After an hour or so, in comes Dr. Charles accompanied by Baboo Brojobundhoo. Entering the sick man's room, Dr. Charles examines the patient carefully, asks Brojobundhoo what medicines he has been giving him, (the women all the while peeping through the window, unable to understand what the doctors are talking about), and being satisfied on this point, comes out and tells the son that his father is dangerously ill, and that his friend's prescriptions are all right; he, Dr. Charles, could not do better. Here enters Ramkanto with two other friends. Before going inside he thus speaks to the son: I hear Dr. Charles was here, what did he say? How was the fever to-day. Mohun answers, Dr. Charles said father is very ill, the paroxysm to-day was somewhat more violent than that of other days. Ramkanto--That's bad; day by day the fever eats into the vitals of his system. (Here the native physician comes). Well, _Khobiraj Mohashoy_, please go and see how the patient is doing? Gopeebullub (native physician) goes inside, examines the sick man with great care, satisfies the eager enquiries of the women by assuring them that there is no fear, and returns outside. Ramkanto to Gopeebullub--How did you find him? Is the pulse in its right place? Do you apprehend any immediate danger? Dr. Charles was here, you have heard what he has said, whatever the youngsters may say, I have greater confidence in you than in the English doctors; take good care and tell us the exact time when to remove the patient to the river side, that is our last sacred office; should anything happen at home, which God forbid, we shall never be able to show our faces through shame. What with such a big son, and so many friends and relations, it would be a crying shame if the patient die at home? Destiny will have its course but your _hathjuss_ (skill) will go a great way. Gopeebullub--Everything depends on the will of God, what can we mortals do? Whatever fate has ordained must come to pass, we are mere instruments in the hands of God; the patient is gradually sinking, the pulse neither steady nor in its right place, we must be prepared for the worst, a _strong_ pulse in a _weak_ body is an ominous sign, there is no fear tonight, I can guarantee that. Ramkanto--Well, it appears his end is nigh, he is no more destined to have rice and water.[113] Then, pointing to Mohun, Ramkanto says, to-morrow morning his _Boyetarni_ rite[114] must be performed; make the necessary preparations at once, and send a man to procure a cot (charpoy), also see that nothing may be wanting to hurry him to the riverside. Mohun--I must do what you bid me do, hitherto I remained behind a mountain, now I shall be without protection.