Jatadharan and Other Stories K. S. Venkataramani first published in 1937.

THESE are sketches rather than short stories, more like wild creepers on jungle growth. Kind reader, search not for fragrant flowers among these leaf-buds.

Some of these stories were written as early as 1915 and 1925. How many years of honest vintage! It may be that I have in my juvenile enthusiasm for storage cellared not the grape juice of life but mere aqua—tap water, at that. In any event, kind reader, taste it in a generous mood before declaring your verdict.