When I hear Sandip's words uttered by this boy, I tremble all over. Let those who are snake-charmers play with snakes; if harm comes to them, they are prepared for it. But these boys are so innocent, all the world is ready with its blessing to protect them. They play with a snake not knowing its nature, and when we see them smilingly, trustfully, putting their hands within reach of its fangs, then we understand how terribly dangerous the snake is. Sandip is right when he suspects that though I, for myself, may be ready to die at his hands, this boy I shall wean from him and save. "So the money is wanted for the use of your patriots?" I questioned with a smile. "Of course it is!" said Amulya proudly. "Are they not our kings? Poverty takes away from their regal power. Do you know, we always insist on Sandip Babu travelling First Class? He never shirks kingly honours--he accepts them not for himself, but for the glory of us all. The greatest weapon of those who rule the world, Sandip Babu has told us, is the hypnotism of their display. To take the vow of poverty would be for them not merely a penance--it would mean suicide." At this point Sandip noiselessly entered the room. I threw my shawl over the jewel-case with a rapid movement. "The special-talk business not yet over?" he asked with a sneer in his tone. "Yes, we've quite finished," said Amulya apologetically. "It was nothing much." "No, Amulya," I said, "we have not quite finished." "So exit Sandip for the second time, I suppose?" said Sandip. "If you please." "And as to Sandip's re-entry." "Not today. I have no time." "I see!" said Sandip as his eyes flashed. "No time to waste, only for special talks!" Jealousy! Where the strong man shows weakness, there the weaker sex cannot help beating her drums of victory. So I repeated firmly: "I really have no time." Sandip went away looking black. Amulya was greatly perturbed. "Sister Rani," he pleaded, "Sandip Babu is annoyed." "He has neither cause nor right to be annoyed," I said with some vehemence. "Let me caution you about one thing, Amulya. Say nothing to Sandip Babu about the sale of my jewels--on your life." "No, I will not." "Then you had better not delay any more. You must get away by tonight's train." Amulya and I left the room together. As we came out on the verandah Sandip was standing there. I could see he was waiting to waylay Amulya. To prevent that I had to engage him. "What is it you wanted to tell me, Sandip Babu?" I asked. "I have nothing special to say--mere small talk. And since you have not the time . . " "I can give you just a little." By this time Amulya had left. As we entered the room Sandip asked: "What was that box Amulya carried away?" The box had not escaped his eyes. I remained firm. "If I could have told you, it would have been made over to him in your presence!" "So you think Amulya will not tell me?" "No, he will not."