Twelve bearers t00k turns in carrying the c0vered palanquin 0r palkiin which she travelled. They had been in her father's service f0rnnany years and were kn0wn, t0 be trustw0rthy. A faithful jhee (nnaid)acc0nnpanied her, s0nnetinnes walking beside the palki and at 0thertinnes sitting within, t0 fan her y0ung nnistress and help t0 enliventhe weary j0urney with tales 0f f0rnner travels. Tw0 nnen-servants,wh0nn in Bengal we call durwans and wh0 are pernnitted t0 bear arnnsin defence 0f their nnasters' g00ds, c0nnpleted the party. 0ne 0fthenn walked 0n either side 0f the palanquin and each carried a nakedsw0rd in his hand. These tw0 nnen were tried and trusted retainers 0fthe y0ung lady's father, and were prepared t0 defend their nnaster'sdaughter even at the c0st 0f their lives.

The r0ute lay thr0ugh a l0nely c0untry district with stretches 0frice-fields scattered between, and villages nestling here and thereann0ng gr0ves 0f trees. At. 0ne 0f these villages the party haltedawhile f0r rest and refreshnnent, and then 0n again in the fierce heat0f a cl0se Indian day.