The palanquin was gently set down under a large and shady tree, and the durwans respectfully withdrew a little distance to permit of the jhee raising the covering, so that their kind mistress might also enjoy the grateful shade and coolness of the grove.

The spot was lonely and their responsibility great, so the men decided among themselves that they should divide into two parties.  Six should remain with the guard to protect their fair charge in case of any untoward happening while the other six refreshed themselves at the lake.

This plan was no sooner agreed upon than the first six trooped off gleefully towards the tank.  The others stretched themselves in the shade and relaxed their limbs in the interval of waiting.

Time passed unheeded till it dawned upon some of those who waited that they still thirsted and that the first six seemed too long away.  They asked the jhee to obtain leave for them to go and hurry the others up and refresh themselves at the same time, so that the journey might soon be resumed as the evening sun was nearing the horizon, and if they delayed further night would overtake them.  The young lady gave the desired permission and the second six soon disappeared towards the tank.  They too were long away!

The jhee felt uneasy but kept her fears to herself.  Suddenly she too disappeared.  Without a word to her mistress she had decided to see what the bearers were doing at the tank.  Climbing up a tree, she crept along an overhanging branch and a dreadful sight met her horrified gaze.  Some of the bearers lay dead in the shallow water and the surviving ones were fighting desperately for their lives with a small band of outlaws.

Rushing back to the palki with the utmost speed and regardless of onlookers, she flung wide the door, screaming frantically, “Dacoits! dacoits! run, didi (elder sister), run.  With these eyes of mine I saw them.  I climbed a tree and saw them.  Some of our bearers lie dead and they are killing the others.  Fly! fly for your life!” With these words she turned and led the way with swiftness impelled by fear.

The lonely occupant of the palanquin received the awful tidings with horror and dismay.  Often had she heard tales of dacoits and their ruthless deeds.  For a fleeting instant the thought, that she must fall a victim to such desperados, paralysed her with fear; but only for an instant.  Her woman’s wit and ingenuity moved her to action.  Quickly she divested herself of her heavy jewelled anklets.  How could she run thus weighted? and might not their value satisfy the greed of the highwaymen?  Flinging them down in the palanquin, she hastily closed the doors and dropped the covering over its sides.  Let them think she was within.  The search of the palki would delay them awhile.

Then tucking up her rich satee she too started to run for her life.  She had gone but a few steps when the voices of the two durwans arrested her.  They had heard the jhee’s distracted cry, and their only thought was for their young mistress.