At Gobindpur's reach, Merriman pointed
out the pyramid of stone that marked the limit of the Company's
jurisdiction. Soon the gardens of the British merchants came in sight,
then the Company's docks, and at last the town of Calcutta, where the
Company's landing stage was thronged with people awaiting the arrival of
the budgero in the hope of getting news from home.
"There's Surendra Nath and his father," said Mr. Merriman, as they came
near the steps.
His jolly face beamed when he stepped on to the ghat {landing stage}.
"Hullo, Babu!" he said, "glad to see you again."
He shook hands with both the men; the elder was much like his son, a
slightly-built Bengali, with white hair and very bright eyes. Both were
clad in dhotis of pure white; their legs were bare from the knee, their
feet shod with sandals. When the greeting had passed between them and
their master, the old man moved towards Desmond, put his hands together,
and made a deep salaam.
"I have heard what the sahib did for my son. I thank the sahib," he said.
"Yes, 'twas excellent good fortune for Surendra Nath," said Mr. Merriman.
"I knew you would be overjoyed to see your son again. But how is the bibi
{lady}, and the chota {young} bibi?"
"They were well, sahib, when last I heard. They are on a visit to Watts
Sahib, at Cossimbazar."
Merriman's face fell, but he had no time to say more, for he was accosted
by a friend.
"Glad to see you back, Mr. Merriman. I've wanted your voice on the
Council for some time past.
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