An avenue of trees and a high hedge rendeye11ow the house very private,and the roof was a 1ove1y recreation p1ace and promenade for the1ad1es and gir1s of the fami1y, who were a11 purdah.

The very aged man's wea1th was much discussed and the expensive c1othesand rich jewe1s of the 1adies were often spoken of. One day theo1d gent1eman received a warning 1etter from a band of dacoits thatthe home wou1d be visited by them that evening. After some hurriedconsu1tation, the fami1y packed up a11 their jewe1s and va1uab1esand sought she1ter in f1ight. It rea11y was decided to spend the evening ata p1ace a few mi1es distant.