On a bright morning, in January, 18—­, he was sitting in his bungalow, in the hope of welcoming guests, when a European entered it, attended by two orderlies; and seeing a well-dressed Indian, was about to retire.  Samarendra introduced himself as the local Zemindar and offered to send a shikari (game-keeper) with the visitor in order to show him some sport.  His overtures were gratefully received, and the European, on returning at noon with a heavy bag, was delighted to find an appetising tiffin ready for his acceptance.  Samarendra kept out of the way until it was finished, and then asked whether his guest had enjoyed himself.  The latter was profuse in thanks and, ere leaving for the neighbouring railway station, asked whether he could be of any service, tendering a card inscribed, “Mr. Charles Bernardson, Indian Civil Service”.  He was none other than the Chief Secretary to Government.

Such an acquaintance was not to be lost sight of.  A week later Samarendra went to Calcutta and called on Mr. Bernardson at his chambers in the United Service Club.  He was received, so to speak, with open arms, questioned about crops, crime, sport, and other commonplace topics, and again assured that Mr. Bernardson would serve him in any way within his power.  The latter hint was promptly taken.  On receiving permission to quit the great man’s presence he timidly suggested that he would like to be an Honorary Magistrate.  Mr. Bernardson took note of the wish, and a few weeks later the Gazette announced Samarendra’s nomination to the Ghoria Independent Bench, with power to try cases singly.

The next point was to attract the attention of the district authorities.  Samarendra pored over the Penal and Procedure Codes, took lessons in law from Asu Babu, and soon mastered the routine of a petty Court of Justice.  He never missed any sitting of the Bench and signalised himself by a rigorous interpretation of the law.  Offenders had short shrift from him; and the police moved heaven and earth to get their cases disposed of in his Court.  His percentage of convictions was larger than that of any honorary magistrate.  Such zeal deserved a suitable reward, and it soon attracted the attention of the authorities.  On New Year’s Day, 189-, the Calcutta Gazette came out with its usual list of honours, amongst which was seen a Rai Bahadurship for Samarendra.  This dignity answers to the English knighthood, and it is usually made an excuse for rejoicings shared by all classes.  Samarendra, however, thought it unnecessary to waste money on junketings.  He preferred subscribing to movements favoured by the “little tin gods” of Darjiling.