Page:Nil Durpan.djvu/91

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

Rs. 100 in the place of that. Am I a person to tutor the ryots? Do I meet them?

Defendant's Attorney.   Honored Sir, of the four ryots who came as witnesses, one is of the Tikiri caste[1]; he has no knowledge of what a plough is; he has no lands and no rents to pay; has no kine and no cow-house; and this can be best known by proper examination. Kanai Torofdar is a ryot of a different village; and as to our Babu, he has no acquaintance with him. For these reasons we do pray that these men be brought again. The legislators have said, before the decision, the defendant ought to be supplied with all proper means. Saheb, if this my prayer be granted, I shall have no more reasons for complaint.

Plaintiff's Attorney.   Saheb.

Magistrate.   (Writes a letter). Speak, Speak; I am writing with my finger, not with my ears.

Plaintiff's Attorney.   Saheb, if at this time, the ryots be brought here they will suffer great loss; else, I, also, would have prayed for their being brought here again, since the offences of the defendant, which are already proved, may receive stronger confirmation. Sir, the bad character of Goluk Chunder Bose is known throughout the country; he who benefits him, in return, receives injuries. The Indigo Planters crossing the immeasurable ocean have come to this land, and have brought out its secret wealth; have done great benefit to the country, have increased the royal treasure, and have profited themselves. What place, besides the prison, can best befit a person who thus opposes the great actions of these noble men?

Magistrate.   (Writes the address). Chaprasi.

Chaprasi.   Sir! (Comes to the Saheb).

Magistrate.   (Advises with Mr. Wood). Give this to Mrs.

  1. Tikiri Caste: the class of day-labourers.

69