A PassageTo India

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A PASSAGE TO INDIAPART I: MOSQUECHAPTER IExcept for the Marabar Cavesa!" the# are t$e!t# %&'es offthe c&t# of Cha!"rapore prese!ts!oth&!( extraor"&!ar#) E"(e" rather tha! $ashe" b# the r&ver Ga!(es* &t tra&'s for a co+p'eof %&'es a'o!( the ba!,* scarce'# "&st&!(+&shab'e fro% the r+bb&sh &t "epos&ts so free'#) There

are !o bath&!(steps o! the r&ver fro!t* as the Ga!(es happe!s !ot to be ho'# here- &!"ee"there &s !o r&ver fro!t* a!" ba.aars sh+t o+t the $&"e a!" sh&ft&!( pa!ora%a of the strea%) Thestreets are %ea!* the te%p'es &!effect&ve* a!" tho+(h a fe$ f&!e ho+ses ex&st the# are h&""e!a$a# &! (ar"e!s or "o$! a''e#s $hose f&'th "eters a'' b+t the &!v&te" (+est) Cha!"rapore $as!ever 'ar(e or bea+t&f+'* b+t t$o h+!"re" #ears a(o &t 'a# o! the roa" bet$ee! Upper I!"&a*the! &%per&a'* a!" the sea* a!" the f&!e ho+ses "ate fro% that per&o") The .est for "ecorat&o!stoppe" &! the e&(htee!th ce!t+r#* !or $as &t ever "e%ocrat&c) There &s !o pa&!t&!( a!" scarce'#a!# carv&!( &! the ba.aars) The ver# $oo" see%s %a"e of %+"* the &!hab&ta!ts of %+" %ov&!()So abase"* so %o!oto!o+s &s ever#th&!( that %eets the e#e* that $he! the Ga!(es co%es"o$! &t %&(ht be expecte" to $ash the excresce!ce bac, &!to the so&') Ho+ses "o fa''* peop'eare "ro$!e" a!" 'eft rott&!(* b+t the (e!era' o+t'&!e of the to$! pers&sts* s$e''&!( here* shr&!,&!(

there* '&,e so%e 'o$ b+t &!"estr+ct&b'e for% of '&fe)I!'a!"* the prospect a'ters) There &s a! ova' Ma&"a!* a!" a 'o!( sa''o$ hosp&ta') Ho+ses be'o!(&!(to /+ras&a!s sta!" o! the h&(h (ro+!" b# the ra&'$a# stat&o!) 0e#o!" the ra&'$a#$h&chr+!s para''e' to the r&ver the 'a!" s&!,s* the! r&ses a(a&! rather steep'#) O! the seco!" r&se &s'a&" o+t the '&tt'e c&v&' stat&o!* a!" v&e$e" he!ce Cha!"rapore appears to be a tota''# "&ffere!t

p'ace) It &s a c&t# of (ar"e!s) It &s !o c&t#* b+t a forest sparse'# scattere" $&th h+ts) It &s a trop&ca' p'easa+!ce $ashe" b# a !ob'e r&ver) The to""# pa'%s a!" !ee% trees a!" %a!(oes a!" pep+'that $ere h&""e! beh&!" the ba.aars !o$ beco%e v&s&b'e a!" &! the&r t+r! h&"e the ba.aars)The# r&se fro% the (ar"e!s $here a!c&e!t ta!,s !o+r&sh the%* the# b+rst o+t of st&f'&!( p+r'&e+sa!" +!co!s&"ere" te%p'es) See,&!( '&(ht a!" a&r* a!" e!"o$e" $&th %ore stre!(th tha! %a! or h&s $or,s* the# soar above the 'o$er "epos&t to (reet o!e a!other $&th bra!ches a!" bec,o!&!('eaves* a!" to b+&'" a c&t# for the b&r"s) Espec&a''# after the ra&!s "o the# scree! $hat passes

be'o$* b+t at a'' t&%es* eve! $he! scorche" or 'eaf'ess* the# ('or&f# the c&t# to the E!('&sh peop'e$ho &!hab&t the r&se* so that !e$cor!ers ca!!ot be'&eve &t to be as %ea(re as &t &s "escr&be"*a!" have to be "r&ve! "o$! to ac1+&re "&s&''+s&o!%e!t) As for the c&v&' stat&o! &tse'f* &t

provo,es !o e%ot&o!) It char%s !ot- !e&ther "oes &t repe') It &s se!s&b'# p'a!!e"* $&th a re"br&c, c'+b o! &ts bro$* a!" farther bac, a (rocer2s a!" a ce%eter#* a!" the b+!(a'o$s are "&spose"a'o!( roa"s that &!tersect at r&(ht a!('es) It has !oth&!( h&"eo+s &! &t* a!" o!'# the v&e$&s bea+t&f+'- &t shares !oth&!( $&th the c&t# except the overarch&!( s,#)The s,# too has &ts cha!(es* b+t the# are 'ess %ar,e" tha! those of the ve(etat&o! a!" ther&ver) C'o+"s %ap &t t&p at t&%es* b+t &t &s !or%a''# a "o%e of b'e!"&!( t&!ts* a!" the %a&! t&!t

b'+e) 0# "a# the b'+e $&'' pa'e "o$! &!to $h&te $here &t to+ches the $h&te of the 'a!"* after s+!set &t has a !e$ c&rc+%fere!ceora!(e* %e't&!( +p$ar"s &!to te!"erest p+rp'e) 0+t the coreof b'+e pers&sts* a!" so &t &s b# !&(ht) The! the stars ha!( '&,e 'a%ps fro% the &%%e!se va+'t)The "&sta!ce bet$ee! the va+'t a!" the% &s as !oth&!( to the "&sta!ce beh&!" the%* a!" thatfarther "&sta!ce* tho+(h be#o!" co'o+r* 'ast free" &tse'f fro% b'+e)The s,# sett'es ever#th&!(!ot o!'# c'&%ates a!" seaso!s b+t $he! the earth sha'' be bea+t&f+')0# herse'f she ca! "o '&tt'eo!'# feeb'e o+tb+rsts of f'o$ers) 0+t $he! the s,# chooses*('or# ca! ra&! &!to the Cha!"rapore ba.aars or a be!e"&ct&o! pass fro% hor&.o! to hor&.o!) Thes,# ca! "o th&s beca+se &t &s so stro!( a!" so e!or%o+s) Stre!(th co%es fro% the s+!* &!f+se"&! &t "a&'#- s&.e fro% the prostrate earth) No %o+!ta&!s &!fr&!(e o! the c+rve) 3ea(+e after 'ea(+e the earth '&es f'at* heaves a '&tt'e* &s f'at a(a&!) O!'# &! the so+th* $here a (ro+p of f&sts

a!" f&!(ers are thr+st +p thro+(h the so&'* &s the e!"'ess expa!se &!terr+pte") These f&sts a!"f&!(ers are the Marabar H&''s* co!ta&!&!( the extraor"&!ar# caves)



CHAPTER IIAba!"o!&!( h&s b&c#c'e* $h&ch fe'' before a serva!t co+'" catch &t* the #o+!( %a! spra!( +po! to the vera!"ah) He $as a'' a!&%at&o!) 4Ha%&"+''ah* Ha%&"+''ah5 a% I 'ate64 he cr&e")4Do !ot apo'o(&.e*4 sa&" h&s host) 47o+ are a'$a#s 'ate)448&!"'# a!s$er %# 1+est&o!) A% I 'ate6 Has Mah%o+" A'& eate! a'' the foo"6 If so I (oe'se$here) Mr) Mah%o+" A'&* ho$ are #o+64

4Tha!, #o+* Dr) A.&.* I a% "#&!()44D#&!( before #o+r "&!!er6 Oh* poor Ma'&%o+" A'&544Ha%&"+''ah here &s act+a''# "ea") He passe" a$a# 9+st as #o+ ro"e +p o! #o+r b&,e)447es* that &s so*4 sa&" the other) 4I%a(&!e +s both as a""ress&!( #o+ fro% a!other a!" ahapp&er $or'")44Does there happe! to be s+ch a th&!( as a hoo,ah &! that happ&er $or'" of #o+rs644A.&.* "o!2t chatter) e are hav&!( a ver# sa" ta',)4The hoo,ah ha" bee! pac,e" too t&(ht* as $as +s+a' &! h&s fr&e!"2s ho+se* a!" b+bb'e"s+',&'#) He coaxe" &t) 7&e'"&!( at 'ast* the tobacco 9ette" +p &!to h&s '+!(s a!" !ostr&'s* "r&v&!(o+t the s%o,e of b+r!&!( co$ "+!( that ha" f&''e" the% as he ro"e thro+(h the ba.aar) It $as"e'&c&o+s) He 'a# &! a tra!ce* se!s+o+s b+t hea'th#* thro+(h $h&ch the ta', of the t$o others "&"

!ot see% part&c+'ar'# sa"the# $ere "&sc+ss&!( as to $hether or !o &t &s poss&b'e to be fr&e!"s$&th a! E!('&sh%a!) Mah%o+" A'& ar(+e" that &t $as !ot* Ha%&"+''ah "&sa(ree"* b+t $&th so%a!# reservat&o!s that there $as !o fr&ct&o! bet$ee! the%) De'&c&o+s &!"ee" to '&e o! the broa"vera!"ah $&th the %oo! r&s&!( &! fro!t a!" the serva!ts prepar&!( "&!!er beh&!"* a!" !o tro+b'ehappe!&!()4e''* 'oo, at %# o$! exper&e!ce th&s %or!&!()44I o!'# co!te!" that &t &s poss&b'e &! E!('a!"*4 rep'&e" Ha%&"+''ah* $ho ha" bee! to thatco+!tr# 'o!( a(o* before the b&( r+sh* a!" ha" rece&ve" a cor"&a' $e'co%e at Ca%br&"(e)4It &s &%poss&b'e here) A.&.5 The re"!ose" bo# has a(a&! &!s+'te" %e &! Co+rt) I "o !ot

b'a%e h&%) He $as to'" that he o+(ht to &!s+'t %e) U!t&' 'ate'# he $as 1+&te a !&ce bo#* b+t theothers have (ot ho'" of h&%)447es* the# have !o cha!ce here* that &s %# po&!t) The# co%e o+t &!te!"&!( to be (e!t'e%e!*a!" are to'" &t $&'' !ot "o) 3oo, at 3es'e#* 'oo, at 0'a,&sto!* !o$ &t &s #o+r re"!ose" bo#*a!" /&e'"&!( $&'' (o !ext) h#* I re%e%ber $he! T+rto! ca%e o+t f&rst) It $as &! a!other partof the Prov&!ce) 7o+ fe''o$s $&'' !ot be'&eve %e* b+t I have "r&ve! $&th T+rto! &! h&s carr&a(eT+rto!5 Oh #es* $e $ere o!ce 1+&te &!t&%ate) He has sho$! %e h&s sta%p co''ect&o!)44He $o+'" expect #o+ to stea' &t !o$) T+rto!5 0+t re"!ose" bo# $&'' be far $orse tha! T+rto!544I "o !ot th&!, so) The# a'' beco%e exact'# the sa%e* !ot $orse* !ot better) I (&ve a!# E!('&sh%a!t$o #ears* be he T+rto! or 0+rto!) It &s o!'# the "&ffere!ce of a 'etter) A!" I (&ve a!#E!('&sh$o%a! s&x %o!ths) A'' are exact'# a'&,e) Do #o+ !ot a(ree $&th %e644I "o !ot*4 rep'&e" Mah%o+" A'&* e!ter&!( &!to the b&tter f+!* a!" fee'&!( both pa&! a!"

a%+se%e!t at each $or" that $as +ttere") 4/or %# o$! part I f&!" s+ch profo+!" "&ffere!cesa%o!( o+r r+'ers) Re"!ose %+%b'es* T+rto! ta',s "&st&!ct'#* Mrs) T+rto! ta,es br&bes* Mrs)Re"!ose "oes !ot a!" ca!!ot* beca+se so far there &s !o Mrs) Re"!ose)440r&bes644D&" #o+ !ot ,!o$ that $he! the# $ere 'e!t to Ce!tra' I!"&a over a Ca!a' Sche%e* so%eRa9ah or other (ave her a se$&!( %ach&!e &! so'&" (o'" so that the $ater sho+'" r+! thro+(h h&sstate644A!" "oes &t64No* that &s $here Mrs) T+rto! &s so s,&'f+') he! $e poor b'ac,s ta,e br&bes* $e perfor%$hat $e are br&be" to perfor%* a!" the 'a$ "&scovers +s &! co!se1+e!ce) The E!('&sh ta,e a!""o !oth&!() I a"%&re the%)4

4e a'' a"%&re the%) A.&.* p'ease pass %e the hoo,ah)44Oh* !ot #ethoo,ah &s so 9o''# !o$)447o+ are a ver# se'f&sh bo#)4 He ra&se" h&s vo&ce s+""e!'#* a!" sho+te" for "&!!er) Serva!ts



sho+te" bac, that &t $as rea"#) The# %ea!t that the# $&she" &t $as rea"#* a!" $ere so +!"erstoo"*for !obo"# %ove") The! Ha%&"+''ah co!t&!+e"* b+t $&th cha!(e" %a!!er a!" ev&"e!te%ot&o!)40+t ta,e %# casethe case of #o+!( H+(h 0a!!&ster) Here &s the so! of %# "ear* %# "ea"fr&e!"s* the Revere!" a!" Mrs) 0a!!&ster* $hose (oo"!ess to %e &! E!('a!" I sha'' !ever for(etor "escr&be) The# $ere father a!" %other to %e* I ta',e" to the% as I "o !o$) I! the vacat&o!s

the&r Rector# beca%e %# ho%e) The# e!tr+ste" a'' the&r ch&'"re! to %eI ofte! carr&e" '&tt'eH+(h abo+tI too, h&% +p to the /+!era' of Q+ee! ;&ctor&a* a!" he'" h&% &! %# ar%s above thecro$")44Q+ee! ;&ctor&a $as "&ffere!t*4 %+r%+re" Mah%o+" A'&)4I 'ear! !o$ that th&s bo# &s &! b+s&!ess as a 'eather %ercha!t at Ca$!pore) I%a(&!e ho$ I'o!( to see h&% a!" to pa# h&s fare that th&s ho+se %a# be h&s ho%e) 0+t &t &s +se'ess) Theother A!('oI!"&a!s $&'' have (ot ho'" of h&% 'o!( a(o) He $&'' probab'# th&!, that I $a!tso%eth&!(*a!" I ca!!ot face that fro% the so! of %# o'" fr&e!"s) Oh* $hat &! th&s co+!tr# has (o!e$ro!( $&th ever#th&!(* ;a,&' Sah&b6 I as, #o+)4A.&. 9o&!e" &!) 4h# ta', abo+t the E!('&sh6 0rrrr ) ) ) 5 h# be e&ther fr&e!"s $&th the fe''o$s

or !ot fr&e!"s6 3et +s sh+t the% o+t a!" be 9o''#) Q+ee! ;&ctor&a a!" Mrs) 0a!!&ster $erethe o!'# except&o!s* a!" the#2re "ea")44No* !o* I "o !ot a"%&t that* I have %et others)44So have I*4 sa&" Mah%o+" A'&* +!expecte"'# veer&!() 4A'' 'a"&es are far fro% a'&,e)4 The&r %oo" $as cha!(e"* a!" the# reca''e" '&tt'e ,&!"!esses a!" co+rtes&es) 4She sa&" 2Tha!, #o+ so%+ch2 &! the %ost !at+ra' $a#)4 4She offere" %e a 'o.e!(e $he! the "+st &rr&tate" %# throat)4Ha%&"+''ah co+'" re%e%ber %ore &%porta!t exa%p'es of a!(e'&c %&!&strat&o!* b+t the other*$ho o!'# ,!e$ A!('oI!"&a* ha" to ra!sac, h&s %e%or# for scraps* a!" &t $as !ot s+rpr&s&!(that he sho+'" ret+r! to 40+t of co+rse a'' th&s &s except&o!a') The except&o! "oes !ot prove ther+'e) The avera(e $o%a! &s '&,e Mrs) T+rto!* a!"* A.&.* #o+ ,!o$ $hat she &s)4 A.&. "&" !ot,!o$* b+t sa&" he "&") He too (e!era'&.e" fro% h&s "&sappo&!t%e!ts&t &s "&ff&c+'t for %e%bersof a s+b9ect race to "o other$&se) Gra!te" the except&o!s* he a(ree" that a'' E!('&sh$o%e! areha+(ht# a!" ve!a') The ('ea% passe" fro% the co!versat&o!* $hose $&!tr# s+rface +!ro''e" a!"expa!"e" &!ter%&!ab'#)A serva!t a!!o+!ce" "&!!er) The# &(!ore" h&%) The e'"er %e! ha" reache" the&r eter!a'

po'&t&cs* A.&. "r&fte" &!to the (ar"e!) The trees s%e't s$eet(ree!b'osso%e" cha%pa,a!"scraps of Pers&a! poetr# ca%e &!to h&s hea") D&!!er* "&!!er* "&!!er ) ) ) b+t $he! he ret+r!e" tothe ho+se for &t* Mah%o+" A'& ha" "r&fte" a$a# &! h&s t+r!* to spea, to h&s sa&s) 4Co%e a!" see%# $&fe a '&tt'e the!*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah* a!" the# spe!t t$e!t# %&!+tes beh&!" the p+r"ah)Ha%&"+''ah0e(+% $as a "&sta!t a+!t of A.&.* a!" the o!'# fe%a'e re'at&ve he ha" &! Cha!"rapore*

a!" she ha" %+ch to sa# to h&% o! th&s occas&o! abo+t a fa%&'# c&rc+%c&s&o! that ha" bee!ce'ebrate" $&th &%perfect po%p) It $as "&ff&c+'t to (et a$a#* beca+se +!t&' the# ha" ha" the&r "&!!er she $o+'" !ot be(&! hers* a!" co!se1+e!t'# pro'o!(e" her re%ar,s &! case the# sho+'"s+ppose she $as &%pat&e!t) Hav&!( ce!s+re" the c&rc+%c&s&o!* she betho+(ht her of ,&!"re"top&cs* a!" as,e" A.&. $he! he $as (o&!( to be %arr&e")Respectf+' b+t &rr&tate"* he a!s$ere"* 4O!ce &s e!o+(h)447es* he has "o!e h&s "+t#*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah) 4Do !ot tease h&% so) He carr&es o! h&s fa%&'#*t$o bo#s a!" the&r s&ster)44A+!t* the# '&ve %ost co%fortab'# $&th %# $&fe2s %other* $here she $as '&v&!( $he! she"&e") I ca! see the% $he!ever I '&,e) The# are s+ch ver#* ver# s%a'' ch&'"re!)44A!" he se!"s the% the $ho'e of h&s sa'ar# a!" '&ves '&,e a 'o$(ra"e c'er,* a!" te''s !o o!e

the reaso!) hat %ore "o #o+ re1+&re h&% to "o640+t th&s $as !ot Ha%&"+''ah 0e(+%2s po&!t* a!" hav&!( co+rteo+s'# cha!(e" the co!versat&o!for a fe$ %o%e!ts she ret+r!e" a!" %a"e &t) She sa&"* 4hat &s to beco%e of a'' o+r



"a+(hters &f %e! ref+se to %arr#6 The# $&'' %arr# be!eath the%* or4 A!" she be(a! the oftto'"ta'e of a 'a"# of I%per&a' "esce!t $ho co+'" f&!" !o h+sba!" &! the !arro$ c&rc'e $here her

pr&"e per%&tte" her to %ate* a!" ha" '&ve" o! +!$e"* her a(e !o$ th&rt#* a!" $o+'" "&e +!$e"*for !o o!e $o+'" have her !o$) h&'e the ta'e $as &! pro(ress* &t co!v&!ce" the t$o %e!* thetra(e"# see%e" a s'+r o! the $ho'e co%%+!&t#- better po'#(a%# a'%ost* tha! that a $o%a!sho+'" "&e $&tho+t the 9o#s Go" has &!te!"e" her to rece&ve) e"'oc,* %otherhoo"* po$er &!

the ho+sefor $hat e'se &s she bor!* a!" ho$ ca! the %a! $ho has "e!&e" the% to her sta!"+p to face her creator a!" h&s o$! at the 'ast "a#6 A.&. too, h&s 'eave sa#&!( 4Perhaps ) ) b+t'ater ) ) )4h&s &!var&ab'e rep'# to s+ch a! appea')47o+ %+st!2t p+t off $hat #o+ th&!, r&(ht*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah) 4That &s $h# I!"&a &s &! s+ch a

p'&(ht* beca+se $e p+t off th&!(s)4 0+t see&!( that h&s #o+!( re'at&ve 'oo,e" $orr&e"* he a""e"a fe$ sooth&!( $or"s* a!" th+s $&pe" o+t a!# &%press&o! that h&s $&fe %&(ht have %a"e)D+r&!( the&r abse!ce* Mah%o+" A'' ha" (o!e off &! h&s carr&a(e 'eav&!( a %essa(e that hesho+'" be bac, &! f&ve %&!+tes* b+t the# $ere o! !o acco+!t to $a&t) The# sat "o$! to %eat$&th a "&sta!t co+s&! of the ho+se* Moha%%e" 3at&f* $ho '&ve" o! Ha%&"+''ah2s bo+!t# a!" $hoocc+p&e" the pos&t&o! !e&ther of a serva!t !or of a! e1+a') He "&" !ot spea, +!'ess spo,e! to*a!" s&!ce !o o!e spo,e ,ept +!offe!"e" s&'e!ce) No$ a!" the! he be'che"* &! co%p'&%e!t to

the r&ch!ess of the foo") A (e!t'e* happ# a!" "&sho!est o'" %a!- a'' h&s '&fe he ha" !ever "o!ea stro,e of $or,) So 'o!( as so%e o!e of h&s re'at&ves ha" a ho+se he $as s+re of a ho%e* a!"&t $as +!'&,e'# that so 'ar(e a fa%&'# $o+'" a'' (o ba!,r+pt) H&s $&fe 'e" a s&%&'ar ex&ste!cc so%eh+!"re"s of %&'es a$a#he "&" !ot v&s&t her* o$&!( to the expe!se of the ra&'$a# t&c,et) Prese!t'#A.&. chaffe" h&%* a'so the serva!ts* a!" the! be(a! 1+ot&!( poetr#* Pers&a!* Ur"+* a '&tt'eArab&c) H&s %e%or# $as (oo"* a!" for so #o+!( a %a! he ha" rea" 'ar(e'#- the the%es he preferre"$ere the "eca# of Is'a% a!" the brev&t# of 3ove) The# '&ste!e" "e'&(hte"* for the# too, the p+b'&c v&e$ of poetr#* !ot the pr&vate $h&ch obta&!s &! E!('a!") It !ever bore" the% to hear $or"s* $or"s- the# breathe" the% $&th the coo' !&(ht a&r* !ever stopp&!( to a!a'#se- the !a%eof the poet* Haf&.* Ha'&* I1ba'* $as s+ff&c&e!t (+ara!tee) I!"&aa h+!"re" I!"&as$h&spere"o+ts&"e be!eath the &!"&ffere!t %oo!* b+t for the t&%e I!"&a see%e" o!e a!" the&r o$!* a!"the# re(a&!e" the&r "eparte" (reat!ess b# hear&!( &ts "epart+re 'a%e!te"* the# fe't #o+!( a(a&!

