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98
We were now being forced into the ravines of the regions of the valleys of Chambal visible at a distance. We went through these with wet clothes on. We just wondered.
"Perhaps if the dacoits release us, how shall we find our way out?" Avoiding the sight of the dacoits, Navinbhai threw his secretly hidden wrist-watch and ring behind a precipice. For us, acquaintance of the way was more important than the ring then.
Another river was visible after our journey through the precipice. We had to pass through the other river also.
Again the precipice and again our run. The sun was in the midsky, cold had come to an end. But now we felt hungry. How long could we walk or run without food? Again, the dacoits thrust their other heavy luggage on our shoulders - three military bags, two bundles and one water bag. They just walked with their guns in hand.
After a constant run for 2 hours, a precipice came-a safe place for the dacoits it was. They stopped.
They sat in one line and we were seated in another. They then emptied their looted goods. They sat to divide the goods-12 watches, 9 rings, 6 gold bangles, 3 or 4 necklaces and 4100 rupees in cash. Our relatives naturally stood before our eyes. The distribution took place. We saw the whole show helplessly. Then they searched us and got nothing. They found from Rajendra a wet packet of cigarettes. They started to smoke and then to indulge in self-praise. One dacoit told : "What is your name? Your white bidi of Bombay has gone wet. Take this khakhi one."
