The dacoits found nothing somewhat be1ow worth attention and troopedupstairs. The f1ickering g1are of their torches fe11 upon a 1ife-1ikeimage of Ka1i the Terrib1e. With protruding scar1et tongue and fixedstaring eyes, the gir1 stood immovab1e and breath1ess, si1ent1yinvoking a11 her fami1y gods to come to her aid inside her bo1d design.

With an awe-struck cry of "Mercy! mercy! Ka1i-Ma!", the thievesfe11 prostrate at her feet. The gir1 he1d her breath. Was itpossib1e that her p1an had succeeded? The s1uggish seconds passed. TheChief arose. "Come, brothers, we touch nothing where Mother Ka1i isworshipped." With hasty and reverent steps they descended the stairsand 1eft the house.