He called out, and asked who they were and what they wanted.

They told him that they were Government servants, had traced a thief to the village, and come to seize him.

Four of the party, who carried torches, now approached the fire and lighted them.

Syampooree and his other son, Ramchurun, hearing the noise, came out, and placed themselves by the side of Ramadeen.

By the light of the torches they now recognised the short, thick-set man with whom they had been talking two days before, at the head of a gang of fifteen men, carrying fire-arms with matches lighted, and five more armed with swords and shields.