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Sir, in this our purguna the cultivation is very difficult.
Why, I saw that tenants were plentifully settled in other villages.
True, Sir. Places which fill by the tide, and flats which are full of water, are well cultivated. It is not so in this purguna. There is only high ground. The lands subject to overflowings also were not in order to work at the proper time, and there was no rain. What could be done?
Then the cultivation is so bad on account of want of rain?
Yes indeed, Sir. If we had had rain in proper time, do you think we should not have cultivated it? Our fate is bad. What can we do?
What? was there no rain in this country at the proper time?
We cannot say there was not a little, but what there was, was of no use.
Then how do you think to pay your rent?
What can we think? The king's taxes must be paid. We will do labouring work, and give it by some means.
Can you get so much work to do, as to secure the payment of so much rent?
See, Sir. We are four or five brothers: some will work at the salt works, and some will do other work.
Why did you sell all the bamboos of your yard. I suppose you intend to run off.
No, no. Not so: that day I sold two rupees worth of bamboos, and bought some straw.
Well, do you write a promise. How long will you be before you pay it?
