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KRISHNA KANTA'S WILL.
197

grandly got up. Such a person had never stepped within that door-frame, and the servants looked at each other much impressed.

Sonâ inquired, "Whom are you seeking, sir?"

"You. Inform your master that a gentleman wishes to see him."

"What name shall I say?"

"There is no need of a name; simply say a gentleman."

Now the servants knew their master was not in the habit of receiving gentlemen, and they did not care to announce the visitor. Sonâ hesitated; Rupo said, "You have come in vain, sir, my master does not see any one."

"Well, then, stay here; I will go up un-announced."

The men were in a fix, and said—

"Not so, Mahâshoi, we shall lose our places."

Nishâkar displayed a rupee, saying, "Whoever shall announce me will get that."

Sonâ meditated; Rupo, pouncing like a kite, took the rupee from Nishâkar, and sped