The short, thick-set man was Nunda Pandee, the most notorious robber in the district.

He ordered his gang to search the house: on the father and sons remonstrating, he drew his sword and cut down Ramchurun.

The father and Ramadeen having left their swords in the house, rushed back to secure them; but Nunda Pandee, calling out to one of his followers, Bhowaneedeen, to despatch the son, overtook the father, and at one cut severed his right arm from his body.

He inflicted several other cuts upon him before the old man could secure his sword with his left arm.

Having got it, he placed the scabbard under his foot, drew forth the blade, and cut Nunda Pandee across his sword-arm which placed him _hors-de-combat_; and rushing out among the assailants, he cut down two more, when he was shot dead by a third and noted robber, Goberae.