beca+se re%&!"e" that #o+th %+st f'#) A serva!t &! scar'et &!terr+pte" h&%- he $as the ch+prass&of the C&v&' S+r(eo!* a!" he ha!"e" A.&. a !ote)4O'" Ca''e!"ar $a!ts to see %e at h&s b+!(a'o$*4 he sa&"* !ot r&s&!() 4He %&(ht have the

po'&te!ess to sa# $h#)44So%e case* I "aresa#)44I "aresa# !ot* I "aresa# !oth&!() He has fo+!" o+t o+r "&!!er ho+r* that2s a''* a!" choosesto &!terr+pt +s ever# t&%e* &! or"er to sho$ h&s po$er)44O! the o!e ha!" he a'$a#s "oes th&s* o! the other &t %a# be a ser&o+s case* a!" #o+ ca!!ot,!o$*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah* co!s&"erate'# pav&!( the $a# to$ar"s obe"&e!ce) 4Ha" #o+ !ot

better c'ea! #o+r teeth after pa!644If %# teeth are to be c'ea!e"* I "o!2t (o at a'') I a% a! I!"&a!* &t &s a! I!"&a! hab&t to ta,e pa!) The C&v&' S+r(eo! %+st p+t +p $&th &t) Moha%%e" 3at&f* %# b&,e* p'ease)4The poor re'at&o! (ot +p) S'&(ht'# &%%erse" &! the rea'%s of %atter* he 'a&" h&s ha!" o! the

b&c#c'e2s sa""'e* $h&'e a serva!t "&" the act+a' $hee'&!() 0et$ee! the% the# too, &t over a t&!tac,)A.&. he'" h&s ha!"s +!"er the e$er* "r&e" the%* f&tte" o! h&s (ree! fe't hat* a!" the! $&th+!expecte" e!er(# $h&..e" o+t of Ha%&"+''ah2s co%po+!")4A.&.* A.&.* &%pr+"e!t bo#) ) ) )4 0+t he $as far "o$! the ba.aar* r&"&!( f+r&o+s'#) He ha"!e&ther '&(ht !or be'' !or ha" he a bra,e* b+t $hat +se are s+ch a"9+!cts &! a 'a!" $here thec#c'&st2s o!'# hope &s to coast fro% face to face* a!" 9+st before he co''&"es $&th each &t va!&shes6A!" the c&t# $as fa&r'# e%pt# at th&s ho+r) he! h&s t#re $e!t f'at* he 'eapt off a!"

sho+te" for a to!(a)He "&" !ot at f&rst f&!" o!e* a!" he ha" a'so to "&spose of h&s b&c#c'e at a fr&e!"2s ho+se) He"a''&e" f+rther%ore to c'ea! h&s teeth) 0+t at 'ast he $as ratt'&!( to$ar"s the c&v&' '&!es* $&th a



v&v&" se!se of spee") As he e!tere" the&r ar&" t&"&!ess* "epress&o! s+""e!'# se&.e" h&%) Theroa"s* !a%e" after v&ctor&o+s (e!era's a!" &!tersect&!( at r&(ht a!('es* $ere s#%bo'&c of the !etGreat 0r&ta&! ha" thro$! over I!"&a) He fe't ca+(ht &! the&r %eshes) he! he t+r!e" &!to Ma9or Ca''e!"ar2s co%po+!" he co+'" $&th "&ff&c+'t# restra&! h&%se'f fro% (ett&!( "o$! fro% the to!(aa!" approach&!( the b+!(a'o$ o! foot* a!" th&s !ot beca+se h&s so+' $as serv&'e b+t beca+seh&s fee'&!(sthe se!s&t&ve e"(es of h&% feare" a (ross s!+b) There ha" bee! a 4case4 'ast

#eara! I!"&a! (e!t'e%a! ha" "r&ve! +p to a! off&c&a'2s ho+se a!" bee! t+r!e" bac, b# theserva!ts a!" bee! to'" to approach %ore s+&tab'#o!'# o!e case a%o!( tho+sa!"s of v&s&ts toh+!"re"s of off&c&a's* b+t &ts fa%e sprea" $&"e) The #o+!( %a! shra!, fro% a repet&t&o! of &t)He co%pro%&se"* a!" stoppe" the "r&ver 9+st o+ts&"e the f'oo" of '&(ht that fe'' across the vera!"ah)The C&v&' S+r(eo! $as o+t)40+t the sah&b has 'eft %e so%e %essa(e64The serva!t ret+r!e" a! &!"&ffere!t 4No)4 A.&. $as &! "espa&r) It $as a serva!t $ho% he ha"for(otte! to t&p* a!" he co+'" "o !oth&!( !o$ beca+se there $ere peop'e &! the ha'') He $asco!v&!ce" that there $as a %essa(e* a!" that the %a! $as $&thho'"&!( &t o+t of reve!(e) h&'ethe# ar(+e"* the peop'e ca%e o+t) 0oth $ere 'a"&es) A.&. '&fte" h&s hat) The f&rst* $ho $as &!eve!&!( "ress* ('a!ce" at the I!"&a! a!" t+r!e" &!st&!ct&ve'# a$a#)

4Mrs) 3es'e#* &t <&s< a to!(a*4 she cr&e")4O+rs64 e!1+&re" the seco!"* a'so see&!( A.&.* a!" "o&!( '&,e$&se)4Ta,e the (&fts the (o"s prov&"e* a!#ho$*4 she screeche"* a!" both 9+%pe" &!) 4= To!(a$a''ah* c'+b* c'+b) h# "oes!2t the foo' (o644Go* I $&'' pa# #o+ to%orro$*4 sa&" A.&. to the "r&ver* a!" as the# $e!t off he ca''e" co+rteo+s'#*47o+ are %ost $e'co%e* 'a"&es)4 The# "&" !ot rep'#* be&!( f+'' of the&r o$! affa&rs)So &t ha" co%e* the +s+a' th&!(9+st as Mah%o+" A'& sa&") The &!ev&tab'e s!+bh&s bo$ &(!ore"*h&s carr&a(e ta,e!) It %&(ht have bee! $orse* for &t co%forte" h&% so%eho$ that Mes"a%esCa''e!"ar a!" 3es'e# sho+'" both be fat a!" $e&(h the to!(a "o$! beh&!") 0ea+t&f+'$o%e! $o+'" have pa&!e" h&%) He t+r!e" to the serva!t* (ave h&% a co+p'e of r+pees* a!"as,e" a(a&! $hether there $as a %essa(e) The %a!* !o$ ver# c&v&'* ret+r!e" the sa%e a!s$er)Ma9or Ca''e!"ar ha" "r&ve! a$a# ha'f a! ho+r before)4Sa#&!( !oth&!(64He ha" as a %atter of fact sa&"* 4Da%! A.&.4 $or"s that the serva!t +!"erstoo"* b+t $astoo po'&te to repeat) O!e ca! t&p too %+ch as $e'' as too '&tt'e* &!"ee" the co&! that b+#s theexact tr+th has !ot #et bee! %&!te")4The! I $&'' $r&te h&% a 'etter)4He $as offere" the +se of the ho+se* b+t $as too "&(!&f&e" to e!ter &t) Paper a!" &!, $ere

bro+(ht o! to the vera!"ah) He be(a!: 4Dear S&r*At #o+r express co%%a!" I have haste!e"as a s+bor"&!ate sho+'"4 a!" the! stoppe") 4Te'' h&% I have ca''e"* that &s s+ff&c&e!t*4 he sa&"*tear&!( the protest +p) 4Here &s %# car") Ca'' %e a to!(a)4

4H+.oor* a'' are at the c'+b)44The! te'epho!e for o!e "o$! to the ra&'$a# stat&o!)4 A!" s&!ce the %a! haste!e" to "oth&s he sa&"* 4E!o+(h* e!o+(h* I prefer to $a',)4 He co%%a!"eere" a %atch a!" '&t a c&(arette)These atte!t&o!s* tho+(h p+rchase"* soothe" h&%) The# $o+'" 'ast as 'o!( as he ha" r+pees*$h&ch &s so%eth&!() 0+t to sha,e the "+st of A!('oI!"&a off h&s feet5 To escape fro% the !eta!" be bac, a%o!( %a!!ers a!" (est+res that he ,!e$5 He be(a! a $a',* a! +!$o!te" exerc&se)He $as a! ath'et&c '&tt'e %a!* "a&!t&'# p+t to(ether* b+t rea''# ver# stro!() Neverthe'ess$a',&!( fat&(+e" h&%* as &t fat&(+es ever#o!e &! I!"&a except the !e$cor!er) There &s so%eth&!(host&'e &! that so&') It e&ther #&e'"s* a!" the foot s&!,s &!to a "epress&o!* or e'se &t &s +!expecte"'#r&(&" a!" sharp* press&!( sto!es or cr#sta's a(a&!st the trea") A ser&es of these '&tt'e s+rpr&sesexha+sts- a!" he $as $ear&!( p+%ps* a poor preparat&o! for a!# co+!tr#) At the e"(e of

the c&v&' stat&o! he t+r!e" &!to a %os1+e to rest)He ha" a'$a#s '&,e" th&s %os1+e) It $as (rac&o+s* a!" the arra!(e%e!t p'ease" h&%) Theco+rt#ar"e!tere" thro+(h a r+&!e" (ateco!ta&!e" a! ab'+t&o! ta!, of fresh c'ear $ater*



$h&ch $as a'$a#s &! %ot&o!* be&!( &!"ee" part of a co!"+&t that s+pp'&e" the c&t#) The co+rt#ar"$as pave" $&th bro,e! s'abs) The covere" part of the %os1+e $as "eeper tha! &s +s+a'- &ts effect$as that of a! E!('&sh par&sh ch+rch $hose s&"e has bee! ta,e! o+t) here he sat* he'oo,e" &!to three arca"es $hose "ar,!ess $as &''+%&!ate" b# a s%a'' ha!(&!( 'a%p a!" b# the%oo!) The fro!t&! f+'' %oo!'&(htha" the appeara!ce of %arb'e* a!" the !&!et#!&!e !a%esof Go" o! the fr&e.e stoo" o+t b'ac,* as the fr&e.e stoo" o+t $h&te a(a&!st the s,#) The co!test

bet$ee! th&s "+a'&s% a!" the co!te!t&o! of sha"o$s $&th&! p'ease" A.&.* a!" he tr&e" to s#%bo'&.ethe $ho'e &!to so%e tr+th of re'&(&o! or 'ove) A %os1+e b# $&!!&!( h&s approva' 'et 'ooseh&s &%a(&!at&o!) The te%p'e of a!other cree"* H&!"+* Chr&st&a!* or Gree,* $o+'" have bore" h&%a!" fa&'e" to a$a,e! h&s se!se of bea+t#) Here $as Is'a%* h&s o$! co+!tr#* %ore tha! a /a&th*%ore tha! a batt'ecr#* %ore* %+ch %ore ) ) ) Is'a%* a! att&t+"e to$ar"s '&fe both ex1+&s&te a!""+rab'e* $here h&s bo"# a!" h&s tho+(hts fo+!" the&r ho%e)H&s seat $as the 'o$ $a'' that bo+!"e" the co+rt#ar" o! the 'eft) The (ro+!" fe'' a$a# be!eathh&% to$ar"s the c&t#* v&s&b'e as a b'+r of trees* a!" &! the st&''!ess he hear" %a!# s%a''so+!"s) O! the r&(ht* over &! the c'+b* the E!('&sh co%%+!&t# co!tr&b+te" a! a%ate+r orchestra)E'se$here so%e H&!"+s $ere "r+%%&!(he ,!e$ the# $ere H&!"+s* beca+se the rh#th%$as +!co!(e!&a' to h&%*a!" others $ere be$a&'&!( a corpsehe ,!e$ $hose* hav&!( cert&f&e"

&t &! the after!oo!) There $ere o$'s* the P+!9ab %a&' ) ) ) a!" f'o$ers s%e't "e'&c&o+s'# &! thestat&o!%aster2s (ar"e!) 0+t the %os1+ethat a'o!e s&(!&f&e"* a!" he ret+r!e" to &t fro% theco%p'ex appea' of the !&(ht* a!" "ec,e" &t $&th %ea!&!(s the b+&'"er ha" !ever &!te!"e")So%e "a# he too $o+'" b+&'" a %os1+e* s%a''er tha! th&s b+t &! perfect taste* so that a'' $ho

passe" b# sho+'" exper&e!ce the happ&!ess he fe't !o$) A!" !ear &t* +!"er a 'o$ "o%e* sho+'" be h&s to%b* $&th a Pers&a! &!scr&pt&o!:A'as* $&tho+t %e for tho+sa!"s of #earsThe Rose $&'' b'osso% a!" the Spr&!( $&'' b'oo%*0+t those $ho have secret'# +!"erstoo" %# heartThe# $&'' approach a!" v&s&t the (rave $here I '&e)He ha" see! the 1+atra&! o! the to%b of a Decca! ,&!(* a!" re(ar"e" &t as profo+!"

ph&'osoph#he a'$a#s he'" pathos to be profo+!") The secret +!"ersta!"&!( of the heart5 Herepeate" the phrase $&th tears &! h&s e#es* a!" as he "&" so o!e of the p&''ars of the %os1+esee%e" to 1+&ver) It s$a#e" &! the ('oo% a!" "etache" &tse'f) 0e'&ef &! (hosts ra! &! h&s b'oo"*

b+t he sat f&r%) A!other p&''ar %ove"* a th&r"* a!" the! a! E!('&sh$o%a! steppe" o+t &!to the%oo!'&(ht) S+""e!'# he $as f+r&o+s'# a!(r# a!" sho+te": 4Ma"a%5 Ma"a%5 Ma"a%544Oh5 Oh54 the $o%a! (aspe")4Ma"a%* th&s &s a %os1+e* #o+ have !o r&(ht here at a''- #o+ sho+'" have ta,e! off #o+r shoes- th&s &s a ho'# p'ace for Mos'e%s)44I have ta,e! the% off)447o+ have64

4I 'eft the% at the e!tra!ce)44The! I as, #o+r par"o!)4St&'' start'e"* the $o%a! %ove" o+t* ,eep&!( the ab'+t&o!ta!, bet$ee! the%) He ca''e"after her* 4I a% tr+'# sorr# for spea,&!()447es* I $as r&(ht* $as I !ot6 If I re%ove %# shoes* I a% a''o$e"644Of co+rse* b+t so fe$ 'a"&es ta,e the tro+b'e* espec&a''# &f th&!,&!( !o o!e &s there to see)44That %a,es !o "&ffere!ce) Go" &s here)44Ma"a%544P'ease 'et %e (o)44Oh* ca! I "o #o+ so%e serv&ce !o$ or at a!# t&%e644No* tha!, #o+* rea''# !o!e(oo" !&(ht)4

4Ma# I ,!o$ #o+r !a%e64She $as !o$ &! the sha"o$ of the (ate$a#* so that he co+'" !ot see her face* b+t she sa$h&s* a!" she sa&" $&th a cha!(e of vo&ce* 4Mrs) Moore)4



4Mrs) 4 A"va!c&!(* he fo+!" that she $as o'") A fabr&c b&((er tha! the %os1+e fe'' to p&eces* a!" he "&" !ot ,!o$ $hether he $as ('a" or sorr#) She $as o'"er tha! Ha%&"+''ah 0e(+%*$&th a re" face a!" $h&te ha&r) Her vo&ce ha" "ece&ve" h&%)4Mrs) Moore* I a% afra&" I start'e" #o+) I sha'> te'' %# co%%+!&t#o+r fr&e!"sabo+t #o+)That Go" &s herever# (oo"* ver# f&!e &!"ee") I th&!, #o+ are !e$'# arr&ve" &! I!"&a)447esho$ "&" #o+ ,!o$64

40# the $a# #o+ a""ress %e) No* b+t ca! I ca'' #o+ a carr&a(e644I have o!'# co%e fro% the c'+b) The# are "o&!( a p'a# that I have see! &! 3o!"o!* a!" &t$as so hot)44hat $as the !a%e of the p'a#644<Co+s&! 8ate<)44I th&!, #o+ o+(ht !ot to $a', at !&(ht a'o!e* Mrs) Moore) There are ba" characters abo+ta!" 'eopar"s %a# co%e across fro% the Marabar H&''s) S!a,es a'so)4She exc'a&%e"- she ha" for(otte! the s!a,es)4/or exa%p'e* a s&xspot beet'e*4 he co!t&!+e") 47o+ p&c, &t +p* &t b&tes* #o+ "&e)440+t #o+ $a', abo+t #o+rse'f)44Oh* I a% +se" to &t)4

4Use" to s!a,es64The# both 'a+(he") 4I2% a "octor*4 he sa&") 4S!a,es "o!2t "are b&te %e)4 The# sat "o$! s&"e

b# s&"e &! the e!tra!ce* a!" s'&ppe" o! the&r eve!&!( shoes) 4P'ease %a# I as, #o+ a 1+est&o!!o$6 h# "o #o+ co%e to I!"&a at th&s t&%e of #ear* 9+st as the co'" $eather &s e!"&!(644I &!te!"e" to start ear'&er* b+t there $as a! +!avo&"ab'e "e'a#)44It $&'' soo! be so +!hea'th# for #o+5 A!" $h# ever "o #o+ co%e to Cha!"rapore644To v&s&t %# so!) He &s the C&t# Ma(&strate here)44Oh !o* exc+se %e* that &s 1+&te &%poss&b'e) O+r C&t# Ma(&strate2s !a%e &s Mr) Heas'op) I,!o$ h&% &!t&%ate'#)44He2s %# so! a'' the sa%e*4 she sa&"* s%&'&!()40+t* Mrs) Moore* ho$ ca! he be644I $as %arr&e" t$&ce)447es* !o$ I see* a!" #o+r f&rst h+sba!" "&e")44He "&"* a!" so "&" %# seco!" h+sba!")44The! $e are &! the sa%e box*4 he sa&" cr#pt&ca''#) 4The! &s the C&t# Ma(&strate the e!t&re of #o+r fa%&'# !o$644No* there are the #o+!(er o!esRa'ph a!" Ste''a &! E!('a!")44A!" the (e!t'e%a! here* &s he Ra'ph a!" Ste''a2s ha'fbrother644Q+&te r&(ht)44Mrs) Moore* th&s &s a'' extre%e'# stra!(e* beca+se '&,e #o+rse'f I have a'so t$o so!s a!" a"a+(hter) Is !ot th&s the sa%e box $&th a ve!(ea!ce64

4hat are the&r !a%es6 Not a'so Ro!!#* Ra'ph* a!" Ste''a* s+re'#64The s+((est&o! "e'&(hte" h&%) 4No* &!"ee") Ho$ f+!!# &t so+!"s5 The&r !a%es are 1+&te "&ffere!ta!" $&'' s+rpr&se #o+) 3&ste!* p'ease) I a% abo+t to te'' #o+ %# ch&'"re!2s !a%es) The f&rst&s ca''e" Ah%e"* the seco!" &s ca''e" 8ar&%* the th&r"she &s the e'"est ?a%&'a) Three ch&'"re!are e!o+(h) Do !ot #o+ a(ree $&th %e644I "o)4The# $ere both s&'e!t for a '&tt'e* th&!,&!( of the&r respect&ve fa%&'&es) She s&(he" a!" rose to(o)4o+'" #o+ care to see over the M&!to Hosp&ta' o!e %or!&!(64 he e!1+&re") 4I have !oth&!(e'se to offer at Cha!"rapore)44Tha!, #o+* I have see! &t a'rea"#* or I sho+'" have '&,e" to co%e $&th #o+ ver# %+ch)4

4I s+ppose the C&v&' S+r(eo! too, #o+)447es* a!" Mrs) Ca''e!"ar)4H&s vo&ce a'tere") 4Ah5 A ver# char%&!( 'a"#)4



4Poss&b'#* $he! o!e ,!o$s her better)44hat6 hat6 7o+ "&"!2t '&,e her644She $as certa&!'# &!te!"&!( to be ,&!"* b+t I "&" !ot f&!" her exact'# char%&!()4He b+rst o+t $&th: 4She has 9+st ta,e! %# to!(a $&tho+t %# per%&ss&o!"o #o+ ca'' that

be&!( char%&!(6a!" Ma9or Ca''e!"ar &!terr+pts %e !&(ht after !&(ht fro% $here I a% "&!&!($&th %# fr&e!"s a!" I (o at o!ce* brea,&!( t&p a %ost p'easa!t e!terta&!%e!t* a!" he &s !ot

there a!" !ot eve! a %essa(e) Is th&s char%&!(* pra#6 0+t $hat "oes &t %atter6 I ca! "o !oth&!(a!" he ,!o$s &t) I a% 9+st a s+bor"&!ate* %# t&%e &s of !o va'+e* the vera!"ah &s (oo"e!o+(h for a! I!"&a!* #es* #es* 'et h&% sta!"* a!" Mrs) Ca''e!"ar ta,es %# carr&a(e a!" c+ts%e "ea" ) ) )4She '&ste!e")He $as exc&te" part'# b# h&s $ro!(s* b+t %+ch %ore b# the ,!o$'e"(e that so%eo!e s#%path&.e"$&th the%) It $as th&s that 'e" h&% to repeat* exa((erate* co!tra"&ct) She ha" prove"her s#%path# b# cr&t&c&.&!( her fe''o$co+!tr#$o%a! to h&%* b+t eve! ear'&er he ha" ,!o$!) Thef'a%e that !ot eve! bea+t# ca! !o+r&sh $as spr&!(&!( +p* a!" tho+(h h&s $or"s $ere 1+er+'o+sh&s heart be(a! to ('o$ secret'#) Prese!t'# &t b+rst &!to speech)47o+ +!"ersta!" %e* #o+ ,!o$ $hat others fee') Oh* &f others rese%b'e" #o+54

