Bithia Mary Croker (1848-1920) was an Irish-born novelist and notable writer of ghost stories, most of whose work concerns life and society in British India.

'The Khitmatgar' tells the story of the Jacksons, whose finances are at a very low ebb. They have come to Panipore in search of employment. The only lodgings they can find are at the long-uninhabited bungalow in the Paiwene road, but the bungalow is haunted by a sinister murdered servant.