Ramaswami, J.

1. This appeal is presented on behalf of the defendants against the judgment and decree of the Subordinate Judge of Chapra dated 24-7-1948.

2. The plaintiff Kashinath Jagnani and the defendants Ramnarain, Ramkumar and Dhanraj agreed to carry on a joint business in salt under the name of a partnership called Ramchandar Ramkumar of Mairwa. On 11-2-1944 the parties executed a deed of partnership according to which the share of the plaintiff was 12 annas and the share of the defendants was 4 annas. It was agreed that plaintiff would contribute the entire capital and the defendants would contribute skill and labour in carrying on the salt trade. The plaintiff agreed in the first instance to contribute an amount of Rs. 10,000, of which a sum of Rs. 5000 was paid by him as contribution towards the Red Cross Fund. The partnership had no smooth course. Ill-feeling arose between the partners and on 23-3-1943 the plaintiff complained before the Sub-divisional Officer of Siwan that the defendants had removed account books of the firm and prevented the plaintiff from making an inspection. The matter was compromised at the intervention of the Sub-divisional Officer and a fr