Rather s+rpr&se"* she rep'&e": 4I "o!2t th&!, > +!"ersta!" peop'e ver# $e'') I o!'# ,!o$$hether I '&,e or "&s'&,e the%)44The! #o+ are a! Or&e!ta')4She accepte" h&s escort bac, to the c'+b* a!" sa&" at the (ate that she $&she" she $as a%e%ber* so that she co+'" have as,e" h&% &!)4I!"&a!s are !ot a''o$e" &!to the Cha!"rapore C'+b eve! as (+ests*4 he sa&" s&%p'#) He "&"!ot expat&ate o! h&s $ro!(s !o$* be&!( happ#) As he stro''e" "o$!h&'' be!eath the 'ove'# %oo!*a!" a(a&! sa$ the 'ove'# %os1+e* he see%e" to o$! the 'a!" as %+ch as a!#o!e o$!e" &t)hat "&" &t %atter &f a fe$ f'abb# H&!"+s ha" prece"e" h&% there* a!" a fe$ ch&''# E!('&shs+ccee"e"6CHAPTER IIIThe th&r" act of <Co+s&! 8ate< $as $e'' a"va!ce" b# the t&%e Mrs) Moore ree!tere" thec'+b) &!"o$s $ere barre"* 'est the serva!ts sho+'" see the&r %e%sah&bs act&!(* a!" the heat$as co!se1+e!t'# &%%e!se) O!e e'ectr&c fa! revo've" '&,e a $o+!"e" b&r"* a!other $as o+t of or"er) D&s&!c'&!e" to ret+r! to t'>e a+"&e!ce* she $e!t &!to the b&''&ar" roo%* $here she $as(reete" b# 4I $a!t to see the <rea'< I!"&a*4 a!" her appropr&ate '&fe ca%e bac, $&th a r+sh)Th&s $as A"e'a Q+este"* the 1+eer* ca+t&o+s (&r' $ho% Ro!!# ha" co%%&ss&o!e" her to br&!(fro% E!('a!"* a!" Ro!!# $as her so!* a'so ca+t&o+s* $ho% M&ss Q+este" $o+'" probab'#tho+(h !ot certa&!'# %arr#* a!" she herse'f $as a! e'"er'# 'a"#)4I $a!t to see &t too* a!" I o!'# $&sh $e co+'") Appare!t'# the T+rto!s $&'' arra!(e so%eth&!(for !ext T+es"a#)4

4It2'' e!" &! a! e'epha!t r&"e* &t a'$a#s "oes) 3oo, at th&s eve!&!() <Co+s&! 8ate5< I%a(&!e* <Co+s&! 8ate5< 0+t $here have #o+ bee! off to6 D&" #o+ s+ccee" &! catch&!( the %oo! &! theGa!(es64The t$o 'a"&es ha" happe!e"* the !&(ht before* to see the %oo!2s ref'ect&o! &! a "&sta!tcha!!e' of the strea%) The $ater ha" "ra$! &t o+t* so that &t ha" see%e" 'ar(er tha! the rea'%oo!* a!" br&(hter* $h&ch ha" p'ease" the%)4I $e!t to the %os1+e* b+t I "&" !ot catch the %oo!)44The a!('e $o+'" have a'tere"she r&ses 'ater)443ater a!" 'ater*4 #a$!e" Mrs) Moore* $ho $as t&re" after her $a',) 43et %e th&!,$e "o!2tsee the other s&"e of the %oo! o+t here* !o)44Co%e* I!"&a2s !ot as ba" as a'' that*4 sa&" a p'easa!t vo&ce) 4Other s&"e of the earth* &f #o+

'&,e* b+t $e st&c, to the sa%e o'" %oo!)4 Ne&ther of the% ,!e$ the spea,er !or "&" the# ever see h&% a(a&!) He passe" $&th h&s fr&e!"'# $or" thro+(h re"br&c, p&''ars &!to the "ar,!ess)4e are!2t eve! see&!( the other s&"e of the $or'"- that2s o+r co%p'a&!t*4 sa&" A"e'a) Mrs)



Moore a(ree"- she too $as "&sappo&!te" at the "+''!ess of the&r !e$ '&fe) The# ha" %a"e s+cha ro%a!t&c vo#a(e across the Me"&terra!ea! a!" thro+(h the sa!"s of E(#pt to the harbo+r of 0o%ba#* to f&!" o!'# a (r&"&ro! of b+!(a'o$s at the e!" of &t) 0+t she "&" !ot ta,e the"&sappo&!t%e!tas ser&o+s'# as M&ss Q+este"* for the reaso! that she $as fort# #ears o'"er* a!" ha"'ear!t that 3&fe !ever (&ves +s $hat $e $a!t at the %o%e!t that $e co!s&"er appropr&ate)

A"ve!t+res"o occ+r* b+t !ot p+!ct+a''#) She sa&" a(a&! that she hope" that so%eth&!( &!terest&!($o+'" be arra!(e" for !ext T+es"a#)4Have a "r&!,*4 sa&" a!other p'easa!t vo&ce) 4Mrs) MooreM&ss Q+este"have a "r&!,* havet$o "r&!,s)4 The# ,!e$ $ho &t $as th&s t&%ethe Co''ector* Mr) T+rto!* $&th $ho% the# ha""&!e") 3&,e the%se'ves* he ha" fo+!" the at%osphere of <Co+s&! 8ate< too hot) Ro!!#* he to'"the%* $as sta(e%a!a(&!( &! p'ace of Ma9or Ca''e!"ar* $ho% so%e !at&ve s+bor"&!ate or other ha" 'et "o$!* a!" "o&!( &t ver# $e''- the! he t+r!e" to Ro!!#2s other %er&ts* a!" &! 1+&et* "ec&s&veto!es sa&" %+ch that $as f'atter&!() It $as!2t that the #o+!( %a! $as part&c+'ar'# (oo" atthe (a%es or the '&!(o* or that he ha" %+ch !ot&o! of the 3a$* b+tappare!t'# a 'ar(e b+tRo!!# $as "&(!&f&e")

Mrs) Moore $as s+rpr&se" to 'ear! th&s* "&(!&t# !ot be&!( a 1+a'&t# $&th $h&ch a!# %other cre"&ts her so!) M&ss Q+este" 'ear!t &t $&th a!x&et#* for she ha" !ot "ec&"e" $hether she '&,e""&(!&f&e" %e!) She tr&e" &!"ee" to "&sc+ss th&s po&!t $&th Mr) T+rto!* b+t he s&'e!ce" her $&th a(oo"h+%o+re" %ot&o! of h&s ha!"* a!" co!t&!+e" $hat he ha" co%e to sa#) 4The 'o!( a!" theshort of &t &s Heas'op2s a sah&b- he2s the t#pe $e $a!t* he2s o!e of +s*4 a!" a!other c&v&'&a! $ho$as 'ea!&!( over the b&''&ar" tab'e sa&"* 4 Hear* hear54 The %atter $as th+s p'ace" be#o!""o+bt* a!" the Co''ector passe" o!* for other "+t&es ca''e" h&%)Mea!$h&'e the perfor%a!ce e!"e"* a!" the a%ate+r orchestra p'a#e" the Nat&o!a' A!the%)Co!versat&o! a!" b&''&ar"s stoppe"* faces st&ffe!e") It $as the A!the% of the Ar%# of Occ+pat&o!)&t re%&!"e" ever# %e%ber of the c'+b that he or she $as 0r&t&sh a!" &! ex&'e) It pro"+ce" a'&tt'e se!t&%e!t a!" a +sef+' access&o! of $&''po$er) The %ea(re t+!e* the c+rt ser&es of "e%a!"so! ?ehovah* f+se" &!to a pra#er +!,!o$! &! E!('a!"* a!" tho+(h the# perce&ve" !e&ther Ro#a't# !or De&t# the# "&" perce&ve so%eth&!(* the# $ere stre!(the!e" to res&st a!other "a#)The! the# po+re" o+t* offer&!( o!e a!other "r&!,s)4A"e'a* have a "r&!,- %other* a "r&!,)4The# ref+se"the# $ere $ear# of "r&!,sa!" M&ss Q+este"* $ho a'$a#s sa&" exact'# $hat$as &! her %&!"* a!!o+!ce" a!e$ that she $as "es&ro+s of see&!( the rea' I!"&a)Ro!!# $as &! h&(h sp&r&ts) The re1+est str+c, h&% as co%&c* a!" he ca''e" o+t to a!other

passerb#: 4/&e'"&!(5 ho$2s o!e to see the rea' I!"&a644Tr# see&!( I!"&a!s*4 the %a! a!s$ere"* a!" va!&she")4ho $as that64

4O+r schoo'%asterGover!%e!t Co''e(e)44As &f o!e co+'" avo&" see&!( the%*4 s&(he" Mrs) 3es'e#)4I2ve avo&"e"*4 sa&" M&ss Q+este") 4Except&!( %# o$! serva!t* I2ve scarce'# spo,e! to a!I!"&a! s&!ce 'a!"&!()44Oh* '+c,# #o+)440+t I $a!t to see the%)4She beca%e the ce!tre of a! a%+se" (ro+p of 'a"&es) O!e sa&"* 4a!t&!( to see I!"&a!s5Ho$ !e$ that so+!"s54 A!other* 4Nat&ves5 $h#* fa!c#54 A th&r"* %ore ser&o+s* sa&"* 43et %eexp'a&!)

Nat&ves "o!2t respect o!e a!# the %ore after %eet&!( o!e* #o+ see)44That occ+rs after so %a!# %eet&!(s)4

0+t the 'a"#* e!t&re'# st+p&" a!" fr&e!"'#* co!t&!+e": 4hat I %ea! &s* I $as a !+rse before%# %arr&a(e* a!" ca%e across the% a (reat "ea'* so I ,!o$) I rea''# "o ,!o$ the tr+th abo+tI!"&a!s) A %ost +!s+&tab'e pos&t&o! for a!# E!('&sh$o%a!I $as a !+rse &! a Nat&ve State)



O!e2s o!'# hope $as to ho'" ster!'# a'oof)44Eve! fro% o!e2s pat&e!ts644h#* the ,&!"est th&!( o!e ca! "o to a !at&ve &s to 'et h&% "&e*4 sa&" Mrs) Ca''e!"ar)4Ho$ &f he $e!t to heave!6 4as,e" Mrs) Moore* $&th a (e!t'e b+t croo,e" s%&'e)4He ca! (o $here he '&,es as 'o!( as he "oes!2t co%e !ear %e) The# (&ve %e the creeps)44As a %atter of fact I have tho+(ht $hat #o+ $ere sa#&!( abo+t heave!* a!" that &s $h# I

a% a(a&!st M&ss&o!ar&es*4 sa&" the 'a"# $ho ha" bee! a !+rse) 4I a% a'' for Chap'a&!s* b+t a''a(a&!st M&ss&o!ar&es) 3et %e exp'a&!)40+t before she co+'" "o so* the Co''ector &!terve!e")4Do #o+ rea''# $a!t to %eet the Ar#a! 0rother* M&ss Q+este"6 That ca! be eas&'# f&xe" +p) I"&"!2t rea'&.e he2" a%+se #o+)4 He tho+(ht a %o%e!t) 47o+ ca! pract&ca''# see a!# t#pe #o+'&,e) Ta,e #o+r cho&ce) I ,!o$ the Gover!%e!t peop'e a!" the 'a!"o$!ers* Heas'op here ca!(et ho'" of the barr&ster cre$* $h&'e &f #o+ $a!t to spec&a'&.e o! e"+cat&o!* $e ca! co%e "o$!o! /&e'"&!()44I2% t&re" of see&!( p&ct+res1+e f&(+res pass before %e as a fr&e.e*4 the (&r' exp'a&!e") 4It$as $o!"erf+' $he! $e 'a!"e"* b+t that s+perf&c&a' ('a%o+r soo! (oes)4Her &%press&o!s $ere of !o &!terest to the Co''ector- he $as o!'# co!cer!e" to (&ve her a

(oo" t&%e) o+'" she '&,e a 0r&"(e Part#6 He exp'a&!e" to her $hat that $as!ot the (a%e* b+t a part# to br&"(e the (+'f bet$ee! East a!" est- the express&o! $as h&s o$! &!ve!t&o!*a!" a%+se" a'' $ho hear" &t)4I o!'# $a!t those I!"&a!s $ho% #o+ co%e across soc&a''#as #o+r fr&e!"s)44e''* $e "o!2t co%e across the% soc&a''#*4 he sa&"* 'a+(h&!() 4The#2re f+'' of a'' the v&rt+es*

b+t $e "o!2t* a!" &t2s !o$ e'eve!th&rt#* a!" too 'ate to (o &!to the reaso!s)44M&ss Q+este"* $hat a !a%e54 re%ar,e" Mrs) T+rto! to her h+sba!" as the# "rove a$a#)She ha" !ot ta,e! to the !e$ #o+!( 'a"#* th&!,&!( her +!(rac&o+s a!" cra!,#) She tr+ste" thatshe ha"!2t bee! bro+(ht o+t to %arr# !&ce '&tt'e Heas'op* tho+(h &t 'oo,e" '&,e &t) Her h+sba!"a(ree" $&th her &! h&s heart* b+t he !ever spo,e a(a&!st a! E!('&sh$o%a! &f he co+'" avo&" "o&!(so* a!" he o!'# sa&" that M&ss Q+este" !at+ra''# %a"e %&sta,es) He a""e": 4I!"&a "oes$o!"ers for the 9+"(%e!t* espec&a''# "+r&!( the hot $eather- &t has eve! "o!e $o!"ers for /&e'"&!()4 Mrs) T+rto! c'ose" her e#es at th&s !a%e a!" re%ar,e" that Mr) /&e'"&!( $as!2t

p+,,a* a!" ha" better %arr# M&ss Q+este"* for she $as!2t p+,,a) The! the# reache" the&r b+!(a'o$*'o$ a!" e!or%o+s* the o'"est a!" %ost +!co%fortab'e b+!(a'o$ &! the c&v&' stat&o!* $&tha s+!, so+p p'ate of a 'a$!* a!" the# ha" o!e "r&!, %ore* th&s t&%e of bar'e# $ater* a!" $e!tto be") The&r $&th"ra$a' fro% the c'+b ha" bro,e! +p the eve!&!(* $h&ch* '&,e a'' (ather&!(s*ha" a! off&c&a' t&!(e) A co%%+!&t# that bo$s the ,!ee to a ;&cero# a!" be'&eves that the "&v&!&t#that he"(es a ,&!( ca! be tra!sp'a!te"* %+st fee' so%e revere!ce for a!# v&cere(a' s+bst&t+te)At Cha!"rapore the T+rto!s $ere '&tt'e (o"s- soo! the# $o+'" ret&re to so%e s+b+rba! v&''a* a!""&e ex&'e" fro% ('or#)

4It2s "ece!t of the 0+rra Sah&b*4 chattere" Ro!!#* %+ch (rat&f&e" at the c&v&'&t# that ha" bee!sho$! to h&s (+ests) 4Do #o+ ,!o$ he2s !ever (&ve! a 0r&"(e Part# before6 Co%&!( o! top of the "&!!er too5 I $&sh I co+'" have arra!(e" so%eth&!( %#se'f* b+t $he! #o+ ,!o$ the !at&ves

better #o+2'' rea'&.e &t2s eas&er for the 0+rra Sah&b tha! for %e) The# ,!o$ h&%the# ,!o$ beca!2t be foo'e"I2% st&'' fresh co%parat&ve'#) No o!e ca! eve! be(&! to th&!, of ,!o$&!( th&sco+!tr# +!t&' he has bee! &! &t t$eht# #ears)H+''o* the %ater5 Here2s #o+r c'oa,)e'': for a!exa%p'e of the %&sta,es o!e %a,es) Soo! after I ca%e o+t I as,e" o!e of the P'ea"ers to havea s%o,e $&th %eo!'# a c&(arette* %&!") I fo+!" after$ar"s that he ha" se!t to+ts a'' over the

ba.aar to a!!o+!ce the factto'" a'' the '&t&(a!ts* 2Oh* #o+2" better co%e to %# ;a,&' Mah%o+"A'&he2s &! $&th the C&t# Ma(&strate)2 Ever s&!ce the! I2ve "roppe" o! h&% &! Co+rt as har" as Ico+'") It2s ta+(ht %e a 'esso!* a!" I hope h&%)4

4Is!2t the 'esso! that #o+ sho+'" &!v&te a'' the P'ea"ers to have a s%o,e $&th #o+644Perhaps* b+t t&%e2s '&%&te" a!" the f'esh $ea,) I prefer %# s%o,e at the c'+b a%o!(st %#o$! sort* I2% afra&")4



4h# !ot as, the P'ea"ers to the c'+b64 M&ss Q+este" pers&ste")4Not a''o$e")4 He $as p'easa!t a!" pat&e!t* a!" ev&"e!t'# +!"erstoo" $h# she "&" !ot +!"ersta!")He &%p'&e" that he ha" o!ce bee! as she* tho+(h !ot for 'o!() Go&!( to the vera!"ah*he ca''e" f&r%'# to the %oo!) H&s sa&s a!s$ere"* a!" $&tho+t 'o$er&!( h&s hea"* he or"ere" h&strap to be bro+(ht ro+!")Mrs) Moore* $ho% the c'+b ha" st+pef&e"* $o,e +p o+ts&"e) She $atche" the %oo!* $hose

ra"&a!ce sta&!e" $&th pr&%rose the p+rp'e of the s+rro+!"&!( s,#) I! E!('a!" the %oo! ha"see%e" "ea" a!" a'&e!- here she $as ca+(ht &! the sha$' of !&(ht to(ether $&th earth a!" a''the other stars) A s+""e! se!se of +!&t#* of ,&!sh&p $&th the heave!'# bo"&es* passe" &!to theo'" $o%a! a!" o+t* '&,e $ater thro+(h a ta!,* 'eav&!( a stra!(e fresh!ess beh&!") She "&" !ot"&s'&,e <Co+s&! 8ate< or the Nat&o!a' A!the%* b+t the&r !ote ha" "&e" &!to a !e$ o!e* 9+st ascoc,ta&'s a!" c&(ars ha" "&e" &!to &!v&s&b'e f'o$ers) he! the %os1+e* 'o!( a!" "o%e'ess*('ea%e" at the t+r! of the roa"* she exc'a&%e"* 4Oh* #esthat2s $here I (ot tothat2s $hereI2ve bee!)440ee! there $he!64 as,e" her so!)40et$ee! the acts)440+t* %other* #o+ ca!2t "o that sort of th&!()4

4Ca!2t %other64 she rep'&e")4No* rea''# !ot &! th&s co+!tr#) It2s !ot "o!e) There2s the "a!(er fro% s!a,es for o!e th&!()The# are apt to '&e o+t &! the eve!&!()44Ah #es* so the #o+!( %a! there sa&")44Th&s so+!"s ver# ro%a!t&c*4 sa&" M&ss Q+este"* $ho $as excee"&!('# fo!" of Mrs) Moore*a!" $as ('a" she sho+'" have ha" th&s '&tt'e escapa"e) 47o+ %eet a #o+!( %a! &! a %os1+e*a!" the! !ever 'et %e ,!o$544I $as (o&!( to te'' #o+* A"e'a* b+t so%eth&!( cha!(e" the co!versat&o! a!" I for(ot) M#%e%or# (ro$s "ep'orab'e)44as he !&ce64She pa+se"* the! sa&" e%phat&ca''#: 4;er# !&ce)44ho $as he64 Ro!!# e!1+&re")4A "octor) I "o!2t ,!o$ h&s !a%e)44A "octor6 I ,!o$ of !o #o+!( "octor &! Cha!"rapore) Ho$ o""5 hat $as he '&,e644Rather s%a''* $&th a '&tt'e %o+stache a!" 1+&c, e#es) He ca''e" o+t to %e $he! I $as &! the"ar, part of the %os1+eabo+t %# shoes) That $as ho$ $e be(a! ta',&!() He $as afra&" I ha"the% o!* b+t I re%e%bere" '+c,&'#) He to'" %e abo+t h&s ch&'"re!* a!" the! $e $a',e" bac, tothe c'+b) He ,!o$s #o+ $e'')44I $&sh #o+ ha" po&!te" h&% o+t to %e) I ca!2t %a,e o+t $ho he &s)44He "&"!2t co%e &!to the c'+b) He sa&" he $as!2t a''o$e" to)4There+po! the tr+th str+c, h&%* a!" he cr&e"* 4Oh* (oo" (rac&o+s5 Not a Moha%%e"a!6

h# ever "&"!2t #o+ te'' %e #o+2" bee! ta',&!( to a !at&ve6 I $as (o&!( a'' $ro!()44A Moha%%e"a!5 Ho$ perfect'# %a(!&f&ce!t54 exc'a&%e" M&ss Q+este") 4Ro!!#* &s!2t that'&,e #o+r %other6 h&'e $e ta', abo+t see&!( the rea' I!"&a* she (oes a!" sees &t* a!" the! for(etsshe2s see! &t)40+t Ro!!# $as r+ff'e") /ro% h&s %other2s "escr&pt&o! he ha" tho+(ht the "octor %&(ht be#o+!( M+((&!s fro% over the Ga!(es* a!" ha" bro+(ht o+t a'' the cor!ra"e'# e%ot&o!s) hat a%&x+p5 h# ha"!2t she &!"&cate" b# the to!e of her vo&ce that she $as ta',&!( abo+t a! I!"&a!6Scratch# a!" "&ctator&a'* he be(a! to 1+est&o! her) 4He ca''e" to #o+ &! the %os1+e* "&"he6 Ho$6 I%p+"e!t'#6 hat $as he "o&!( there h&%se'f at that t&%e of !&(ht6No* &t2s !ot the&r

pra#er t&%e)4 Th&s &! a!s$er to a s+((est&o! of M&ss Q+este"2s* $ho sho$e" the ,ee!est &!terest)4So he ca''e" to #o+ over #o+r shoes) The! &t $as &%p+"e!ce) It2s a! o'" tr&c,) I $&sh #o+

ha" ha" the% o!)44I th&!, &t $as &%p+"e!ce* b+t I "o!2t ,!o$ abo+t a tr&c,*4 sa&" Mrs) Moore) 4H&s !erves$ere a'' o! e"(eI co+'" te'' fro% h&s vo&ce) As soo! as I a!s$ere" he a'tere")4



