human
We thought you would have given it up and departed, said the old Patel, who, with his son, a few of the village farmers, and the Putwari, or accountant, were sitting in an open chamber of the deep gateway, the usual place of business.
gpt
We thought you would have gone away, else I would have sent up some milk. Why did you not come and sit here, instead of in that ungodly place up yonder? Here, one of ye, he continued to a group of
human
who were sitting in the opposite chamber,
gpt
Nothing but a bit of stale cake I had in my waist-cloth, replied the man;
human
Take him away to the house, and let them feed him; the women will have something good, I dare say, replied the Patel.
gpt
Go and see.
human
And no one has passed since morning?
gpt
Not a creature. It is not weather to send the dogs out; and the mud from Kulmus to Kinny and hitherwards will be hopeless. No, he won't come to-day; but go and eat, friend--go and eat.
human
If I am wanted,
gpt
Jee, jee! Ay, ay! I will not forget you. Go!
human
What does he want out such a day as this? asked the Putwari.
gpt
What has Pahar Singh in hand just now?
human
What does it matter to us, Rao Sahib? returned the Patel;
gpt
he added, looking round at the farmers and their wives,
human
No, no; do not interfere, said a chorus of farmers' voices, who, in those unsettled times, might, unless their village were known to be under the protection of some local chieftain, at any time have their flocks and herds swept away by the people of a more powerful village, or by any of the independent gentry, or barons, as we may call them, of the country.
gpt
What have we to do with state affairs, or with Pahar Singh either?