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THE WILES OF A PLEADER
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and water over your head from the roof of the house opposite?"

"Yes, it was so."

This has reached the ears of the Sahibs. Should you like to prosecute this case, the Superintendent of Police has ordered us to render you every possible assistance. We will find out for you who the culprits are and who can depose as witnesses. Unfortunately this is not a case cognisable by the police. Had it been so, we would have arrested yesterday all the inmates of the house, young and old, and clapped them into hazat. You ought to file a petition of complaint this very day."

Subodh replied—"But I haven't seen any one. Against whom should I complain?"

"We will immediately get you the names of all the young boys in that house. Their father, the pleader, must have abetted the offence. You mention them all as accused persons. Leave it to us to procure evidence against each and all of them. We will get the case proved to the very hilt."

Subodh remained in thoughtful silence for a little while. At last he said—"Give my salaams to the Police Sahib, Darogaji, and tell him that I very much appreciate his kindness. But as I have seen none and shall be able to identify none, it is absolutely no use lodging a complaint."