47o+ o+(ht!2t to have a!s$ere")44No$ 'oo, here*4 sa&" the 'o(&ca' (&r'* 4$o+'"!2t #o+ expect a Moha%%e"a! to a!s$er &f #o+as,e" h&% to ta,e off h&s hat &! ch+rch644It2s "&ffere!t* &t2s "&ffere!t- #o+ "o!2t +!"ersta!")44I ,!o$ I "o!2t* a!" I $a!t to) hat &s the "&ffere!ce* p'ease64He $&she" she $o+'"!2t &!terfere) H&s %other "&" !ot s&(!&f#she $as 9+st a ('obetrotter* a

te%porar# escort* $ho co+'" ret&re to E!('a!" $&th $hat &%press&o!s she chose) 0+t A"e'a* $ho%e"&tate" spe!"&!( her '&fe &! the co+!tr#* $as a %ore ser&o+s %atter- &t $o+'" be t&reso%e &f she starte" croo,e" over the !at&ve 1+est&o!) P+''&!( +p the %are* he sa&"* 4There2s #o+r Ga!(es)4The&r atte!t&o! $as "&verte") 0e'o$ the% a ra"&a!ce ha" s+""e!'# appeare") It be'o!(e"!e&ther to $ater !or %oo!'&(ht* b+t stoo" '&,e a '+%&!o+s sheaf +po! the f&e'"s of "ar,!ess) Heto'" the% that &t $as $here the !e$ sa!"ba!, $as for%&!(* a!" that the "ar, rave''e" b&t atthe top $as the sa!"* a!" that the "ea" bo"&es f'oate" "o$! that $a# fro% 0e!ares* or $o+'"&f the croco"&'es 'et the%) 4It2s !ot %+ch of a "ea" bo"# that (ets "o$! to Cha!"rapore)44Croco"&'es "o$! &! &t too* ho$ terr&b'e54 h&s %other %+r%+re") The #o+!( peop'e ('a!ce"at each other a!" s%&'e"- &t a%+se" the% $he! the o'" 'a"# (ot these (e!t'e creeps* a!" har%o!#

$as restore" bet$ee! the% co!se1+e!t'#) She co!t&!+e": 4hat a terr&b'e r&ver5 $hat a$o!"erf+' r&ver5 4a!" s&(he") The ra"&a!ce $as a'rea"# a'ter&!(* $hether thro+(h sh&ft&!( of the%oo! or of the sa!"- soo! the br&(ht sheaf $o+'" be (o!e* a!" a c&rc'et* &tse'f to a'ter* be b+r!&she"+po! the strea%&!( vo&") The $o%e! "&sc+sse" $hether the# $o+'" $a&t for the cha!(eor !ot* $h&'e the s&'e!ce bro,e &!to patches of +!1+&et!ess a!" the %are sh&vere") O! her acco+!tthe# "&" !ot $a&t* b+t "rove o! to the C&t# Ma(&strate2s b+!(a'o$* $here M&ss Q+este"$e!t to be"* a!" Mrs) Moore ha" a short &!terv&e$ $&th her so!)He $a!te" to e!1+&re abo+t the Moha%%e"a! "octor &! the %os1+e) It $as h&s "+t# to reports+sp&c&o+s characters a!" co!ce&vab'# &t $as so%e "&srep+tab'e ha,&r! $ho ha" pro$'e" +pfro% the ba.aar) he! she to'" h&% that &t $as so%eo!e co!!ecte" $&th the M&!to Hosp&ta'* he$as re'&eve"* a!" sa&" that the fe''o$2s !a%e %+st be A.&.* a!" that he $as 1+&te a'' r&(ht*!oth&!( a(a&!st h&% at a'')4A.&.5 $hat a char%&!( !a%e544So #o+ a!" he ha" a ta',) D&" #o+ (ather he $as $e'' "&spose"64I(!ora!t of the force of th&s 1+est&o!* she rep'&e"* 47es* 1+&te* after the f&rst %o%e!t)44I %ea!t* (e!era''#) D&" he see% to to'erate +sthe br+ta' co!1+eror* the s+!"r&e" b+rea+crat*that sort of th&!(644Oh* #es* I th&!, so* except the Ca''e!"arshe "oes!2t care for the Ca''e!"ars at a'')44Oh) So he to'" #o+ that* "&" he6 The Ma9or $&'' be &!tereste") I $o!"er $hat $as the a&%of the re%ar,)44Ro!!#* Ro!!#5 #o+2re !ever (o&!( to pass &t o! to Ma9or Ca''e!"ar64

47es* rather) I %+st* &! fact5440+t* %# "ear bo#44If the Ma9or hear" I $as "&s'&,e" b# a!# !at&ve s+bor"&!ate of %&!e* I sho+'" expect h&% to

pass &t o! to %e)440+t* %# "ear bo#a pr&vate co!versat&o!544Noth&!(2s pr&vate &! I!"&a) A.&. ,!e$ that $he! he spo,e o+t* so "o!2t #o+ $orr#) He ha"so%e %ot&ve &! $hat he sa&") M# perso!a' be'&ef &s that the re%ar, $as!2t tr+e)44Ho$ !ot tr+e644He ab+se" the Ma9or &! or"er to &%press #o+)44I "o!2t ,!o$ $hat #o+ %ea!* "ear)44It2s the e"+cate" !at&ve2s 'atest "o"(e) The# +se" to cr&!(e* b+t the #o+!(er (e!erat&o!

be'&eve &! a sho$ of %a!'# &!"epe!"e!ce) The# th&!, &t $&'' pa# better $&th the &t&!era!t M)P)0+t $hether the !at&ve s$a((ers or cr&!(es* there2s a'$a#s so%eth&!( beh&!" ever# re%ar, he%a,es* a'$a#s so%eth&!(* a!" &f !oth&!( e'se he2s tr#&!( to &!crease h&s &..at&! p'a&! ,!('o



Saxo!* to score) Of co+rse there are except&o!s)447o+ !ever +se" to 9+"(e peop'e '&,e th&s at ho%e)44I!"&a &s!2t ho%e*4 he retorte"* rather r+"e'#* b+t &! or"er to s&'e!ce her he ha" bee! +s&!(

phrases a!" ar(+%e!ts that he ha" p&c,e" +p fro% o'"er off&c&a's* a!" he "&" !ot fee' 1+&te s+reof h&%se'f) he! he sa&" 4of co+rse there are except&o!s4 he $as 1+ot&!( Mr) T+rto!* $h&'e 4&!creas&!( the &..at4 $as Ma9or Ca''e!"ar2s o$!) The phrases $or,e" a!" $ere &! c+rre!t +se at

the c'+b* b+t she $as rather c'ever at "etect&!( the f&rst fro% the seco!" ha!"* a!" %&(ht pressh&% for "ef&!&te exa%p'es)She o!'# sa&"* 4I ca!2t "e!# that $hat #o+ sa# so+!"s ver# se!s&b'e* b+t #o+ rea''# %+st !otha!" o! to Ma9or Ca''e!"ar a!#th&!( I have to'" #o+ abo+t Doctor A.&.)4He fe't "&s'o#a' to h&s caste* b+t he pro%&se"* a""&!(* 4I! ret+r! p'ease "o!2t ta', abo+t A.&.to A"e'a)44Not ta', abo+t h&%6 h#644There #o+ (o a(a&!* %otherI rea''# ca!2t exp'a&! ever# th&!() I "o!2t $a!t A"e'a to be$orr&e"* that2s the fact- she2'' be(&! $o!"er&!( $hether $e treat the !at&ves proper'#* a!" a''that sort of !o!se!se)440+t she ca%e o+t to be $orr&e"that2s exact'# $h# she2s here) She "&sc+sse" &t a'' o! the

boat) e ha" a 'o!( ta', $he! $e $e!t o! shore at A"e!) She ,!o$s #o+ &! p'a#* as she p+t &t* b+t !ot &! $or,* a!" she fe't she %+st co%e a!" 'oo, ro+!"* before she "ec&"e"a!" before#o+ "ec&"e") She &s ver#* ver# fa&r%&!"e")44I ,!o$*4 he sa&" "e9ecte"'#)The !ote of a!x&et# &! h&s vo&ce %a"e her fee' that he $as st&'' a '&tt'e bo#* $ho %+st have$hat he '&,e"* so she pro%&se" to "o as he $&she"* a!" the# ,&sse" (oo" !&(ht) He ha" !otforb&""e!her to th&!, abo+t A.&.* ho$ever* a!" she "&" th&s $he! she ret&re" to her roo%) I! the'&(ht of her so!2s co%%e!t she reco!s&"ere" the sce!e at the %os1+e* to see $hose &%press&o!$as correct) 7es* &t co+'" be $or,e" &!to 1+&te a! +!p'easa!t sce!e) The "octor ha" be(+! b#

b+''#&!( her* ha" sa&" Mrs) Ca''e!"ar $as !&ce* a!" the!f&!"&!( the (ro+!" safeha" cha!(e"-he ha" a'ter!ate'# $h&!e" over h&s (r&eva!ces a!" patro!&.e" her* ha" r+! a "o.e! $a#s &! as&!('e se!te!ce* ha" bee! +!re'&ab'e* &!1+&s&t&ve* va&!) 7es* &t $as a'' tr+e* b+t ho$ fa'se as as+%%ar# of the %a!- the esse!t&a' '&fe of h&% ha" bee! s'a&!)Go&!( to ha!( +p her c'oa,* she fo+!" that the t&p of the pe( $as occ+p&e" b# a s%a'' $asp)She ha" ,!o$! th&s $asp or h&s re'at&ves b# "a#- the# $ere !ot as E!('&sh $asps* b+t ha" 'o!(#e''o$ 'e(s $h&ch h+!( "o$! beh&!" $he! the# f'e$) Perhaps he %&stoo, the pe( for a

bra!ch!o I!"&a! a!&%a' has a!# se!se of a! &!ter&or) 0ats* rats* b&r"s* &!sects $&'' as soo! !est&!s&"e a ho+se as o+t- &t &s to the% a !or%a' (ro$th of the eter!a' 9+!('e* $h&ch a'ter!ate'#

pro"+ces ho+ses trees* ho+ses trees) There he c'+!(* as'eep* $h&'e 9ac,a's &! the p'a&! ba#e"the&r "es&res a!" %&!('e" $&th the perc+ss&o! of "r+%s)

4Prett# "ear*4 sa&" Mrs) Moore to the $asp) He "&" !ot $a,e* b+t her vo&ce f'oate" o+t* tos$e'' the !&(ht2s +!eas&!ess)CHAPTER I;The Co''ector ,ept h&s $or") Next "a# he &ss+e" &!v&tat&o! car"s to !+%ero+s I!"&a! (e!t'e%e!&! the !e&(hbo+rhoo"* stat&!( that he $o+'" be at ho%e &! the (ar"e! of the c'+b bet$ee!the ho+rs of f&ve a!" seve! o! the fo''o$&!( T+es"a#* a'so that Mrs) T+rto! $o+'" be ('a"to rece&ve a!# 'a"&es of the&r fa%&'&es $ho $ere o+t of p+r"ah) H&s act&o! ca+se" %+ch exc&te%e!ta!" $as "&sc+sse" &! severa' $or'"s)4It &s o$&!( to or"ers fro% the 3)G)*4 $as Mah%o+" A'&2s exp'a!at&o!) 4T+rto! $o+'" !ever "o th&s +!'ess co%pe''e") Those h&(h off&c&a's are "&ffere!tthe# s#%path&.e* the ;&cero#s#%path&.es*

the# $o+'" have +s treate" proper'#) 0+t the# co%e too se'"o% a!" '&ve too far a$a#)Mea!$h&'e44It &s eas# to s#%path&.e at a "&sta!ce*4 sa&" a! o'" (e!t'e%a! $&th a bear") 4I va'+e %ore



the ,&!" $or" that &s spo,e! c'ose to %# ear) Mr) T+rto! has spo,e! &t* fro% $hatever ca+se) Hespea,s* $e hear) I "o !ot see $h# $e !ee" "&sc+ss &t f+rther)4 Q+otat&o!s fo''o$e" fro% the 8ora!)4e have !ot a'' #o+r s$eet !at+re* Na$ab 0aha"+r* !or #o+r 'ear!&!()44The 3&e+te!a!tGover!or %a# be %# ver# (oo" fr&e!"* b+t I (&ve h&% !o tro+b'e)Ho$ "o#o+ "o* Na$ab 0aha"+r6Q+&te $e''* tha!, #o+* S&r G&'bert- ho$ are #o+6A!" a'' &s over) 0+t Ica! be a thor! &! Mr) T+rto!2s f'esh* a!" &f he as,s %e I accept the &!v&tat&o!) I sha'' co%e &!

fro% D&',+sha spec&a''#* tho+(h I have to postpo!e other b+s&!ess)447o+ $&'' %a,e #o+rse'f ch&p*4 s+""e!'# sa&" a '&tt'e b'ac, %a!)There $as a st&r of "&sapprova') ho $as th&s &''bre" +pstart* that he sho+'" cr&t&c&.e the'ea"&!( Moha%%e"a! 'a!"o$!er of the "&str&ct6 Mah%o+" A'&* tho+(h shar&!( h&s op&!&o!* fe't

bo+!" to oppose &t) 4Mr) Ra% Cha!"54 he sa&"* s$a#&!( for$ar" st&ff'# $&th h&s ha!"s o! h&sh&ps)4Mr) Mah%o+" A'&544Mr) Ra% Cha!"* the Na$ab 0aha"+r ca! "ec&"e $hat &s cheap $&tho+t o+r va'+at&o!* Ith&!,)44I "o !ot expect I sha'' %a,e %#se'f cheap*4 sa&" the Na$ab 0aha"+r to Mr) Ra% Cha!"*spea,&!( ver# p'easa!t'#* for he $as a$are that the %a! ha" bee! &%po'&te a!" he "es&re" to

sh&e'" h&% fro% the co!se1+e!ces) It ha" passe" thro+(h h&s %&!" to rep'#* 4I expect I sha''%a,e %#se'f cheap*4 b+t he re9ecte" th&s as the 'ess co+rteo+s a'ter!at&ve) 4I "o !ot see $h#$e sho+'" %a,e o+rse'ves cheap) I "o !ot see $h# $e sho+'") The &!v&tat&o! &s $or"e" ver#(rac&o+s'#)4 /ee'&!( that he co+'" !ot f+rther "ecrease the soc&a' (+'f bet$ee! h&%se'f a!" h&sa+"&tors* he se!t h&s e'e(a!t (ra!"so!* $ho $as &! atte!"a!ce o! h&%* to fetch h&s car) he! &tca%e* he repeate" a'' that he ha" sa&" before* tho+(h at (reater 'e!(th* e!"&!( +p $&th 4T&''T+es"a#* the!* (e!t'e%e! a''* $he! I hope $e %a# %eet &! the f'o$er (ar"e!s of the c'+b)4Th&s op&!&o! carr&e" (reat $e&(ht) The Na$ab 0aha"+r $as a b&( propr&etor a!" a ph&'a!throp&st*a %a! of be!evo'e!ce a!" "ec&s&o!) H&s character a%o!( a'' the co%%+!&t&es &! the

prov&!ce stoo" h&(h) He $as a stra&(htfor$ar" e!e%# a!" a sta+!ch fr&e!"* a!" h&s hosp&ta'&t#$as proverb&a') 4G&ve* "o !ot 'e!"- after "eath $ho $&'' tha!, #o+64 $as h&s favo+r&te re%ar,)He he'" &t a "&s(race to "&e r&ch) he! s+ch a %a! $as prepare" to %otor t$e!t#f&ve %&'es tosha,e the Co''ector2s ha!"* the e!terta&!%e!t too, a!other aspect) /or he $as !ot '&,e so%ee%&!e!t %e!* $ho (&ve o+t that the# $&'' co%e* a!" the! fa&' at the 'ast %o%e!t* 'eav&!( thes%a'' fr# f'o+!"er&!() If he sa&" he $o+'" co%e* he $o+'" co%e* he $o+'" !ever "ece&ve h&ss+pporters) The (e!t'e%e! $ho% he ha" 'ect+re" !o$ +r(e" o!e a!other to atte!" the part#*a'tho+(h co!v&!ce" at heart that h&s a"v&ce $as +!so+!")He ha" spo,e! &! the '&tt'e roo% !ear the Co+rts $here the p'ea"ers $a&te" for c'&e!ts- c'&e!ts*$a&t&!( for p'ea"ers* sat &! the "+st o+ts&"e) These ha" !ot rece&ve" a car" fro% Mr) T+rto!)A!" there $ere c&rc'es eve! be#o!" thesepeop'e $ho $ore !oth&!( b+t a 'o&!c'oth* peop'e$ho $ore !ot eve! that* a!" spe!t the&r '&ves &! ,!oc,&!( t$o st&c,s to(ether before a scar'et

"o'' h+%a!&t# (ra"&!( a!" "r&ft&!( be#o!" the e"+cate" v&s&o!* +!t&' !o earth'# &!v&tat&o!ca! e%brace &t)A'' &!v&tat&o!s %+st procee" fro% heave! perhaps- perhaps &t &s f+t&'e for %e! to &!&t&atethe&r o$! +!&t#* the# "o b+t $&"e! the (+'fs bet$ee! the% b# the atte%pt) So at a'' eve!tstho+(ht o'" Mr) Gra#sfor" a!" #o+!( Mr) Sor'e#* the "evote" %&ss&o!ar&es $ho '&ve" o+t be#o!"the s'a+(hterho+ses* a'$a#s trave''e" th&r" o! the ra&'$a#s* a!" !ever ca%e +p to the c'+b) I!o+r /ather2s ho+se are %a!# %a!s&o!s* the# ta+(ht* a!" there a'o!e $&'' the &!co%pat&b'e %+'t&t+"esof %a!,&!" be $e'co%e" a!" soothe") Not o!e sha'' be t+r!e" a$a# b# the serva!ts o!that vera!"ah* be he b'ac, or $h&te* !ot o!e sha'' be ,ept sta!"&!( $ho approaches $&th a 'ov&!(heart) A!" $h# sho+'" the "&v&!e hosp&ta'&t# cease here6 Co!s&"er* $&th a'' revere!ce* the%o!,e#s) Ma# there !ot be a %a!s&o! for the %o!,e#s a'so6 O'" Mr) Gra#sfor" sa&" No* b+t

#o+!( Mr) Sor'e#* $ho $as a"va!ce"* sa&" 7es- he sa$ !o reaso! $h# %o!,e#s sho+'" !ot havethe&r co''atera' share of b'&ss* a!" he ha" s#%pathet&c "&sc+ss&o!s abo+t the% $&th h&s H&!"+fr&e!"s) A!" the 9ac,a's6 ?ac,a's $ere &!"ee" 'ess to Mr) Sor'e#2s %&!"* b+t he a"%&tte" that the



%erc# of Go"* be&!( &!f&!&te* %a# $e'' e%brace a'' %a%%a's) A!" the $asps6 He beca%e +!eas#"+r&!( the "esce!t to $asps* a!" $as apt to cha!(e the co!versat&o!) A!" ora!(es* cact+ses*cr#sta's a!" %+"6 a!" the bacter&a &!s&"e Mr) Sor'e#6 No* !o* th&s &s (o&!( too far) e%+st exc'+"e so%eo!e fro% o+r (ather&!(* or $e sha'' be 'eft $&th !oth&!()CHAPTER ;The 0r&"(e Part# $as !ot a s+ccessat 'east &t $as !ot $hat Mrs) Moore a!" M&ss Q+este"

$ere acc+sto%e" to co!s&"er a s+ccessf+' part#) The# arr&ve" ear'#* s&!ce &t $as (&ve! &! the&r ho!o+r* b+t %ost of the I!"&a! (+ests ha" arr&ve" eve! ear'&er* a!" stoo" %asse" at the farther s&"e of the te!!&s 'a$!s* "o&!( !oth&!()4It &s o!'# 9+st f&ve*4 sa&" Mrs) T+rto!) 4M# h+sba!" $&'' be +p fro% h&s off&ce &! a %o%e!ta!" start the th&!() I have !o &"ea $hat $e have to "o) It2s the f&rst t&%e $e2ve ever (&ve! a

part# '&,e th&s at the c'+b) Mr) Heas'op* $he! I2% "ea" a!" (o!e $&'' #o+ (&ve part&es '&,e th&s6It2s e!o+(h to %a,e the o'" t#pe of 0+rra Sah&b t+r! &! h&s (rave)4Ro!!# 'a+(he" "efere!t&a''#) 47o+ $a!te" so%eth&!( !ot p&ct+res1+e a!" $e2ve prov&"e" &t*4he re%ar,e" to M&ss Q+este") 4hat "o #o+ th&!, of the Ar#a! 0rother &! a top& a!" spats64

Ne&ther she !or h&s %other a!s$ere") The# $ere (a.&!( rather sa"'# over the te!!&s 'a$!) No* &t $as !ot p&ct+res1+e- the East* aba!"o!&!( &ts sec+'ar %a(!&f&ce!ce* $as "esce!"&!( &!to

a va''e# $hose farther s&"e !o %a! ca! see)4The (reat po&!t to re%e%ber &s that !o o!e $ho2s here %atters- those $ho %atter "o!2tco%e) Is!2t that so* Mrs) T+rto!644Abso'+te'# tr+e*4 sa&" the (reat 'a"#* 'ea!&!( bac,) She $as 4sav&!( herse'f +p*4 as sheca''e" &t!ot for a!#th&!( that $o+'" happe! that after!oo! or eve! that $ee,* b+t for so%eva(+e f+t+re occas&o! $he! a h&(h off&c&a' %&(ht co%e a'o!( a!" tax her soc&a' stre!(th) Mostof her p+b'&c appeara!ces $ere %ar,e" b# th&s a&r of reserve)Ass+re" of her approbat&o!* Ro!!# co!t&!+e": 4The e"+cate" I!"&a!s $&'' be !o (oo" to +s&f there2s a ro$* &t2s s&%p'# !ot $orth $h&'e co!c&'&at&!( the%* that2s $h# the# "o!2t %atter) Mostof the peop'e #o+ see are se"&t&o+s at heart* a!" the rest 2'" r+! s1+ea'&!() The c+'t&vatorhe2sa!other stor#) The Patha!he2s a %a! &f #o+ '&,e) 0+t these peop'e"o!2t &%a(&!e the#2re I!"&a)4He po&!te" to the "+s,# '&!e be#o!" the co+rt* a!" here a!" there &t f'ashe" a p&!ce!e.or sh+ff'e" a shoe* as &f a$are that he $as "esp&s&!( &t) E+ropea! cost+%e ha" '&(hte" '&,e a'epros#) /e$ ha" #&e'"e" e!t&re'#* b+t !o!e $ere +!to+che") There $as a s&'e!ce $he! he ha"f&!&she" spea,&!(* o! both s&"es of the co+rt- at 'east* %ore 'a"&es 9o&!e" the E!('&sh (ro+p* b+tthe&r $or"s see%e" to "&e as soo! as +ttere") So%e ,&tes hovere" overhea"* &%part&a'* over the,&tes passe" the %ass of a v+'t+re* a!" $&th a! &%part&a'&t# excee"&!( a''* the s,#* !ot "eep'#co'o+re" b+t tra!s'+ce!t* po+re" '&(ht fro% &ts $ho'e c&rc+%fere!ce) It see%e" +!'&,e'# that theser&es stoppe" here) 0e#o!" the s,# %+st !ot there be so%eth&!( that overarches a'' the s,&es*%ore &%part&a' eve! tha! the#6 0e#o!" $h&ch a(a&! ) ) )The# spo,e of <Co+s&! 8ate<)

The# ha" tr&e" to repro"+ce the&r o$! att&t+"e to '&fe +po! the sta(e* a!" to "ress +p as the%&""'ec'ass E!('&sh peop'e the# act+a''# $ere) Next #ear the# $o+'" "o <Q+a'&t# Street< or <The 7eo%e! of the G+ar"<) Save for th&s a!!+a' &!c+rs&o!* the# 'eft '&terat+re a'o!e) The %e!ha" !o t&%e for &t* the $o%e! "&" !oth&!( that the# co+'" !ot share $&th the %e!) The&r &(!ora!ceof the Arts $as !otab'e* a!" the# 'ost !o opport+!&t# of proc'a&%&!( &t to o!e a!other- &t$as the P+b'&c Schoo' att&t+"e- f'o+r&sh&!( %ore v&(oro+s'# tha! &t ca! #et hope to "o &! E!('a!")If I!"&a!s $ere shop* the Arts $ere ba" for%* a!" Ro!!# ha" represse" h&s %other $he!she e!1+&re" after h&s v&o'a- a v&o'a $as a'%ost a "e%er&t* a!" certa&!'# !ot the sort of &!str+%e!to!e %e!t&o!e" &! p+b'&c) She !ot&ce" !o$ ho$ to'era!t a!" co!ve!t&o!a' h&s 9+"(%e!tsha" beco%e- $he! the# ha" see! <Co+s&! 8ate< &! 3o!"o! to(ether &! the past* he ha"scor!e" &t- !o$ he prete!"e" that &t $as a (oo" p'a#* &! or"er to h+rt !obo"#2s fee'&!(s) A!

