great distress. It deeply him that there should be the slightest stain on Gobind Lâl’s character. He wished to reprove his nephew, but of late the old man had been ailing, and could not leave his bedroom. Thither Gobind Lâl came daily to see him, but, being always surrounded by attendants, he could not in their presence speak of the matter. His illness increased gravely, and suddenly it came into the mind of Krishna Kanta that perhaps Death's messenger had come to settle accounts with him, that the river of life had now, perhaps, reached the vast ocean (of futurity). If he delayed longer he would not be able to speak. Krishna resolved to speak that day. When Gobind Lâl came in the old man desired the others to leave him. Gobind Lâl, somewhat confused, asked, "How are you feeling to-day?"
"Not very well. Why are you so late to-night?"
Making no reply to that, Gobind Lâl took his uncle's hand and felt the pulse. Suddenly Gobind Lâl's face fell. Krishna Kanta's life stream was slowly, slowly flowing away. Gobind Lâl said only, "I am
