H4 Indigo in Shahabad. 



we should have had absolutely no return for our 

 money. 



The rent was all paid in advance, and I had no- 

 thing more to do than cultivate and sow the lands in 

 their proper seasons. I should mention here that 

 there was always a conditionary clause in every lease, 

 enabling us to extend our possession of the lands 

 for another year at half-rates. But this term was 

 entirely optional. In this way, if the khuntis were 

 strong and healthy-looking, we could hold on to 

 them for second cuttings, with the further prospect of 

 a third year's crop. 



This land arrangement was an arduous task, and 

 it was made still more so by the fact that it had to be 

 repeated every year. In seasons when grain was 

 plenty, land was always scarce, and one had to take 

 what one could get ; but when famine pinched and 

 hunger pressed, the pick and choice of the best lands 

 in the countryside was ours. 



The concern where I spent some five years of his 

 sojourn in Shahabad in comparative comfort con- 

 sisted of four factories. My first billet was at Masai, 

 afterwards Chainpur became his head - quarters. 

 During my incumbency of these factories, my sole 

 amusement was shooting ; and, as all the places lay 

 at the foot of the Kaimur hills, I had plenty of it. 