4+!,&!" !ot&ce4 ha" appeare" &! the 'oca' paper* 4the sort of th&!( !o $h&te %a! co+'" have$r&tte!*4 as Mrs) 3es'e# sa&") The p'a# $as pra&se"* to be s+re* a!" so $ere the sta(e %a!a(e%e!ta!" the perfor%a!ce as a $ho'e* b+t the !ot&ce co!ta&!e" the fo''o$&!( se!te!ce: 4M&ss



Dere,* tho+(h she char%&!('# 'oo,e" her part* 'ac,e" the !ecessar# exper&e!ce* a!" occas&o!a''#for(ot her $or"s)4 Th&s t&!# breath of (e!+&!e cr&t&c&s% ha" (&ve! "eep offe!ce* !ot &!"ee"to M&ss Dere,* $ho $as as har" as !a&'s* b+t to her fr&e!"s) M&ss Dere, "&" !ot be'o!( toCha!"rapore) She $as stopp&!( for a fort!&(ht $&th the Mc0r#"es* the po'&ce peop'e* a!" sheha" bee! so (oo" as to f&'' +p a (ap &! the cast at the 'ast %o%e!t) A !&ce &%press&o! of 'oca'hosp&ta'&t# she $o+'" carr# a$a# $&th here

4To $or,* Mar#* to $or,*4 cr&e" the Co''ector* to+ch&!( h&s $&fe o! the sho+'"er $&th as$&tch)Mrs) T+rto! (ot +p a$,$ar"'#) 4hat "o #o+ $a!t %e to "o6 Oh* those p+r"ah $o%e!5 I!ever tho+(ht a!# $o+'" co%e) Oh "ear54A '&tt'e (ro+p of I!"&a! 'a"&es ha" bee! (ather&!( &! a th&r" 1+arter of the (ro+!"s* !ear ar+st&c s+%%erho+se &! $h&ch the %ore t&%&" of the% ha" a'rea"# ta,e! ref+(e) The rest stoo"$&th the&r bac,s to the co%pa!# a!" the&r faces presse" &!to a ba!, of shr+bs) At a '&tt'e "&sta!cestoo" the&r %a'e re'at&ves* $atch&!( the ve!t+re) The s&(ht $as s&(!&f&ca!t: a! &s'a!"

bare" b# the t+r!&!( t&"e* a!" bo+!" to (ro$)4I co!s&"er the# o+(ht to co%e over to %e)44Co%e a'o!(* Mar#* (et &t over)4

4I ref+se to sha,e ha!"s $&th a!# of the %e!* +!'ess &t has to be the Na$ab 0aha"+r)44ho% have $e so far64 He ('a!ce" a'o!( the '&!e) 4H2%5 h2%5 %+ch as o!e expecte") e,!o$ $h# he2s here* I th&!,over that co!tract* a!" he $a!ts to (et the r&(ht s&"e of %e for Moh+rra%* a!" he2s the astro'o(er $ho $a!ts to "o"(e the %+!&c&pa' b+&'"&!( re(+'at&o!s* a!"he2s that Pars&* a!" he2sH+''o5 there he (oes s%ash &!to o+r ho''#hoc,s) P+''e" the 'eft re&!$he! he %ea!t the r&(ht) A'' as +s+a')44The# o+(ht !ever to have bee! a''o$e" to "r&ve &!- &t2s so ba" for the%*4 sa&" Mrs) T+rto!*$ho ha" at 'ast be(+! her pro(ress to the s+%%erho+se* acco%pa!&e" b# Mrs) Moore* M&ssQ+este"* a!" a terr&er) 4h# the# co%e at a'' I "o!2t ,!o$) The# hate &t as %+ch as $e "o) Ta', to Mrs) Mc0r#"e) Her h+sba!" %a"e her (&ve p+r"ah part&es +!t&' she str+c,)44Th&s &s!2t a p+r"ah part#*4 correcte" M&ss Q+este")4Oh* rea''#*4 $as the ha+(ht# re9o&!"er)4Do ,&!"'# te'' +s $ho these 'a"&es are*4 as,e" Mrs) Moore)47o+2re s+per&or to the%* a!#$a#) Do!2t for(et that) 7o+2re s+per&or to ever#o!e &! I!"&a excepto!e or t$o of the Ra!&s* a!" the#2re o! a! e1+a'&t#)4A"va!c&!(* she shoo, ha!"s $&th the (ro+p a!" sa&" a fe$ $or"s of $e'co%e &! Ur"+) Sheha" 'ear!t the '&!(o* b+t o!'# to spea, to her serva!ts* so she ,!e$ !o!e of the po'&ter for%sa!" of the verbs o!'# the &%perat&ve %oo") As soo! as her speech $as over* she e!1+&re" of her co%pa!&o!s* 4Is that $hat #o+ $a!te"644P'ease te'' these 'a"&es that I $&sh $e co+'" spea, the&r 'a!(+a(e* b+t $e have o!'# 9+stco%e to the&r co+!tr#)4

4Perhaps $e spea, #o+rs a '&tt'e*4 o!e of the 'a"&es sa&")4h#* fa!c#* she +!"ersta!"s54 sa&" Mrs) T+rto!)4Eastbo+r!e* P&cca"&''#* H&(h Par, Cor!er*4 sa&" a!other of the 'a"&es)4Oh #es* the#2re E!('&shspea,&!()440+t !o$ $e ca! ta',: ho$ "e'&(htf+'54 cr&e" A"e'a* her face '&(ht&!( +p)4She ,!o$s Par&s a'so*4 ca''e" o!e of the o!'oo,ers)4The# pass Par&s o! the $a#* !o "o+bt*4 sa&" Mrs) T+rto!* as &f she $as "escr&b&!( the%ove%e!ts of %&(rator# b&r"s) Her %a!!er ha" (ro$! %ore "&sta!t s&!ce she ha" "&scovere"that so%e of the (ro+p $as ester!&.e"* a!" %&(ht app'# her o$! sta!"ar"s to her)4The shorter 'a"#* she &s %# $&fe* she &s Mrs) 0hattachar#a*4 the o!'oo,er exp'a&!e") 4Theta''er 'a"#* she &s %# s&ster* she &s Mrs) Das)4

The shorter a!" the ta''er 'a"&es both a"9+ste" the&r sar&s* a!" s%&'e") There $as a c+r&o+s+!certa&!t# abo+t the&r (est+res* as &f the# so+(ht for a !e$ for%+'a $h&ch !e&ther East !or est co+'" prov&"e) he! Mrs) 0hattachar#a2s h+sba!" spo,e* she t+r!e" a$a# fro% h&%* b+t



she "&" !ot %&!" see&!( the other %e!) I!"ee" a'' the 'a"&es $ere +!certa&!* co$er&!(* recover&!(*(&(('&!(* %a,&!( t&!# (est+res of ato!e%e!t or "espa&r at a'' that $as sa&"* a!" a'ter!ate'#fo!"'&!( the terr&er or shr&!,&!( fro% h&%) M&ss Q+este" !o$ ha" her "es&re" opport+!&t#-fr&e!"'# I!"&a!s $ere before her* a!" she tr&e" to %a,e the% ta',* b+t she fa&'e"* she strove &!va&! a(a&!st the echo&!( $a''s of the&r c&v&'&t#) hatever she sa&" pro"+ce" a %+r%+r of"eprecat&o!*

var#&!( &!to a %+r%+r of co!cer! $he! she "roppe" her poc,etha!",erch&ef) She tr&e""o&!( !oth&!(* to see $hat that pro"+ce"* a!" the# too "&" !oth&!() Mrs) Moore $as e1+a''#+!s+ccessf+') Mrs) T+rto! $a&te" for the% $&th a "etache" express&o!- she ha" ,!o$! $hat!o!se!se &t a'' $as fro% the f&rst)he! the# too, the&r 'eave* Mrs) Moore ha" a! &%p+'se* a!" sa&" to Mrs) 0hattachar#a*$hose face she '&,e"* 4I $o!"er $hether #o+ $o+'" a''o$ +s to ca'' o! #o+ so%e "a#)44he!64 she rep'&e"* &!c'&!&!( char%&!('#)4he!ever &s co!ve!&e!t)44A'' "a#s are co!ve!&e!t)44Th+rs"a# ) ) )44Most certa&!'#)4

4e sha'' e!9o# &t (reat'#* &t $o+'" be a rea' p'eas+re) hat abo+t the t&%e644A'' ho+rs)44Te'' +s $h&ch #o+ $o+'" prefer) e2re 1+&te stra!(ers to #o+r co+!tr#- $e "o!2t ,!o$ $he!#o+ have v&s&tors*4 sa&" M&ss Q+este")Mrs) 0hattachar#a see%e" !ot to ,!o$ e&ther) Her (est+re &%p'&e" that she ha" ,!o$!*s&!ce Th+rs"a#s be(a!* that E!('&sh 'a"&es $o+'" co%e to see her o! o!e of the%* a!" so a'$a#ssta#e" &!) Ever#th&!( p'ease" her* !oth&!( s+rpr&se") She a""e"* 4e 'eave for Ca'c+ttato"a#)44Oh* "o #o+64 sa&" A"e'a* !ot at f&rst see&!( the &%p'&cat&o!) The! she cr&e"* 4Oh* b+t &f #o+"o $e sha'' f&!" #o+ (o!e)4Mrs) 0hattachar#a "&" !ot "&sp+te &t) 0+t her h+sba!" ca''e" fro% the "&sta!ce* 47es* #es*#o+ co%e to +s Th+rs"a#)440+t #o+2'' be &! Ca'c+tta)44No* !o* $e sha'' !ot)4 He sa&" so%eth&!( s$&ft'# to h&s $&fe &! 0e!(a'&) 4e expect #o+Th+rs"a#)44Th+rs"a# ) ) )4 the $o%a! echoe")47o+ ca!2t have "o!e s+ch a "rea"f+' th&!( as to p+t off (o&!( for o+r sa,e64 exc'a&%e" Mrs)Moore)4No* of co+rse !ot* $e are !ot s+ch peop'e)4 He $as 'a+(h&!()4I be'&eve that #o+ have) Oh* p'ease&t "&stresses %e be#o!" $or"s)4Ever#o!e $as 'a+(h&!( !o$* b+t $&th !o s+((est&o! that the# ha" b'+!"ere") A shape'ess

"&sc+ss&o! occ+rre"* "+r&!( $h&ch Mrs) T+rto! ret&re"* s%&'&!( to herse'f) The +pshot $as thatthe# $ere to co%e Th+rs"a#* b+t ear'# &! the %or!&!(* so as to $rec, the 0hattachar#a p'a!s as'&tt'e as poss&b'e* a!" Mr) 0hattachar#a $o+'" se!" h&s carr&a(e to fetch the%* $&th serva!ts to

po&!t o+t the $a#) D&" he ,!o$ $here the# '&ve"6 7es* of co+rse he ,!e$* he ,!e$ ever#th&!(-a!" he 'a+(he" a(a&!) The# 'eft a%o!( a f'+tter of co%p'&%e!ts a!" s%&'es* a!" three 'a"&es*$ho ha" h&therto ta,e! !o part &! the recept&o!* s+""e!'# shot o+t of the s+%%erho+se '&,eex1+&s&te'# co'o+re" s$a''o$s* a!" sa'aa%e" the%)Mea!$h&'e the Co''ector ha" bee! (o&!( h&s ro+!"s) He %a"e p'easa!t re%ar,s a!" a fe$

9o,es* $h&ch $ere app'a+"e" '+st&'#* b+t he ,!e$ so%eth&!( to the "&scre"&t of !ear'# ever# o!eof h&s (+ests* a!" $as co!se1+e!t'# perf+!ctor#) he! the# ha" !ot cheate"* &t $as bha!(*$o%e!* or $orse* a!" eve! the "es&rab'es $a!te" to (et so%eth&!( o+t of h&%) He be'&eve"

that a 40r&"(e Part#4 "&" (oo" rather tha! har%* or he $o+'" !ot have (&ve! o!e* b+t he $as+!"er !o &''+s&o!s* a!" at the proper %o%e!t he ret&re" to the E!('&sh s&"e of the 'a$!) The&%press&o!s he 'eft beh&!" h&% $ere var&o+s) Ma!# of the (+ests* espec&a''# the h+%b'er a!"



'ess A!('&c&.e"* $ere (e!+&!e'# (ratef+') To be a""resse" b# so h&(h a! off&c&a' $as a per%a!e!tasset) The# "&" !ot %&!" ho$ 'o!( the# stoo"* or ho$ '&tt'e happe!e"* a!" $he! seve! o2c'oc, str+c,* the# ha" to be t+r!e" o+t) Others $ere (ratef+' $&th %ore &!te''&(e!ce) The Na$ab 0aha"+r*&!"&ffere!t for h&%se'f a!" for the "&st&!ct&o! $&th $h&ch he $as (reete"* $as %ove" b#the %ere ,&!"!ess that %+st have pro%pte" the &!v&tat&o!) He ,!e$ the "&ff&c+'t&es) Ha%&"+''aha'so tho+(ht that the Co''ector ha" p'a#e" +p $e'') 0+t others* s+ch as Mah%o+" A'&* $ere c#!&ca'-

the# $ere f&r%'# co!v&!ce" that T+rto! ha" bee! %a"e to (&ve the part# b# h&s off&c&a' s+per&orsa!" $as a'' the t&%e co!s+%e" $&th &%pote!t ra(e* a!" the# &!fecte" so%e $ho $ere&!c'&!e" to a hea'th&er v&e$) 7et eve! Mah%o+" A'& $as ('a" he ha" co%e) Shr&!es are fasc&!at&!(*espec&a''# $he! rare'# ope!e"* a!" &t a%+se" h&% to !ote the r&t+a' of the E!('&sh c'+b* a!"to car&cat+re &t after$ar"s to h&s fr&e!"s)After Mr) T+rto!* the off&c&a' $ho "&" h&s "+t# best $as Mr) /&e'"&!(* the Pr&!c&pa' of the '&tt'eGover!%e!t Co''e(e) He ,!e$ '&tt'e of the "&str&ct a!" 'ess a(a&!st the &!hab&ta!ts* so he $as &!a 'ess c#!&ca' state of %&!") Ath'et&c a!" cheerf+'* he ro%pe" abo+t* %a,&!( !+%ero+s %&sta,es$h&ch the pare!ts of h&s p+p&'s tr&e" to cover +p* for he $as pop+'ar a%o!( the%) he! the%o%e!t for refresh%e!ts ca%e* he "&" !ot %ove bac, to the E!('&sh s&"e* b+t b+r!t h&s %o+th$&th (ra%) He ta',e" to a!#o!e a!" he ate a!#th&!() A%&" %+ch that $as a'&e!* he 'ear!t that

the t$o !e$ 'a"&es fro% E!('a!" ha" bee! a (reat s+ccess* a!" that the&r po'&te!ess &! $&sh&!(to be Mrs) 0hattachar#a2s (+ests ha" p'ease" !ot o!'# her b+t a'' I!"&a!s $ho hear" of &t) It

p'ease" Mr) /&e'"&!( a'so) He scarce'# ,!e$ the t$o !e$ 'a"&es* st&'' he "ec&"e" to te'' the%$hat p'eas+re the# ha" (&ve! b# the&r fr&e!"'&!ess)He fo+!" the #o+!(er of the% a'o!e) She $as 'oo,&!( thro+(h a !&c, &! the cact+s he"(e atthe "&sta!t Marabar H&''s* $h&ch ha" crept !ear* as $as the&r c+sto% at s+!set- &f the s+!set ha"'aste" 'o!( e!o+(h* the# $o+'" have reache" the to$!* b+t &t $as s$&ft* be&!( trop&ca') He (aveher h&s &!for%at&o!* a!" she $as so %+ch p'ease" a!" tha!,e" h&% so heart&'# that he as,e"her a!" the other 'a"# to tea)4I2" '&,e to co%e ver# %+ch &!"ee"* a!" so $o+'" Mrs) Moore* I ,!o$)44I2% rather a her%&t* #o+ ,!o$)44M+ch the best th&!( to be &! th&s p'ace)44O$&!( to %# $or, a!" so o!* I "o!2t (et +p %+ch to the c'+b)44I ,!o$* I ,!o$* a!" $e !ever (et "o$! fro% &t) I e!v# #o+ be&!( $&th I!"&a!s)44Do #o+ care to %eet o!e or t$o644;er#* ver# %+ch &!"ee"- &t2s $hat I 'o!( for) Th&s part# to"a# %a,es %e so a!(r# a!" %&serab'e)I th&!, %# co+!tr#%e! o+t here %+st be %a") /a!c# &!v&t&!( (+ests a!" !ot treat&!(the% proper'#5 7o+ a!" Mr) T+rto! a!" perhaps Mr) Mc0r#"e are the o!'# peop'e $ho sho$e"a!# co%%o! po'&te!ess) The rest %a,e %e perfect'# asha%e"* a!" &t2s (ot $orse a!" $orse)4It ha") The E!('&sh%e! ha" &!te!"e" to p'a# +p better* b+t ha" bee! preve!te" fro% "o&!(so b# the&r $o%e! fo',* $ho% the# ha" to atte!"* prov&"e $&th tea* a"v&se abo+t "o(s* etc)

he! te!!&s be(a!* the barr&er (re$ &%pe!etrab'e) It ha" bee! hope" to have so%e sets bet$ee!East a!" est* b+t th&s $as for(otte!* a!" the co+rts $ere %o!opo'&.e" b# the +s+a'c'+b co+p'es) /&e'"&!( rese!te" &t too* b+t "&" !ot sa# so to the (&r'* for he fo+!" so%eth&!(theoret&ca' &! her o+tb+rst) D&" she care abo+t I!"&a! %+s&c6 he e!1+&re"- there $as a! o'" professor "o$! at the Co''e(e* $ho sa!()4Oh* 9+st $hat $e $a!te" to hear) A!" "o #o+ ,!o$ Doctor A.&.644I ,!o$ a'' abo+t h&%) I "o!2t ,!o$ h&%) o+'" #o+ '&,e h&% as,e" too644Mrs) Moore sa#s he &s so !&ce)44;er# $e''* M&ss Q+este") &'' Th+rs"a# s+&t #o+644I!"ee" &t $&''* a!" that %or!&!( $e (o to th&s I!"&a! 'a"#2s) A'' the !&ce th&!(s are co%&!(Th+rs"a#)4

4I $o!2t as, the C&t# Ma(&strate to br&!( #o+) I ,!o$ he2'' be b+s# at that t&%e)447es* Ro!!# &s a'$a#s har"$or,e"*4 she rep'&e"* co!te%p'at&!( the h&''s) Ho$ 'ove'# the#s+""e!'# $ere5 0+t she co+'"!2t to+ch the%) I! fro!t* '&,e a sh+tter* fe'' a v&s&o! of her %arr&e"



'&fe) She a!" Ro!!# $o+'" 'oo, &!to the c'+b '&,e th&s ever# eve!&!(* the! "r&ve ho%e to "ress-the# $o+'" see the 3es'e#s a!" the Ca''e!"ars a!" the T+rto!s a!" the 0+rto!s* a!" &!v&tethe% a!" be &!v&te" b# the%* $h&'e the tr+e I!"&a s'&" b# +!!ot&ce") Co'o+r $o+'" re%a&!the

pa(ea!t of b&r"s &! the ear'# %or!&!(* bro$! bo"&es* $h&te t+rba!s* &"o's $hose f'esh $as scar'etor b'+ea!" %ove%e!t $o+'" re%a&! as 'o!( as there $ere cro$"s &! the ba.aar a!" bathers&! the ta!,s) Perche" +p o! the seat of a "o(cart* she $o+'" see the%) 0+t the force that

