"He would lock me up in his house, murder me, and bury me in this garden before I could say anything. Even you yourself would give me a blow or two. So I can't consent to this. Make your mistress understand that I can't do it. Also say that her uncle charged me with important messages for her. That I was anxious to deliver them to her, but that your master has driven me out. I could not tell her what I had in charge, and so I am off."
Rupo saw the five rupees slipping from his hand. He said, "Well, though you can't stay here; could you not wait at a distance for her?"
"I did think of that. As I came I observed a ghât at the bank of the stream near your dwelling. Near it I saw two bakul trees. Do you know the spot?"
"I know it."
"I will go there and wait. It is now evening. When night falls if I sit there I shall not be noticed. If your mistress can come thither she will hear all the news. If I see anything go wrong I shall be able to save my life by flight. To be locked up in
