BENGAL DACOITS AND TIGERS
Then tucking up her rich saree she too started to run for her life. She had gone but a few steps when the voices of the two durwans arrested her. They had heard the jhee's distracted cry, and their only thought was for their young mistress.
"Didi," they said, addressing her affectionately and respectfully by the endearing name of sister, which is a custom permitted in Bengal to the servants of every household. In the home of her girlhood a girl is addressed as "didi" (sister) and in her father-in-law's house as "bow" (son's wife). Sons of the family are addressed as "dada' (brother, strictly elder brother) and sons-in-law as "jamai".
"Didi, fear not! As long as there is breath in these bodies we will defend you. If the dacoits overtake us, we will guard you. No harm shall come to you."
Encouraged by their presence and words, the girl made all possible speed. But her delicate feet were unused to rough, hard roads, and, despite her will and brave efforts, she tripped and stumbled continually. In Bengal, in the hot dry weather, the country roads are difficult to traverse. The deep ruts of the rainy season dry up and the once muddy
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