'&es beh&!" co'o+r a!" %ove%e!t $o+'" escape her eve! %ore effect+a''# tha! &t "&" !o$) She$o+'" see I!"&a a'$a#s as a fr&e.e* !ever as a sp&r&t* a!" she ass+%e" that &t $as a sp&r&t o2f $h&ch Mrs) Moore ha" ha" a ('&%pse)A!" s+re e!o+(h the# "&" "r&ve a$a# fro% the c'+b &! a fe$ %&!+tes* a!" the# "&" "ress*a!" to "&!!er ca%e M&ss Dere, a!" the Mc0r#"es* a!" the %e!+ $as: ?+'&e!!e so+p f+'' of b+''et#

bott'e" peas* pse+"ocotta(e brea"* f&sh f+'' of bra!ch&!( bo!es* prete!"&!( to be p'a&ce*%ore bott'e" peas $&th the c+t'ets* tr&f'e* sar"&!es o! toast: the %e!+ of A!('oI!"&a) A "&sh%&(ht be a""e" or s+btracte" as o!e rose or fe'' &! the off&c&a' sca'e* the peas %&(ht ratt'e 'essor %ore* the sar"&!es a!" the ver%o+th be &%porte" b# a "&ffere!t f&r%* b+t the tra"&t&o! re%a&!e"-the foo" of ex&'es* coo,e" b# serva!ts $ho "&" !ot +!"ersta!" &t) A"e'a tho+(ht of the#o+!( %e! a!" $o%e! $ho ha" co%e o+t before her* P) @ O) f+'' after P) @ O) f+''* a!" ha"

bee! set "o$! to the sa%e foo" a!" the sa%e &"eas* a!" bee! s!+bbe" &! the sa%e (oo"h+%o+re"$a# +!t&' the# ,ept to the accre"&te" the%es a!" be(a! to s!+b others) 4I sho+'"!ever (et '&,e that*4 she tho+(ht* for she $as #o+!( herse'f- a'' the sa%e she ,!e$ that sheha" co%e +p a(a&!st so%eth&!( that $as both &!s&"&o+s a!" to+(h* a!" a(a&!st $h&ch she!ee"e" a''&es) She %+st (ather aro+!" her at Cha!"rapore a fe$ peop'e $ho fe't as she "&"*a!" she $as ('a" to have %et Mr) /&e'"&!( a!" the I!"&a! 'a"# $&th the +!pro!o+!ceab'e !a%e)Here at a'' eve!ts $as a !+c'e+s- she sho+'" ,!o$ %+ch better $here she stoo" &! the co+rseof the !ext t$o "a#s)M&ss Dere,she co%pa!&o!e" a Mahara!& &! a re%ote Nat&ve State) She $as (e!&a' a!" (a#a!" %a"e the% a'' 'a+(h abo+t her 'eave* $h&ch she ha" ta,e! beca+se she fe't she "eserve"&t* !ot beca+se the Mahara!& sa&" she %&(ht (o) No$ she $a!te" to ta,e the Mahara9ah2s%otorcar as $e''- &t ha" (o!e to a Ch&efs2 Co!fere!ce at De'h&* a!" she ha" a (reat sche%e for

b+r('&!( &t at the 9+!ct&o! as &t ca%e bac, &! the tra&!) She $as a'so ver# f+!!# abo+t the 0r&"(ePart#&!"ee" she re(ar"e" the e!t&re pe!&!s+'a as a co%&c opera) 4If o!e co+'"!2t see the'a+(hab'e s&"e of these peop'e o!e 2I" be "o!e for*4 sa&" M&ss Dere,) Mrs) Mc0r#"e&t $as she$ho ha" bee! the !+rsecease" !ot to exc'a&%* 4Oh* Na!c#* ho$ topp&!(5 Oh* Na!c#* ho$ ,&''&!(5I $&sh I co+'" 'oo, at th&!(s '&,e that)4 Mr) Mc0r#"e "&" !ot spea, %+ch- he see%e" !&ce)he! the (+ests ha" (o!e* a!" A"e'a (o!e to be"* there $as a!other &!terv&e$ bet$ee!%other a!" so!) He $a!te" her a"v&ce a!" s+pport$h&'e rese!t&!( &!terfere!ce) 4Does A"e'ata', to #o+ %+ch64 he be(a!) 4I2% so "r&ve! $&th $or,* I "o!2t see her as %+ch as I hope"* b+tI hope she f&!"s th&!(s co%fortab'e)4

4A"e'a a!" I ta', %ost'# abo+t I!"&a) Dear* s&!ce #o+ %e!t&o! &t* #o+2re 1+&te r&(ht#o+o+(ht to be %ore a'o!e $&th her tha! #o+ are)47es* perhaps* b+t the! peop'e2&" (oss&p)44e''* the# %+st (oss&p so%et&%e5 3et the% (oss&p)44Peop'e are so o"" o+t here* a!" &t2s !ot '&,e ho%eo!e2s a'$a#s fac&!( the foot'&(hts* asthe 0+rra Sah&b sa&") Ta,e a s&''# '&tt'e exa%p'e: $he! A"e'a $e!t o+t to the bo+!"ar# of thec'+b co%po+!"* a!" /&e'"&!( fo''o$e" her) I sa$ Mrs) Ca''e!"ar !ot&ce &t) The# !ot&ce ever#th&!(*+!t&' the#2re perfect'# s+re #o+2re the&r sort)44I "o!2t th&!, A"e'a2'' ever be 1+&te the&r sortshe2s %+ch too &!"&v&"+a')44I ,!o$* that2s so re%ar,ab'e abo+t her*4 he sa&" tho+(htf+''#) Mrs) Moore tho+(ht h&%rather abs+r") Acc+sto%e" to the pr&vac# of 3o!"o!* she co+'" !ot rea'&.e that I!"&a* see%&!('#

so %#ster&o+s* co!ta&!s !o!e* a!" that co!se1+e!t'# the co!ve!t&o!s have (reater force) 4Is+ppose !oth&!(2s o! her %&!"*4 he co!t&!+e")4As, her* as, her #o+rse'f* %# "ear bo#)4



4Probab'# she2s hear" ta'es of the heat* b+t of co+rse I sho+'" pac, her off to the H&''s ever#Apr&'I2% !ot o!e to ,eep a $&fe (r&''&!( &! the P'a&!s)44Oh* &t $o+'"!2t be the $eather)44There2s !oth&!( &! I!"&a b+t the $eather* %# "ear %other- &t2s the A'pha a!" O%e(a of the$ho'e affa&r)447es* as Mrs) Mc0r#"e $as sa#&!(* b+t &t2s %+ch %ore the A!('oI!"&a!s the%se'ves $ho

are '&,e'# to (et o! A"e'a2s !erves) She "oes!2t th&!, the# behave p'easa!t'# to I!"&a!s* #o+see)44hat "&" I te'' #o+64 he exc'a&%e"* 'os&!( h&s (e!t'e %a!!er) 4I ,!e$ &t 'ast $ee,) Oh* ho$'&,e a $o%a! to $orr# over a s&"e&ss+e54She for(ot abo+t A"e'a &! her s+rpr&se) 4A s&"e&ss+e* a s&"e&ss+e64 she repeate") 4Ho$ ca!&t be that644e2re !ot o+t here for the p+rpose of behav&!( p'easa!t'#544hat "o #o+ %ea!644hat I sa#) e2re o+t here to "o 9+st&ce a!" ,eep the peace) The%2s %# se!t&%e!ts) I!"&a&s!2t a "ra$&!(roo%)447o+r se!t&%e!ts are those of a (o"*4 she sa&" 1+&et'#* b+t &t $as h&s %a!!er rather tha! h&s

se!t&%e!ts that a!!o#e" her)Tr#&!( to recover h&s te%per* he sa&"* 4I!"&a '&,es (o"s)44A!" E!('&sh%e! '&,e pos&!( as (o"s)44There2s !o po&!t &! a'' th&s) Here $e are* a!" $e2re (o&!( to stop* a!" the co+!tr#2s (ot to

p+t +p $&th +s* (o"s or !o (o"s) Oh* 'oo, here*4 he bro,e o+t* rather pathet&ca''#* 4$hat "o #o+a!" A"e'a $a!t %e to "o6 Go a(a&!st %# c'ass* a(a&!st a'' the peop'e I respect a!" a"%&re o+there6 3ose s+ch po$er as I have for "o&!( (oo" &! th&s co+!tr# beca+se %# behav&o+r &s!2t

p'easa!t6 7o+ !e&ther of #o+ +!"ersta!" $hat $or, &s* or #o+ 2'" !ever ta', s+ch e#e$ash) Ihate ta',&!( '&,e th&s* b+t o!e %+st occas&o!a''#) It2s %orb&"'# se!s&t&ve to (o o! as A"e'a a!"#o+ "o) I !ot&ce" #o+ both at the c'+b to"a#after the 0+rra Sah&b ha" bee! at a'' that tro+b'eto a%+se #o+) I a% o+t here to $or,* %&!"* to ho'" th&s $retche" co+!tr# b# force) I2% !ot a%&ss&o!ar# or a 3abo+r Me%ber or a va(+e se!t&%e!ta' s#%pathet&c '&terar# %a!) I2% 9+st aserva!t of the Gover!%e!t- &t2s the profess&o! #o+ $a!te" %e to choose %#se'f* a!" that2s that)e2re !ot p'easa!t &! I!"&a* a!" $e "o!2t &!te!" to be p'easa!t) e2ve so%eth&!( %ore &%porta!tto "o)4He spo,e s&!cere'#) Ever# "a# he $or,e" har" &! the co+rt tr#&!( to "ec&"e $h&ch of t$o +!tr+eacco+!ts $as the 'ess +!tr+e* tr#&!( to "&spe!se 9+st&ce fear'ess'#* to protect the $ea, a(a&!st the 'ess $ea,* the &!cohere!t a(a&!st the p'a+s&b'e* s+rro+!"e" b# '&es a!" f'atter#) That%or!&!( he ha" co!v&cte" a ra&'$a# c'er, of overchar(&!( p&'(r&%s for the&r t&c,ets* a!" a Patha!of atte%pte" rape) He expecte" !o (rat&t+"e* !o reco(!&t&o! for th&s* a!" both c'er, a!" Patha!%&(ht appea'* br&be the&r $&t!esses %ore effect+a''# &! the &!terva'* a!" (et the&r se!te!ces reverse")

It $as h&s "+t#) 0+t he "&" expect s#%path# fro% h&s o$! peop'e* a!" except fro% !e$cor!ershe obta&!e" &t) He "&" th&!, he o+(ht !ot to be $orr&e" abo+t 40r&"(e Part&es4 $he! the"a#2s $or, $as over a!" he $a!te" to p'a# te!!&s $&th h&s e1+a's or rest h&s 'e(s +po! a 'o!(cha&r)He spo,e s&!cere'#* b+t she co+'" have $&she" $&th 'ess (+sto) Ho$ Ro!!# reve''e" &! the"ra$bac,s of h&s s&t+at&o!5 Ho$ he "&" r+b &t &! that he $as !ot &! I!"&a to behave p'easa!t'#*a!" "er&ve" pos&t&ve sat&sfact&o! therefro%5 He re%&!"e" her of h&s p+b'&cschoo'"a#s) Thetraces of #o+!(%a! h+%a!&tar&a!&s% ha" s'o+(he" off* a!" he ta',e" '&,e a! &!te''&(e!t a!"e%b&ttere" bo#) H&s $or"s $&tho+t h&s vo&ce %&(ht have &%presse" her* b+t $he! she hear" these'fsat&sf&e" '&'t of the%* $he! she sa$ the %o+th %ov&!( so co%p'ace!t'# a!" co%pete!t'#

be!eath the '&tt'e re" !ose* she fe't* 1+&te &''o(&ca''#* that th&s $as !ot the 'ast $or" o! I!"&a)

O!e to+ch of re(ret!ot the ca!!# s+bst&t+te b+t the tr+e re(ret fro% the heart$o+'" have%a"e h&% a "&ffere!t %a!* a!" the 0r&t&sh E%p&re a "&ffere!t &!st&t+t&o!)4I2% (o&!( to ar(+e* a!" &!"ee" "&ctate*4 she sa&"* c'&!,&!( her r&!(s) 4The E!('&sh are o+t



here to be p'easa!t)44Ho$ "o #o+ %a,e that o+t* %other64 he as,e"* spea,&!( (e!t'# a(a&!* for he $as asha%e"of h&s &rr&tab&'&t#)40eca+se I!"&a &s part of the earth) A!" Go" has p+t +s o! the earth &! or"er to be p'easa!tto each other) Go" ) ) ) &s ) ) ) 'ove)4 She hes&tate"* see&!( ho$ %+ch he "&s'&,e" the ar(+%e!t*h+t so%eth&!( %a"e her (o o!) 4Go" has p+t +s o! earth to 'ove o+r !e&(hbo+rs a!" to sho$

&t* a!" He &s o%!&prese!t* eve! &! I!"&a* to see ho$ $e are s+ccee"&!()4He 'oo,e" ('oo%#* a!" a '&tt'e a!x&o+s) He ,!e$ th&s re'&(&o+s stra&! &! her* a!" that &t $as as#%pto% of ba" hea'th- there ha" bee! %+ch of &t $he! h&s stepfather "&e") He tho+(ht* 4She&s certa&!'# a(e&!(* a!" I o+(ht !ot to be vexe" $&th a!#th&!( she sa#s)44The "es&re to behave p'easa!t'# sat&sf&es Go" ) ) ) The s&!cere &f &%pote!t "es&re $&ps H&s

b'ess&!() I th&!, ever#o!e fa&'s* b+t there are so %a!# ,&!"s of fa&'+re) Goo" $&'' a!" %ore (oo"$&'' a!" %ore (oo" $&'') Tho+(h I spea, $&th the to!(+es of ) ) )4He $a&te" +!t&' she ha" "o!e* a!" the! sa&" (e!t'#* 4I 1+&te see that) I s+ppose I o+(ht to(et off to %# f&'es !o$* a!" #o+2'' be (o&!( to be")44I s+ppose so* I s+ppose so)4 The# "&" !ot part for a fe$ %&!+tes* b+t the co!versat&o! ha"

beco%e +!rea' s&!ce Chr&st&a!&t# ha" e!tere" &t) Ro!!# approve" of re'&(&o! as 'o!( as &t e!"orse"

the Nat&o!a' A!the%* b+t he ob9ecte" $he! &t atte%pte" to &!f'+e!ce h&s '&fe) The! he$o+'" sa# &! respectf+' #et "ec&"e" to!es* 4I "o!2t th&!, &t "oes to ta', abo+t these th&!(s* ever#fe''o$ has to $or, o+t h&s o$! re'&(&o!*4 a!" a!# fe''o$ $ho hear" h&% %+ttere"* 4Hear54Mrs) Moore fe't that she ha" %a"e a %&sta,e &! %e!t&o!&!( Go"* b+t she fo+!" h&% &!creas&!('#"&ff&c+'t to avo&" as she (re$ o'"er* a!" he ha" bee! co!sta!t'# &! her tho+(hts s&!ce shee!tere" I!"&a* tho+(h o""'# e!o+(h he sat&sf&e" her 'ess) She %+st !ee"s pro!o+!ce h&s !a%efre1+e!t'#* as the (reatest she ,!e$* #et she ha" !ever fo+!" &t 'ess eff&cac&o+s) O+ts&"e thearch there see%e" a'$a#s a! arch* be#o!" the re%otest echo a s&'e!ce) A!" she re(rette" after$ar"sthat she ha" !ot ,ept to the rea' ser&o+s s+b9ect that ha" ca+se" her to v&s&t I!"&a!a%e'#* the re'at&o!sh&p bet$ee! Ro!!# a!" A"e'a) o+'" the#* or $o+'" the# !ot* s+ccee" &!

beco%&!( e!(a(e" to be %arr&e"6CHAPTER ;I5 A.&. ha" !ot (o!e to the 0r&"(e Part#) I%%e"&ate'# after h&s %eet&!( $&th Mrs) Moore he$as "&verte" to other %atters) Severa' s+r(&ca' cases ca%e &!* a!" ,ept h&% b+s#) He cease" to

be e&ther o+tcaste or poet* a!" beca%e the %e"&ca' st+"e!t* ver# (a#* a!" f+'' of "eta&'s ofoperat&o!s$h&ch he po+re" &!to the shr&!,&!( ears of h&s fr&e!"s) H&s profess&o! fasc&!ate" h&% att&%es* b+t he re1+&re" &t to be exc&t&!(* a!" &t $as h&s ha!"* !ot h&s %&!"* that $as sc&e!t&f&c)The ,!&fe he 'ove" a!" +se" s,&'f+''#* a!" he a'so '&,e" p+%p&!( &! the 'atest ser+%s) 0+t the

bore"o% of r(&%e a!" h#(&e!e repe''e" h&%* a!" after &!oc+'at&!( a %a! for e!ter&c* he $o+'"(o a$a# a!" "r&!, +!f&'tere" $ater h&%se'f) 4hat ca! #o+ expect fro% the fe''o$64 sa&" "o+r

Ma9or Ca''e!"ar) 4No (r&ts* !o (+ts)4 0+t &! h&s heart he ,!e$ that &f A.&. a!" !ot he ha" operate"'ast #ear o! Mrs) Gra#sfor"2s appe!"&x* the o'" 'a"# $o+'" probab'# have '&ve") A!" th&s"&" !ot "&spose h&% a!# better to$ar"s h&s s+bor"&!ate)There $as a ro$ the %or!&!( after the %os1+ethe# $ere a'$a#s hav&!( ro$s) The Ma9or*$ho ha" bee! +p ha'f the !&(ht* $a!te" "a%! $e'' to ,!o$ $h# A.&. ha" !ot co%e pro%pt'#$he! s+%%o!e")4S&r* exc+se %e* I "&") I %o+!te" %# b&,e* a!" &t b+st &! fro!t of the Co$ Hosp&ta') So I ha"to f&!" a to!(a)440+st &! fro!t of the Co$ Hosp&ta'* "&" &t6 A!" ho$ "&" #o+ co%e to be there644I be( #o+r par"o!644Oh 3or"* oh 3or"5 he! I '&ve here 4he ,&c,e" the (rave'4 a!" #o+ '&ve there!ot te!

%&!+tes fro% %ea!" the Co$ Hosp&ta' &s r&(ht ever so far a$a# the other s&"e of #o+ <there<the! ho$ "&" #o+ co%e to be pass&!( the Co$ Hosp&ta' o! the $a# to %e6 No$ "oso%e $or, for a cha!(e)4



He stro"e a$a# &! a te%per* $&tho+t $a&t&!( for the exc+se* $h&ch as far as &t $e!t $as aso+!" o!e: the Co$ Hosp&ta' $as &! a stra&(ht '&!e bet$ee! Ha%&"+''ah2s ho+se a!" h&s o$!* soA.&. ha" !at+ra''# passe" &t) He !ever rea'&.e" that the e"+cate" I!"&a!s v&s&te" o!e a!other co!sta!t'#* a!" $ere $eav&!(* ho$ever pa&!f+''#* a !e$ soc&a' fabr&c) Caste 4or so%eth&!( of the sort4 $o+'" preve!t the%) He o!'# ,!e$ that !o o!e ever to'" h&% the tr+th* a'tho+(h heha" bee! &! the co+!tr# for t$e!t# #ears)

A.&. $atche" h&% (o $&th a%+se%e!t) he! h&s sp&r&ts $ere +p he fe't that the E!('&sh area co%&c &!st&t+t&o!* a!" he e!9o#e" be&!( %&s+!"erstoo" b# the%) 0+t &t $as a! a%+se%e!t of the e%ot&o!s a!" !erves* $h&ch a! acc&"e!t or the passa(e of t&%e %&(ht "estro#- &t $as apartfro% the f+!"a%e!ta' (a&et# that he reache" $he! he $as $&th those $ho% he tr+ste") A"&sob'&(&!(s&%&'e &!vo'v&!( Mrs) Ca''e!"ar occ+rre" to h&s fa!c#) 4I %+st te'' that to Mah%o+" A'&*&t2'' %a,e h&% 'a+(h*4 he tho+(ht) The! he (ot to $or,) He $as co%pete!t a!" &!"&spe!sab'e*a!" he ,!e$ &t) The s&%&'e passe" fro% h&s %&!" $h&'e he exerc&se" h&s profess&o!a' s,&'')D+r&!( these p'easa!t a!" b+s# "a#s* he hear" va(+e'# that the Co''ector $as (&v&!( a

part#* a!" that the Na$ab 0aha"+r sa&" ever#o!e o+(ht to (o to &t) H&s fe''o$ass&sta!t* Doctor Pa!!a 3a'* $as &! ecstas&es at the prospect* a!" $as +r(e!t that the# sho+'" atte!" &t to(ether

&! h&s !e$ t+%t+%) The arra!(e%e!t s+&te" the% both) A.&. $as spare" the &!"&(!&t# of a b&c#c'eor the expe!se of h&r&!(* $h&'e Dr) Pa!!a 3a'* $ho $as t&%&" a!" e'"er'#* sec+re" so%eo!e$ho co+'" %a!a(e h&s horse) He co+'" %a!a(e &t h&%se'f* b+t o!'# 9+st* a!" he $as afra&" of the %otors a!" of the +!,!o$! t+r! &!to the c'+b (ro+!"s) 4D&saster %a# co%e*4 he sa&" po'&te'#*4b+t $e sha'' at a'' eve!ts (et there safe* eve! &f $e "o !ot (et bac,)4 A!" $&th %ore'o(&c: 4It $&''* I th&!,* create a (oo" &%press&o! sho+'" t$o "octors arr&ve at the sa%e t&%e)40+t $he! the t&%e ca%e* A.&. $as se&.e" $&th a rev+'s&o!* a!" "eter%&!e" !ot to (o) /or o!e th&!( h&s spe'' of $or,* 'ate'# co!c'+"e"* 'eft h&% &!"epe!"e!t a!" hea'th#) /or a!other* the"a# cha!ce" to fa'' o! the a!!&versar# of h&s $&fe2s "eath) She ha" "&e" soo! after he ha" fa''e!&! 'ove $&th her- he ha" !ot 'ove" her at f&rst) To+che" b# ester! fee'&!(* he "&s'&,e" +!&o!$&th a $o%a! $ho% he ha" !ever see!- %oreover* $he! he "&" see her* she "&sappo&!te" h&%*a!" he be(at h&s f&rst ch&'" &! %ere a!&%a'&t#) The cha!(e be(a! after &ts b&rth) He $as $o! b#her 'ove for h&%* b# a 'o#a't# that &%p'&e" so%eth&!( %ore tha! s+b%&ss&o!* a!" b# her effortsto e"+cate herse'f a(a&!st that '&ft&!( of the p+r"ah that $o+'" co%e &! the !ext (e!erat&o! &f !ot &! the&rs) She $as &!te''&(e!t* #et ha" o'"fash&o!e" (race) Gra"+a''# he 'ost the fee'&!( thath&s re'at&ves ha" chose! $ro!('# for h&%) Se!s+o+s e!9o#%e!t$e''* eve! &f he ha" ha" &t* &t$o+'" have "+''e" &! a #ear* a!" he ha" (a&!e" so%eth&!( &!stea"* $h&ch see%e" to &!creasethe 'o!(er the# '&ve" to(ether) She beca%e the %other of a so! ) ) ) a!" &! (&v&!( h&% a seco!"so! she "&e") The! he rea'&.e" $hat he ha" 'ost* a!" that !o $o%a! co+'" ever ta,e her p'ace-a fr&e!" $o+'" co%e !earer to her tha! a!other $o%a!) She ha" (o!e* there $as !o o!e '&,eher* a!" $hat &s that +!&1+e!ess b+t 'ove6 He a%+se" h&%se'f* he for(ot her at t&%es: b+t at

other t&%es he fe't that she ha" se!t a'' the bea+t# a!" 9o# of the $or'" &!to Para"&se* a!" he%e"&tate" s+&c&"e) o+'" he %eet her be#o!" the to%b6 Is there s+ch a %eet&!(p'ace6 Tho+(hortho"ox* he "&" !ot ,!o$) Go"2s +!&t# $as &!"+b&tab'e a!" &!"+b&tab'# a!!o+!ce"* b+t o! a''other po&!ts he $avere" '&,e the avera(e Chr&st&a!- h&s be'&ef &! the '&fe to co%e $o+'" pa'e to ahope* va!&sh* reappear* a'' &! a s&!('e se!te!ce or a "o.e! heartbeats* so that the corp+sc'es of h&s b'oo" rather tha! he see%e" to "ec&"e $h&ch op&!&o! he sho+'" ho'"* a!" for ho$ 'o!() It$as so $&th a'' h&s op&!&o!s) Noth&!( sta#e"* !oth&!( passe" that "&" !ot ret+r!- the c&rc+'at&o!$as cease'ess a!" ,ept h&% #o+!(* a!" he %o+r!e" h&s $&fe the %ore s&!cere'# beca+se he%o+r!e" her se'"o%)It $o+'" have bee! s&%p'er to te'' Dr) 3a' that he ha" cha!(e" h&s %&!" abo+t the part#* b+t+!t&' the 'ast %&!+te he "&" !ot ,!o$ that he ha" cha!(e" &t- &!"ee"* he "&"!2t cha!(e &t* &t

cha!(e" &tse'f) U!co!1+erab'e avers&o! $e''e") Mrs) Ca''e!"ar* Mrs) 3es'e#!o* he co+'"!2tsta!" the% &! h&s sorro$: the# $o+'" (+ess &t for he "o$ere" the 0r&t&sh %atro! $&th stra!(e&!s&(ht a!" $o+'" "e'&(ht &! tort+r&!( h&%* the# $o+'" %oc, h&% to the&r h+sba!"s) he! he



sho+'" have bee! rea"#* he stoo" at the Post Off&ce* $r&t&!( a te'e(ra% to h&s ch&'"re!* a!"fo+!" o! h&s ret+r! that Dr) 3a' ha" ca''e" for h&%* a!" (o!e o!) e''* 'et h&% (o o!* as bef&tte"the coarse!ess of h&s !at+re) /or h&s o$! part* he $o+'" co%%+!e $&th the "ea")A!" +!'oc,&!( a "ra$er* he too, o+t h&s $&fe2s photo(raph) He (a.e" at &t* a!" tearsspo+te" fro% h&s e#es) He tho+(ht* 4Ho$ +!happ# I a%54 0+t beca+se he rea''# $as +!happ#*a!other e%ot&o! soo! %&!('e" $&th h&s se'fp&t#: he "es&re" to re%e%ber h&s $&fe a!" co+'"

