and remain there till he came to take them up. The reader need not be told how far he was obeyed. Successful in his first purchase, he was about to make the second when it struck him that he did not know what tari-tarkari meant, and that he should have asked his mother what it was. But he was soon relieved of this trouble when a potter came to the Bazar to sell a basketful of kalkays.[1] He danced with delight at the thought that the tari-tarkari he sought was at hand, and bought as many of the kalkays as could be had for eight annas. With them he went homewards, and reaching the ghat looked for the fishes, and not finding them, rent the air with abuse. He then entered the house and made a display of his purchases. When asked about the fish, he related what had happened. His parents were dumbfounded. At length the father's temper rose, and he cursed his son, which roused his wife's wrath. The feast had to be put off, for it was now midday, and no fish, essential to a Bengali meal, was available. What could the Brahmin do, but go back to the invited guests, and, relating the unpleasant circumstances, ask them to excuse him for the mishap. He arranged with them, however, another day for their entertainment.
On the evening that immediately preceded the day fixed, the Brahmin visited his prospective guests, and again invited them to dine at his house. Next day he was too tired to go to the milkman's to order dahi (curd) without which no dinner is complete. He wanted to send his servant for the purpose, but the man had been commissioned by his wife on some other errand, so either the Brahmin had to go himself, or send his son. Remembering what had happened previously he was loath to depute the fool, so giving up all thoughts of rest, he was placing his chadar on his shoulders in order to set out, when his wife came in, and, in great sympathy for his weariness, recommended that Luckhinarain be entrusted with the mission. This her husband strongly opposed, reminding her how her dear son had spoiled every-
- ↑ The bowl for holding the tobacco in a hooka.
