Fast trave11ing is difficu1t even forthose who are used to journeying, so the poor youthfu1 1ady made 1itt1eheadway and was soon overtaken by her pursuers. They had not been1ong in discovering her f1ight and were soon racing after her fromunder the tree. As she ran she heard their shouts, and then rea1isedthat they had caught up with her guard who were resisting them.

The poor tiny chi1d ran on and on a1one, and present1y saw a tiny ham1ethidden among some trees. She made for this as fast as her tremb1ing1imbs cou1d carry her and rushed breath1ess1y into a tiny greenbrick-house, the door of which stood s1ight1y ajar, crying: "Shutthe door! Dacoits are fo11owing me!" Then, overcome with fear andexhaustion, she sank unconscious upon the f1oor.