!ot) h# co+'" he re%e%ber peop'e $ho% he "&" !ot 'ove6 The# $ere a'$a#s so v&v&" to h&%*$hereas the %ore he 'oo,e" at th&s photo(raph* the 'ess he sa$) She ha" e'+"e" h&% th+s* ever s&!ce the# ha" carr&e" her to her to%b) He ha" ,!o$! that she $o+'" pass fro% h&s ha!"s a!"e#es* b+t ha" tho+(ht she co+'" '&ve &! h&s %&!"* !ot rea'&.&!( that the ver# fact that $e have'ove" the "ea" &!creases the&r +!rea'&t#* a!" that the %ore pass&o!ate'# $e &!vo,e the% thef+rther the# rece"e) A p&ece of bro$! car"boar" a!" three ch&'"re!that $as a'' that $as 'eft of h&s $&fe) It $as +!bearab'e* a!" he tho+(ht a(a&!* 4Ho$ +!happ# I a%54 a!" beca%e happ&er)He ha" breathe" for a! &!sta!t the %orta' a&r that s+rro+!"s Or&e!ta's a!" a'' %e!* a!" he "re$

bac, fro% &t $&th a (asp* for he $as #o+!() 4Never* !ever sha'' I (et over th&s*4 he to'" h&%se'f)4Most certa&!'# %# career &s a fa&'+re* a!" %# so!s $&'' be ba"'# bro+(ht +p)4 S&!ce &t $as certa&!*he strove to avert &t* a!" 'oo,e" at so%e !otes he ha" %a"e o! a case at the hosp&ta')

Perhaps so%e "a# a r&ch perso! %&(ht re1+&re th&s part&c+'ar operat&o!* a!" he (a&! a 'ar(es+%) The !otes &!terest&!( h&% o! the&r o$! acco+!t* he 'oc,e" the photo(raph +p a(a&!) Its%o%e!t $as over* a!" he "&" !ot th&!, abo+t h&s $&fe a!# %ore)After tea h&s sp&r&ts &%prove"* a!" he $e!t ro+!" to see Ha%&"+''ah) Ha%&"+''ah ha" (o!eto the part#* b+t h&s po!# ha" !ot* so A.&. borro$e" &t* a'so h&s fr&e!"2s r&"&!( breeches a!" po'o%a''et) He repa&re" to the Ma&"a!) It $as "eserte" except at &ts r&%* $here so%e ba.aar #o+ths$ere tra&!&!() Tra&!&!( for $hat6 The# $o+'" have fo+!" &t har" to sa#* b+t the $or" ha" (ot&!to the a&r) Ro+!" the# ra!* $ee"# a!" ,!oc,,!ee"the 'oca' ph#s&1+e $as $retche"$&th a!express&o! o! the&r faces !ot so %+ch of "eter%&!at&o! as of a "eter&!&!at&o! to be "eter%&!e")4Mahara9ah* sa'aa%*4 he ca''e" for a 9o,e) The #o+ths stoppe" a!" 'a+(he") He a"v&se" the%!ot to exert the%se'ves) The# pro%&se" the# $o+'" !ot* a!" ra! o!)R&"&!( &!to the %&""'e* he be(a! to ,!oc, the ba'' abo+t) He co+'" !ot p'a#* b+t h&s po!#co+'"* a!" he set h&%se'f to 'ear!* free fro% a'' h+%a! te!s&o!) He for(ot the $ho'e "a%!e"

b+s&!ess of '&v&!( as he sc+rr&e" over the bro$! p'atter of the Ma&"a!* $&th the eve!&!( $&!" o!h&s forehea"* a!" the e!c&rc'&!( trees sooth&!( h&s e#es) The ba'' shot a$a# to$ar"s a stra#s+ba'ter! $ho $as a'so pract&s&!(- he h&t &t bac, to A.&. a!" ca''e"* 4Se!" &t a'o!( a(a&!)44A'' r&(ht)4The !e$cor!er ha" so%e !ot&o! of $hat to "o* b+t h&s horse ha" !o!e* a!" forces $eree1+a') Co!ce!trate" o! the ba''* the# so%eho$ beca%e fo!" of o!e a!other* a!" s%&'e" $he!the# "re$ re&! to rest) A.&. '&,e" so'"&ersthe# e&ther accepte" #o+ or s$ore at #o+* $h&ch $as

preferab'e to the c&v&'&a!2s ha+te+ra!" the s+ba'ter! '&,e" a!#o!e $ho co+'" r&"e)

4Ofte! p'a#64 he as,e")4Never)443et2s have a!other ch+,,er)4As he h&t* h&s horse b+c,e" a!" off he $e!t* cr&e"* 4Oh Go"5 4a!" 9+%pe" o! a(a&!) 4Do!2t#o+ ever fa'' off644P'e!t#)44Not #o+)4The# re&!e" +p a(a&!* the f&re of (oo" fe''o$sh&p &! the&r e#es) 0+t &t coo'e" $&th the&r bo"&es*for ath'et&cs ca! o!'# ra&se a te%porar# ('o$) Nat&o!a'&t# $as ret+r!&!(* b+t before &t co+'"exert &ts po&so! the# parte"* sa'+t&!( each other) 4If o!'# the# $ere a'' '&,e that*4 each tho+(ht)

No$ &t $as s+!set) A fe$ of h&s core'&(&o!&sts ha" co%e to the Ma&"a!* a!" $ere pra#&!(

$&th the&r faces to$ar"s Mecca) A 0rah%&!# 0+'' $a',e" to$ar"s the%* a!" A.&.* tho+(h"&s&!c'&!e"to pra# h&%se'f* "&" !ot see $h# the# sho+'" be bothere" $&th the c'+%s# a!" &"o'atro+s



a!&%a') He (ave &t a tap $&th h&s po'o %a''et) As he "&" so* a vo&ce fro% the roa" ha&'e" h&%: &t$as Dr) Pa!!a 3a'* ret+r!&!( &! h&(h "&stress fro% the Co''ector2s part#)4Dr) A.&.* Dr) A.&.* $here #o+ bee!6 I $a&te" te! f+'' %&!+tes2 t&%e at #o+r ho+se* the! I$e!t)44I a% so a$f+''# sorr#I $as co%pe''e" to (o to the Post Off&ce)4O!e of h&s o$! c&rc'e $o+'" have accepte" th&s as %ea!&!( that he ha" cha!(e" h&s %&!"*

a! eve!t too co%%o! to %er&t ce!s+re) 0+t Dr) 3a'* be&!( of 'o$ extract&o!* $as !ot s+re$hether a! &!s+'t ha" !ot bee! &!te!"e"* a!" he $as f+rther a!!o#e" beca+se A.&. ha" b+ffete"the 0rah%&!# 0+'') 4Post Off&ce6 Do #o+ !ot se!" #o+r serva!ts64 he sa&")4I have so fe$%# sca'e &s ver# s%a'')447o+r serva!t spo,e to %e) I sa$ #o+r serva!t)440+t* Dr) 3a'* co!s&"er) Ho$ co+'" I se!" %# serva!t $he! #o+ $ere co%&!(: #o+ co%e* $e(o* %# ho+se &s 'eft a'o!e* %# serva!t co%es bac, perhaps* a!" a'' %# portab'e propert# has

bee! carr&e" a$a# b# ba" characters &! the %ea!t&%e) o+'" #o+ have that6 The coo, &s "eafI ca! !ever co+!t o! %# coo,a!" the bo# &s o!'# a '&tt'e bo#) Never* !ever "o I a!" Hassa!eave the ho+se at the sa%e t&%e to(ether) It &s %# f&xe" r+'e)4 He sa&" a'' th&s a!" %+ch %oreo+t of c&v&'&t#* to save Dr) 3a'2s face) It $as !ot offere" as tr+th a!" sho+'" !ot have bee! cr&t&c&.e"

as s+ch) 0+t the other "e%o'&she" &ta! eas# a!" &(!ob'e tas,) 4Eve! &f th&s so* $hat preve!ts'eav&!( a ch&t sa#&!( $here #o+ (o64 a!" so o!) A.&. "eteste" &'' bree"&!(* a!" %a"e h&s

po!# caper) 4/arther a$a#* or %&!e $&'' start o+t of s#%path#*4 he $a&'e"* revea'&!( the tr+eso+rce of h&s &rr&tat&o!) 4It has bee! so ro+(h a!" $&'" th&s after!oo!) It spo&'e" so%e %ostva'+ab'e b'osso%s &! the c'+b (ar"e!* a!" ha" to be "ra((e" bac, b# fo+r %e!) E!('&sh 'a"&esa!" (e!t'e%e! 'oo,&!( o!* a!" the Co''ector Sah&b h&%se'f ta,&!( a !ote) 0+t* Dr) A.&.* I2'' !otta,e +p #o+r va'+ab'e t&%e) Th&s $&'' !ot &!terest #o+* $ho have so %a!# e!(a(e%e!ts a!"te'e(ra%s) I a% 9+st a poor o'" "octor $ho tho+(ht r&(ht to pa# %# respects $he! I $as as,e"a!" $here I $as as,e") 7o+r abse!ce* I %a# re%ar,* "re$ co%%e!tar&es)44The# ca! "a%! $e'' co%%e!t)44It &s f&!e to be #o+!() Da%! $e''5 Oh* ver# f&!e) Da%! $ho%644I (o or !ot as I p'ease)447et #o+ pro%&se %e* a!" the! fabr&cate th&s ta'e of a te'e(ra%) Go for$ar"* Dapp'e)4The# $e!t* a!" A.&. ha" a $&'" "es&re to %a,e a! e!e%# for '&fe) He co+'" "o &t so eas&'# b#(a''op&!( !ear the%) He "&" &t) Dapp'e bo'te") He th+!"ere" bac, o! to the Ma&"a!) The ('or#of h&s p'a# $&th the s+ba'ter! re%a&!e" for a '&tt'e* he (a''ope" a!" s$oope" t&'' he po+re" $&ths$eat* a!" +!t&' he ret+r!e" the po!# to Ha%&"+''ah2s stab'e he fe't the e1+a' of a!# %a!) O!ceo! h&s feet* he ha" creep&!( fears) as he &! ba" o"o+r $&th the po$ers that be6 Ha" he offe!"e"the Co''ector b# abse!t&!( h&%se'f6 Dr) Pa!!a 3a5 $as a perso! of !o &%porta!ce* #et$as &t $&se to have 1+arre''e" eve! $&th h&%6 The co%p'ex&o! of h&s %&!" t+r!e" fro% h+%a!to po'&t&ca') He tho+(ht !o 'o!(er* 4Ca! I (et o! $&th peop'e64 b+t 4Are the# stro!(er tha! I64

breath&!( the preva'e!t %&as%a)At h&s ho%e a ch&t $as a$a&t&!( h&%* bear&!( the Gover!%e!t sta%p) It 'a# o! h&s tab'e '&,ea h&(h exp'os&ve* $h&ch at a to+ch %&(ht b'o$ h&s f'&%s# b+!(a'o$ to b&ts) He $as (o&!( to becash&ere" beca+se he ha" !ot t+r!e" +p at the part#) he! he ope!e" the !ote* &t prove" to be1+&te "&ffere!t- a! &!v&tat&o! fro% Mr) /&e'"&!(* the Pr&!c&pa' of Gover!%e!t Co''e(e* as,&!( h&%to co%e to tea the "a# after to%orro$) H&s sp&r&ts rev&ve" $&th v&o'e!ce) The# $o+'" have rev&ve"&! a!# case* for he possesse" a so+' that co+'" s+ffer b+t !ot st&f'e* a!" 'e" a stea"# '&fe

be!eath h&s %+tab&'&t#) 0+t th&s &!v&tat&o! (ave h&% part&c+'ar 9o#* beca+se /&e'"&!( ha" as,e"h&% to tea a %o!th a(o* a!" he ha" for(otte! abo+t &t!ever a!s$ere"* !ever (o!e* 9+st for(otte!)A!" here ca%e a seco!" &!v&tat&o!* $&tho+t a reb+,e or eve! a! a''+s&o! to h&s s'&p) Here$as tr+e co+rtes#the c&v&' "ee" that sho$s the (oo" hearta!" s!atch&!( +p h&s pe! he $rote

a! affect&o!ate rep'#* a!" h+rr&e" bac, for !e$s to Ha%&"+''ah2s) /or he ha" !ever %et thePr&!c&pa'* a!" be'&eve" that the o!e ser&o+s (ap &! h&s '&fe $as (o&!( to be f&''e") He 'o!(e" to,!o$ ever#th&!( abo+t the sp'e!"&" fe''o$h&s sa'ar#* prefere!ces* a!tece"e!ts* ho$ best o!e



%&(ht p'ease h&%) 0+t Ha%&"+''ah $as st&'' o+t* a!" Mah%o+" A'&* $ho $as &!* $o+'" o!'# %a,es&''# r+"e 9o,es abo+t the part#)CHAPTER ;IITh&s Mr) /&e'"&!( ha" bee! ca+(ht b# I!"&a 'ate) He $as over fort# $he! he e!tere" thato""est porta'* the ;&ctor&a Ter%&!+s at 0o%ba#* a!"hav&!( br&be" a E+ropea! t&c,et&!spectortoo, h&s '+((a(e &!to the co%part%e!t of h&s f&rst trop&ca' tra&!) The 9o+r!e# re%a&!e"

&! h&s %&!" as s&(!&f&ca!t) Of h&s t$o carr&a(e co%pa!&o!s o!e $as a #o+th* fresh to theEast '&,e h&%se'f* the other a seaso!e" A!('oI!"&a! of h&s o$! a(e) A (+'f "&v&"e" h&% fro%e&ther- he ha" see! too %a!# c&t&es a!" %e! to be the f&rst or to beco%e the seco!") Ne$&%press&o!scro$"e" o! h&%* b+t the# $ere !ot the ortho"ox !e$ &%press&o!s- the past co!"&t&o!e"the%* a!" so &t $as $&th h&s %&sta,es) To re(ar" a! I!"&a! as &f he $ere a! Ita'&a! &s !ot*for &!sta!ce* a co%%o! error* !or perhaps a fata' o!e* a!" /&e'"&!( ofte! atte%pte" a!a'o(&es

bet$ee! th&s pe!&!s+'a a!" that other* s%a''er a!" %ore ex1+&s&te'# shape"* that stretches &!tothe c'ass&c $aters of the Me"&terra!ea!)H&s career* tho+(h scho'ast&c* $as var&e"* a!" ha" &!c'+"e" (o&!( to the ba" a!" repe!t&!(thereafter) 0# !o$ he $as a har"b&tte!* (oo"te%pere"* &!te''&(e!t fe''o$ o! the ver(e of %&""'e

a(e* $&th a be'&ef &! e"+cat&o!) He "&" !ot %&!" $ho% he ta+(ht- p+b'&c schoo'bo#s* %e!ta'"efect&ves a!" po'&ce%e!* ha" a'' co%e h&s $a#* a!" he ha" !o ob9ect&o! to a""&!( I!"&a!s)Thro+(h the &!f'+e!ce of fr&e!"s* he $as !o%&!ate" Pr&!c&pa' of the '&tt'e co''e(e at Cha!"rapore*'&,e" &t* a!" ass+%e" he $as a s+ccess) He "&" s+ccee" $&th h&s p+p&'s* b+t the (+'f bet$ee!h&%se'f a!" h&s co+!tr#%e!* $h&ch he ha" !ot&ce" &! the tra&!* $&"e!e" "&stress&!('#) Heco+'" !ot at f&rst see $hat $as $ro!() He $as !ot +!patr&ot&c* he a'$a#s (ot o! $&th E!('&sh%e!&! E!('a!"* a'' h&s best fr&e!"s $ere E!('&sh* so $h# $as &t !ot the sa%e o+t here6 O+t$ar"'#of the 'ar(e sha((# t#pe* $&th spra$'&!( '&%bs a!" b'+e e#es* he appeare" to &!sp&reco!f&"e!ce +!t&' he spo,e) The! so%eth&!( &! h&s %a!!er p+..'e" peop'e a!" fa&'e" to a''a# the"&str+st $h&ch h&s profess&o! !at+ra''# &!sp&re") There !ee"s %+st be th&s ev&' of bra&!s &! I!"&a*

b+t $oe to h&% thro+(h $ho% the# are &!crease"5 The fee'&!( (re$ that Mr) /&e'"&!( $as a"&sr+pt&veforce* a!" r&(ht'#* for &"eas are fata' to caste* a!" he +se" &"eas b# that %ost pote!t%etho"&!tercha!(e) Ne&ther a %&ss&o!ar# !or a st+"e!t* he $as happ&est &! the (&vea!"ta,eof a pr&vate co!versat&o!) The $or'"* he be'&eve"* &s a ('obe of %e! $ho are tr#&!( to reach o!ea!other a!" ca! best "o so b# the he'p of (oo" $&'' p'+s c+'t+re a!" &!te''&(e!ce a cree" &''s+&te" to Cha!"rapore* b+t he ha" co%e o+t too 'ate to 'ose &t) He ha" !o rac&a' fee'&!(!ot

beca+se he $as s+per&or to h&s brother c&v&'&a!s* b+t beca+se he ha" %at+re" &! a "&ffere!tat%osphere*$here the her"&!st&!ct "oes !ot f'o+r&sh) The re%ar, that "&" h&% %ost har% at thec'+b $as a s&''# as&"e to the effect that the soca''e" $h&te races are rea''# p&!,o(re#) He o!'#

sa&" th&s to be cheer#* he "&" !ot rea'&.e that 4$h&te4 has !o %ore to "o $&th a co'o+r tha! 4Go"save the 8&!(4 $&th a (o"* a!" that &t &s the he&(ht of &%propr&et# to co!s&"er $hat &t "oes co!!ote)The p&!,o(re# %a'e $ho% he a""resse" $as s+bt'# sca!"a'&.e"- h&s se!se of &!sec+r&t#$as a$o,e!* a!" he co%%+!&cate" &t to the rest of the her")St&''* the %e! to'erate" h&% for the sa,e of h&s (oo" heart a!" stro!( bo"#- &t $as the&r $&ves $ho "ec&"e" that he $as !ot a sah&b rea''#) The# "&s'&,e" h&%) He too, !o !ot&ce of the%*a!" th&s* $h&ch $o+'" have passe" $&tho+t co%%e!t &! fe%&!&st E!('a!"* "&" h&% har% &! aco%%+!&t# $here the %a'e &s expecte" to be '&ve'# a!" he'pf+') Mr) /&e'"&!( !ever a"v&se" o!eabo+t "o(s or horses* or "&!e"* or pa&" h&s %&""a# ca''s* or "ecorate" trees for o!e2s ch&'"re! atChr&st%as* a!" tho+(h he ca%e to the c'+b* &t $as o!'# to (et h&s te!!&s or b&''&ar"s* a!" to (o)Th&s $as tr+e) He ha" "&scovere" that &t &s poss&b'e to ,eep &! $&th I!"&a!s a!" E!('&sh%e!* b+t

that he $ho $o+'" a'so ,eep &! $&th E!('&sh$o%e! %+st "rop the I!"&a!s) The t$o $o+'"!2tco%b&!e) Use'ess to b'a%e e&ther part#* +se'ess to b'a%e the% for b'a%&!( o!e a!other) It 9+st$as so* a!" o!e ha" to choose) Most E!('&sh%e! preferre" the&r o$! ,&!s$o%e!* $ho* co%&!(



o+t &! &!creas&!( !+%bers* %a"e '&fe o! the ho%e patter! #ear'# %ore poss&b'e) He ha" fo+!" &tco!ve!&e!t a!" p'easa!t to assoc&ate $&th I!"&a!s a!" he %+st pa# the pr&ce) As a r+'e !oE!('&sh$o%a!e!tere" the Co''e(e except for off&c&a' f+!ct&o!s* a!" &f he &!v&te" Mrs) Moore a!"M&ss Q+este" to tea* &t $as beca+se the# $ere !e$co%ers $ho $o+'" v&e$ ever#th&!( $&th a!e1+a' &f s+perf&c&a' e#e* a!" $o+'" !ot t+r! o! a spec&a' vo&ce $he! spea,&!( to h&s other

