TRUE TO HIS SALT.
Hiramani did not forget the thrashing given her by Debendra Babu for failing to cause a rupture between the Basu brothers. She took a vow of vengeance and laid in wait for an opportunity of fulfilling it. Meeting him one day in the village street, she asked with an air of mystery:—
"Have you heard the news?"
"What's that?" replied Debendra Babu carelessly.
"It concerns the woman Siráji," she whispered.
All Debendra Babu's fears revived; he exclaimed: "Speak plainly, what is the matter?"
"The matter stands thus. You know that her case was hushed up by the police? Well, I hear on good authority that the District Magistrate has received an anonymous letter relating the real cause of her death and has ordered a fresh investigation. So I am afraid you will soon be in hot water again. As I am your well-wisher in spite of the cruel treatment I have received, I think it my duty to warn you of this new danger."
145