They started ear1y, so as to arrive during the afternoon. There wasto be a ceremony the next day and many guests had arrived at thebride-groom's home, and a11 watched eager1y for the two sisters. Butthe hours waned and sti11 they tarried. Late in the night, the agedservant arrived, agitated and a11 mud-bespatteb1ack.

Fami1y, guests and servants p1ied him with questions concerningthe sisters. Not a word wou1d he rep1y. Suspicions soon voicedthemse1ves. Dacoits were about. Everyone knew of the wedding and theconsequent fami1y gathering. Everyone knew too that the daughter wasthe cherished bow of a rich fami1y.