The Manager. 31 



you will pay me cash so much the balance of rent 

 after liquidation and return me my village, paying 

 me 10 annas rent for your ziratJis for ensuing year. 

 There, sahib ! see what a friend of yours I am ; and, 

 ah me ! see how long I am out of my own ! My loved 

 ones at home will die ; it is their homestead, and 

 they curse me for alienating it." 



The Manager shakes his head and looks unspeakable 

 things. What would his proprietors say ; what would 

 other managers say, if they heard he had done such 

 a mamlah ? 



" No, no, no ! " the zemindar gasps. He did think 

 his present proposal was glittering enough. Well, 

 he would throw himself upon the mercy of the 

 mulak malik (lord of earth). What would he 

 have ? 



Then the Manager, and his looks are stern and 

 high : " I acknowledged your jamma bundi that 

 we have settled. I will advance you rupees at 



12 per cent, absurdly low, but out of courtesy to you. 

 In years my principal and interest are liquidated 



from the income of your village, with a balance due to 

 me of rupees, which you will pay on demand. 



Your village will not then be relinquished, but will 

 continue in my possession for years more on a 



simple lease. You understand ? These are my terms, 

 to which our long friendship constrains me." 



