Krishna Kanta's Will (Chatterjee, Knight)/Part 2/Chapter 4
CHAPTER IV.
Mâdhabi Nâth returned triumphant. He heard the whole story of Gobind Lâl and Rohini's fall from one and another, and came to the firm conclusion that the two were dwelling together secretly. He also fully acquainted himself with Brahmânanda's condition, and learned that, save Rohini, he had no one belonging to him; so when he heard at the post-office that to Brahmânanda's address a registered letter came month by month, he understood that either Rohini or Gobind Lâl sent to Brahmânanda a monthly allowance. The letters came from Prasâdpur, therefore the two must be dwelling there or at some place near, but to make assurance doubly sure, immediately upon his return to his daughter's house, he sent a messenger to the police-station with a letter to the sub-inspector, asking that a constable might be sent, as it was possible he might be able to get some stolen property recovered.
The sub-inspector knew Mâdhabi Nâth very well and feared him, so he at once, on receipt of the letter, sent the constable Nidrâ Singh. Mâdhabi Nâth, putting two rupees into the constable's hand, said—
"Don't talk any Hindi gibberish, just do what I tell you. Go under that tree and remain in hiding, but stand in such a way that you can be seen from here. That is all you have to do."
Nidrâ Singh, consenting, retired.
Mâdhabi Nâth then sent for Brahmânanda, who, obeying the summons, came and took a seat near. There was no one else present.
After an exchange of polite inquiries, Mâdhabi Nâth said—
"You were very intimate with my deceased relatives by marriage. There is no one to represent them. Even my son-in-law is abroad. If you fall into any trouble or misfortune you must look to us for help. That is why I sent for you."
Brahmânanda's face shrank. He said, "What trouble, Mahâshoi?"
Mâdhabi Nâth said gravely, "You are in some trouble, surely?"
"What trouble, sir?"
"In a mass of trouble. How did the police come to know that you have a stolen note in your possession?"
Brahmânanda fell from the sky.
"What do you say? A stolen note in my possession?"
"Oh, not with your knowledge. Some one has paid you a stolen note, and you in ignorance have kept it."
"How can that be, sir? Who would pay a note to me?"
Mâdhabi Nâth lowered his voice. "I know all about it. The police also know. In fact I learned the whole matter from the police. The stolen note came from Prasâdpur. See! there is a policeman standing down there for you. I paid him something to wait a little."
Mâdhabi Nâth then pointed out the figure of the bearded, bâton-bearing constable, walking beneath the trees like a dark cloud.
Brahmânanda began to tremble. Clasping Mâdhabi Nâth's feet and weeping, he cried, "Save me, I beg of you."
"Fear not! Just tell me the number of the note you last got from Prasâdpur. The police have left the number of the note with me. If your note does not bear that number you have nothing to fear. How long will it take to compare numbers? Fetch the letter you received last from Prasâdpur, and let me see the number of the note."
How could Brahmânanda go? He feared the policeman beneath the tree. Mâdhabi Nâth said—
"There is no fear, I will send some one with you."
And at his bidding a darwan accompanied Brahmânanda, who then fetched Rohini's letter, in which Mâdhabi Nâth found all the information he sought. The letter read, he returned it, saying—
"The note sent you does not bear the number of the stolen one. There is nothing to fear. You can go home and I will dismiss the constable."
Brahmânanda's dead body recovered life. Drawing a long breath, he fled from the spot.
Mâdhabi Nâth took his daughter home to be nursed. He placed a suitable physician in charge, and himself went to Calcutta. Bhramar raised many objections, but her father did not heed them. He consoled her with the promise of a speedy return and departed. At Calcutta lived Nishâkar Dâs, an intimate friend of Mâdhabi Nâth, some eight or ten years younger than he. Nishâkar had no profession, he lived on his ancestral property, and gave himself to the study of music and song. As an idler he was constantly travelling about, but Mâdhabi Nâth found him at home. After other speech, the visitor asked—
"Are you inclined for a journey?"
"Whither?"
"To Jessore."
"Why there?"
"I want to buy an indigo factory."
"Come along, then."
So, making the needful preparations, the two friends, in the course of a day or two, set out for Jessore. From thence they would go to Prasâdpur.