(+ests)The Co''e(e &tse'f ha" bee! s'appe" "o$! b# the P+b'&c or,s Depart%e!t* b+t &ts (ro+!"s&!c'+"e" a! a!c&e!t (ar"e! a!" a (ar"e!ho+se* a!" here he '&ve" for %+ch of the #ear) He $as"ress&!( after a bath $he! Dr) A.&. $as a!!o+!ce") 3&ft&!( +p h&s vo&ce* he sho+te" fro% the

be"roo%* 4P'ease %a,e #o+rse'f at ho%e)4 The re%ar, $as +!pre%e"&tate"* '&,e %ost of h&sact&o!s- &t $as $hat he fe't &!c'&!e" to sa#)To A.&. &t ha" a ver# "ef&!&te %ea!!() 4Ma# I rea''#* Mr) /&e'"&!(6 It2s ver# (oo" of #o+*4 heca''e" bac,- 4I '&,e +!co!ve!t&o!a' behav&o+r so extre%e'#)4 H&s sp&r&ts f'are" +p* he ('a!ce"ro+!" the '&v&!(roo%) So%e '+x+r# &! &t* b+t !o or"er!oth&!( to &!t&%&"ate poor I!"&a!s) It$as a'so a ver# bea+t&f+' roo%* ope!&!( &!to the (ar"e! thro+(h three h&(h arches of $oo")4The fact &s I have 'o!( $a!te" to %eet #o+*4 he co!t&!+e") 4I have hear" so %+ch abo+t #o+r

$ar% heart fro% the Na$ab 0aha"+r) 0+t $here &s o!e to %eet &! a $retche" ho'e '&,eCha!"rapore64 He ca%e c'ose +p to the "oor) 4he! I $as (ree!er here* I2'' te'' #o+ $hat) I+se" to $&sh #o+ to fa'' &'' so that $e co+'" %eet that $a#)4 The# 'a+(he"* a!" e!co+ra(e" b#h&s s+ccess he be(a! to &%prov&se) 4I sa&" to %#se'f* Ho$ "oes Mr) /&e'"&!( 'oo, th&s %or!&!(6Perhaps pa'e) A!" the C&v&' S+r(eo! &s pa'e too* he $&'' !ot be ab'e to atte!" +po! h&% $he!the sh&ver&!( co%%e!ces) I sho+'" have bee! se!t for &!stea") The! $e $o+'" have ha" 9o''#ta',s* for #o+ are a ce'ebrate" st+"e!t of Pers&a! poetr#)447o+ ,!o$ %e b# s&(ht* the!)44Of co+rse* of co+rse) 7o+ ,!o$ %e644I ,!o$ #o+ ver# $e'' b# !a%e)44I have bee! here s+ch a short t&%e* a!" a'$a#s &! the ba.aar) No $o!"er #o+ have !ever see! %e* a!" I $o!"er #o+ ,!o$ %# !a%e) I sa#* Mr) /&e'"&!(6447es644G+ess $hat I 'oo, '&,e before #o+ co%e o+t) That $&'' be a ,&!" of (a%e)447o+2re f&ve feet !&!e &!ches h&(h*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* s+r%&s&!( th&s %+ch thro+(h the (ro+!"('ass of the be"roo% "oor)4?o''# (oo") hat !ext6 Have I !ot a ve!erab'e $h&te bear"644 0'ast54A!#th&!( $ro!(644I2ve sta%pe" o! %# 'ast co''ar st+")44Ta,e %&!e* ta,e %&!e)4

4Have #o+ a spare o!e6447es* #es* o!e %&!+te)44Not &f #o+2re $ear&!( &t #o+rse'f)44No* !o* o!e &! %# poc,et)4 Stepp&!( as&"e* so that h&s o+t'&!e %&(ht va!&sh* he $re!che"off h&s co''ar* a!" p+''e" o+t of h&s sh&rt the bac, st+"* a (o'" st+"* $h&ch $as part of a set thath&s brother&!'a$ ha" bro+(ht h&% fro% E+rope) 4 Here &t &s*4 he cr&e")4Co%e &! $&th &t &f #o+ "o!2t %&!" the +!co!ve!t&o!a'&t#)44O!e %&!+te a(a&!)4 Rep'ac&!( h&s co''ar* he pra#e" that &t $o+'" !ot spr&!( +p at the bac, "+r&!( tea) /&e'"&!(2s bearer* $ho $as he'p&!( h&% to "ress* ope!e" the "oor for h&%)4Ma!# tha!,s)4 The# shoo, ha!"s s%&'&!() He be(a! to 'oo, ro+!"* as he $o+'" have $&tha!# o'" fr&e!") /&e'"&!( $as !ot s+rpr&se" at the rap&"&t# of the&r &!t&%ac#) &th so e%ot&o!a' a

peop'e &t $as apt to co%e at o!ce or !ever* a!" he a!" A.&.* hav&!( hear" o!'# (oo" of eachother* co+'" affor" to "&spe!se $&th pre'&%&!ar&es)40+t I a'$a#s tho+(ht that E!('&sh%e! ,ept the&r roo%s so t&"#) It see%s that th&s &s !ot so)



I !ee" !ot be so asha%e")4 He sat "o$! (a&'# o! the be"- the!* for(ett&!( h&%se'f e!t&re'#*"re$ +p h&s 'e(s a!" fo'"e" the% +!"er h&%) 4Ever#th&!( ra!(e" co'"'# o! she'ves $as $hat

<I< tho+(ht)I sa#* Mr) /&e'"&!(* &s the st+" (o&!( to (o &!644I hae %a "oots)44hat2s that 'ast se!te!ce* p'ease6 &'' #o+ teach %e so%e !e$ $or"s a!" so &%prove %#E!('&sh64

/&e'"&!( "o+bte" $hether 4ever#th&!( ra!(e" co'"'# o! she'ves4 co+'" be &%prove") He $asofte! str+c, $&th the '&ve'&!ess $&th $h&ch the #o+!(er (e!erat&o! ha!"'e" a fore&(! to!(+e)The# a'tere" the &"&o%* b+t the# co+'" sa# $hatever the# $a!te" to sa# 1+&c,'#- there $ere!o!e of the bab+&s%s ascr&be" to the% +p at the c'+b) 0+t the! the c'+b %ove" s'o$'#- &t st&''"ec'are" that fe$ Moha%%e"a!s a!" !o H&!"+s $o+'" eat at a! E!('&sh%a!2s tab'e* a!" thata'' I!"&a! 'a"&es $ere &! &%pe!etrab'e p+r"ah) I!"&v&"+a''# &t ,!e$ better- as a c'+b &t "ec'&!e"to cha!(e)43et %e p+t &! #o+r st+") I see ) ) ) the sh&rt bac,2s ho'e &s rather s%a'' a!" to r&p &t $&"er a

p&t#)44h# &! he'' "oes o!e $ear co''ars at a''64 (r+%b'e" /&e'"&!( as he be!t h&s !ec,)4e $ear the% to pass the Po'&ce)4

4hat2s that644If I2% b&,&!( &! E!('&sh "ressstarch co''ar* hat $&th "&tchthe# ta,e !o !ot&ce) he! I$ear a fe.* the# cr#* 27o+r 'a%p2s o+t52 3or" C+r.o! "&" !ot co!s&"er th&s $he! he +r(e" !at&vesof I!"&a to reta&! the&r p&ct+res1+e cost+%es)Hoora#5 St+"2s (o!e &!)So%et&%es I sh+t %#e#es a!" "rea% I have sp'e!"&" c'othes a(a&! a!" a% r&"&!( &!to batt'e beh&!" A'a%(&r) Mr)/&e'"&!(* %+st !ot I!"&a have bee! bea+t&f+' the!* $&th the Mo(+' E%p&re at &ts he&(ht a!"A'a%(&r re&(!&!( at De'h& +po! the Peacoc, Thro!e644T$o 'a"&es are co%&!( to tea to %eet #o+I th&!, #o+ ,!o$ the%)44Meet %e6 I ,!o$ !o 'a"&es)44Not Mrs) Moore a!" M&ss Q+este"644Oh #esI re%e%ber)4 The ro%a!ce at the %os1+e ha" s+!, o+t of h&s co!sc&o+s!ess assoo! as &t $as over) 4A! excess&ve'# a(e" 'a"#- b+t $&'' #o+ p'ease repeat the !a%e of herco%pa!&o!644M&ss Q+este")44?+st as #o+ $&sh)4 He $as "&sappo&!te" that other (+ests $ere co%&!(* for he preferre" to

be a'o!e $&th h&s !e$ fr&e!")47o+ ca! ta', to M&ss Q+este" abo+t the Peacoc, Thro!e &f #o+ '&,eshe2s art&st&c* the# sa#)44Is she a Post I%press&o!&st644Post I%press&o!&s%* &!"ee"5 Co%e a'o!( to tea) Th&s $or'" &s (ett&!( too %+ch for %e a'to(ether)4A.&. $as offe!"e") The re%ar, s+((este" that he* a! obsc+re I!"&a!* ha" !o r&(ht to havehear" of Post I%press&o!&s%a pr&v&'e(e reserve" for the R+'&!( Race* that) He sa&" st&ff'#* 4I "o

!ot co!s&"er Mrs) Moore %# fr&e!"* I o!'# %et her acc&"e!ta''# &! %# %os1+e*4 a!" $as a""&!(4a s&!('e %eet&!( &s too short to %a,e a fr&e!"*4 b+t before he co+'" f&!&sh the se!te!ce thest&ff!ess va!&she" fro% &t* beca+se he fe't /&e'"&!(2s f+!"a%e!ta' (oo" $&'') H&s o$! $e!t o+t to&t* a!" (rapp'e" be!eath the sh&ft&!( t&"es of e%ot&o! $h&ch ca! a'o!e bear the vo#a(er to a!a!chora(e b+t %a# a'so carr# h&% across &t o! to the roc,s) He $as safe rea''#as safe as theshore"$e''er $ho ca! o!'# +!"ersta!" stab&'&t# a!" s+pposes that ever# sh&p %+st be $rec,e"*a!" he ha" se!sat&o!s the shore"$e''er ca!!ot ,!o$) I!"ee"* he $as se!s&t&ve rather tha!respo!s&ve)I! ever# re%ar, he fo+!" a %ea!&!(* b+t !ot a'$a#s the tr+e %ea!&!(* a!" h&s '&fetho+(h v&v&" $as 'ar(e'# a "rea%) /&e'"&!(* for &!sta!ce* ha" !ot %ea!t that I!"&a!s are obsc+re*

b+t that Post I%press&o!&s% &s- a (+'f "&v&"e" h&s re%ar, fro% Mrs) T+rto!2s 4h#* the#

spea, E!('&sh*4 b+t to A.&. the t$o so+!"e" a'&,e) /&e'"&!( sa$ that so%eth&!( ha" (o!e $ro!(*a!" e1+a''# that &t ha" co%e r&(ht* b+t he "&"!2t f&"(et* be&!( a! opt&%&st $here perso!a' re'at&o!s$ere co!cer!e"* a!" the&r ta', ratt'e" o! as before)



40es&"es the 'a"&es I a% expect&!( o!e of %# ass&sta!tsNara#a! Go"bo'e)44Oho* the Decca!& 0rah%a!544He $a!ts the past bac, too* b+t !ot prec&se'# A'a%(&r)44I sho+'" th&!, !ot) Do #o+ ,!o$ $hat Decca!& 0rah%a!s sa#6 That E!('a!" co!1+ere" I!"&afro% the%fro% the%* %&!"* a!" !ot fro% the Mo(+'s) Is !ot that '&,e the&r chee,6 The#have eve! br&be" &t to appear &! textboo,s* for the# are so s+bt'e a!" &%%e!se'# r&ch) Professor

Go"bo'e %+st be 1+&te +!'&,e a'' other Decca!& 0rah%a!s fro% a'' I ca! hear sa#) A %osts&!cere chap)44h# "o!2t #o+ fe''o$s r+! a c'+b &! Cha!"rapore* A.&.644Perhapsso%e "a# ) ) ) 9+st !o$ I see Mrs) Moore a!"$hat2s her !a%eco%&!()4Ho$ fort+!ate that &t $as a! 4+!co!ve!t&o!a'4 part#* $here for%a'&t&es are r+'e" o+t5 O!th&s bas&s A.&. fo+!" the E!('&sh 'a"&es eas# to ta', to* he treate" the% '&,e %e!) 0ea+t# $o+'"have tro+b'e" h&%* for &t e!ta&'s r+'es of &ts o$!* b+t Mrs) Moore $as so o'" a!" M&ss Q+este"so p'a&! that he $as spare" th&s a!x&et#) A"e'a2s a!(+'ar bo"# a!" the frec,'es o! her face $ereterr&b'e "efects &! h&s e#es* a!" he $o!"ere" ho$ Go" co+'" have bee! so +!,&!" to a!# fe%a'efor%) H&s att&t+"e to$ar"s her re%a&!e" e!t&re'# stra&(htfor$ar" &! co!se1+e!ce)4I $a!t to as, #o+ so%eth&!(* Dr) A.&.*4 she be(a!) 4I hear" fro% Mrs) Moore ho$ he'pf+'

#o+ $ere to her &! the %os1+e* a!" ho$ &!terest&!() She 'ear!t %ore abo+t I!"&a &! those fe$%&!+tes2 ta', $&th #o+ tha! &! the three $ee,s s&!ce $e 'a!"e")44Oh* p'ease "o !ot %e!t&o! a '&tt'e th&!( '&,e that) Is there a!#th&!( e'se I %a# te'' #o+abo+t %# co+!tr#644I $a!t #o+ to exp'a&! a "&sappo&!t%e!t $e ha" th&s %or!&!(- &t %+st be so%e po&!t of I!"&a!et&1+ette)44There ho!est'# &s !o!e*4 he rep'&e") 4e are b# !at+re a %ost &!for%a' peop'e)44I a% afra&" $e %+st have %a"e so%e b'+!"er a!" (&ve! offe!ce*4 sa&" Mrs) Moore)4That &s eve! %ore &%poss&b'e) 0+t %a# I ,!o$ the facts644A! I!"&a! 'a"# a!" (e!t'e%a! $ere to se!" the&r carr&a(e for +s th&s %or!&!( at !&!e) Ithas !ever co%e) e $a&te" a!" $a&te" a!" $a&te"- $e ca!2t th&!, $hat happe!e")44So%e %&s+!"ersta!"&!(*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* see&!( at o!ce that &t $as the t#pe of &!c&"e!t thatha" better !ot be c'eare" +p)4Oh !o* &t $as!2t that*4 M&ss Q+este" pers&ste") 4The# eve! (ave +p (o&!( to Ca'c+tta toe!terta&! +s) e %+st have %a"e so%e st+p&" b'+!"er* $e both fee' s+re)44I $o+'"!2t $orr# abo+t that)44Exact'# $hat Mr) Heas'op te''s %e*4 she retorte"* re""e!&!( a '&tt'e) 4If o!e "oes!2t $orr#*ho$2s o!e to +!"ersta!"64The host $as &!c'&!e" to cha!(e the s+b9ect* b+t A.&. too, &t +p $ar%'#* a!" o! 'ear!&!(fra(%e!ts of the "e'&!1+e!ts2 !a%e pro!o+!ce" that the# $ere H&!"+s)4S'ac, H&!"+sthe# have !o &"ea of soc&et#- I ,!o$ the% ver# $e'' beca+se of a "octor at

the hosp&ta') S+ch a s'ac,* +!p+!ct+a' fe''o$5 It &s as $e'' #o+ "&" !ot (o to the&r ho+se* for &t$o+'" (&ve #o+ a $ro!( &"ea of I!"&a) Noth&!( sa!&tar#) I th&!, for %# o$! part the# (re$asha%e" of the&r ho+se a!" that &s $h# the# "&" !ot se!")44That2s a !ot&o!*4 sa&" the other %a!)4I "o so hate %#ster&es*4 A"e'a a!!o+!ce")4e E!('&sh "o)44I "&s'&,e the% !ot beca+se I2% E!('&sh* b+t fro% %# o$! perso!a' po&!t of v&e$*4 she correcte")4I '&,e %#ster&es b+t I rather "&s'&,e %+""'es*4 sa&" Mrs) Moore)4A %#ster# &s a %+""'e)44Oh* "o #o+ th&!, so* Mr) /&e'"&!(644A %#ster# &s o!'# a h&(hso+!"&!( ter% for a %+""'e) No a"va!ta(e &! st&rr&!( &t +p* &! e&ther

case) A.&. a!" I ,!o$ $e'' that I!"&a2s a %+""'e)44I!"&a2s Oh* $hat a! a'ar%&!( &"ea544There2'' be !o %+""'e $he! #o+ co%e to see %e*4 sa&" A.&.* rather o+t of h&s "epth) 4Mrs)



Moore a!" ever#o!eI &!v&te #o+ a''oh* p'ease)4The o'" 'a"# accepte": she st&'' tho+(ht the #o+!( "octor excess&ve'# !&ce- %oreover* a !e$fee'&!(* ha'f 'a!(+or* ha'f exc&te%e!t* ba"e her t+r! "o$! a!# fresh path) M&ss Q+este" accepte"o+t of a"ve!t+re) She a'so '&,e" A.&.* a!" be'&eve" that $he! she ,!e$ h&% better he$o+'" +!'oc, h&s co+!tr# for her) H&s &!v&tat&o! (rat&f&e" her* a!" she as,e" h&% for h&s a""ress)A.&. tho+(ht of h&s b+!(a'o$ $&th horror) It $as a "etestab'e sha!t# !ear a 'o$ ba.aar)

There $as pract&ca''# o!'# o!e roo% &! &t* a!" that &!feste" $&th s%a'' b'ac, f'&es) 4Oh* b+t $e$&'' ta', of so%eth&!( e'se !o$*4 he exc'a&%e") 4I $&sh I '&ve" here) See th&s bea+t&f+' roo%5 3et+s a"%&re &t to(ether for a '&tt'e) See those c+rves at the botto% of the arches) hat "e'&cac#5 It&s the arch&tect+re of Q+est&o! a!" A!s$er) Mrs) Moore* #o+ are &! I!"&a- I a% !ot 9o,&!()4 Theroo% &!sp&re" h&%) It $as a! a+"&e!ce ha'' b+&'t &! the e&(htee!th ce!t+r# for so%e h&(h off&c&a'*a!" tho+(h of $oo" ha" re%&!"e" /&e'"&!( of the 3o((&a "e2 3a!.& at /'ore!ce) 3&tt'e roo%s*!o$ E+ropea!&.e"* c'+!( to &t o! e&ther s&"e* b+t the ce!tra' ha'' $as +!papere" a!" +!('asse"*a!" the a&r of the (ar"e! po+re" &! free'#) O!e sat &! p+b'&co! exh&b&t&o!* as &t $ere&! f+''v&e$ of the (ar"e!ers $ho $ere screa%&!( at the b&r"s a!" of the %a! $ho re!te" the ta!, for the c+'t&vat&o! of $ater chest!+t) /&e'"&!( 'et the %a!(o trees toothere $as !o ,!o$&!( $ho%&(ht !ot co%e &!a!" h&s serva!ts sat o! h&s steps !&(ht a!" "a# to "&sco+ra(e th&eves) 0ea+t&f+'

certa&!'#* a!" the E!('&sh%a! ha" !ot spo&'t &t* $hereas A.&. &! a! occ&"e!ta' %o%e!t$o+'" have h+!( Ma+"e Goo"%a!s o! the $a''s) 7et there $as !o "o+bt to $ho% the roo%rea''# be'o!(e") ) ) )4I a% "o&!( 9+st&ce here) A poor $&"o$ $ho has bee! robbe" co%es a'o!( a!" I (&ve her f&ft# r+pees* to a!other a h+!"re"* a!" so o! a!" so o!) I sho+'" '&,e that)4Mrs) Moore s%&'e"* th&!,&!( of the %o"er! %etho" as exe%p'&f&e" &! her so!) 4R+pees "o!2t'ast for ever* I2% afra&"*4 she sa&")4M&!e $o+'") Go" $o+'" (&ve %e %ore $he! he sa$ I (ave) A'$a#s be (&v&!(* '&,e the Na$ab0aha"+r) M# father $as the sa%e* that &s $h# he "&e" poor)4 A!" po&!t&!( abo+t the roo%he peop'e" &t $&th c'er,s a!" off&c&a's* a'' be!evo'e!t beca+se the# '&ve" 'o!( a(o) 4So $e $o+'"s&t (&v&!( for evero! a carpet &!stea" of cha&rs* that &s the ch&ef cha!(e bet$ee! !o$ a!"the!* b+t I th&!, $e $o+'" !ever p+!&sh a!#o!e)4The 'a"&es a(ree")4Poor cr&%&!a'* (&ve h&% a!other cha!ce) It o!'# %a,es a %a! $orse to (o to pr&so! a!" becorr+pte")4 H&s face (re$ ver# te!"erthe te!"er!ess of o!e &!capab'e of a"%&!&strat&o!* a!"+!ab'e to (rasp that &f the poor cr&%&!a' &s 'et off he $&'' a(a&! rob the poor $&"o$) He $as te!"er to ever#o!e except a fe$ fa%&'# e!e%&es $ho% he "&" !ot co!s&"er h+%a!: o! these he"es&re" reve!(e) He $as eve! te!"er to the E!('&sh- he ,!e$ at the botto% of h&s heart thatthe# co+'" !ot he'p be&!( so co'" a!" o"" a!" c&rc+'at&!( '&,e a! &ce strea% thro+(h h&s 'a!")4e p+!&sh !o o!e* !o o!e*4 he repeate"* 4a!" &! the eve!&!( $e $&'' (&ve a (reat ba!1+et $&tha !a+tch a!" 'ove'# (&r's sha'' sh&!e o! ever# s&"e of the ta!, $&th f&re$or,s &! the&r ha!"s* a!"

a'' sha'' be feast&!( a!" happ&!ess +!t&' the !ext "a#* $he! there sha'' be 9+st&ce as beforef&ft#r+pees* a h+!"re"* a tho+sa!"t&'' peace co%es) Ah* $h# "&"!2t $e '&ve &! that t&%e 60+t are#o+ a"%&r&!( Mr) /&e'"&!(2s ho+se6 Do 'oo, ho$ the p&''ars are pa&!te" b'+e* a!" the vera!"ah2s

pav&'&o!s$hat "o #o+ ca'' the% 6that are above +s &!s&"e are b'+e a'so) 3oo, at the carv&!(o! the pav&'&o!s) Th&!, of the ho+rs &t too,) The&r '&tt'e roofs are c+rve" to &%&tate ba%boo) So

prett#a!" the ba%boos $av&!( b# the ta!, o+ts&"e) Mrs) Moore5 Mrs) Moore544e''64 she sa&"* 'a+(h&!()47o+ re%e%ber the $ater b# o+r %os1+e6 It co%es "o$! a!" f&''s th&s ta!,a s,&'f+' arra!(e%e!tof the E%perors) The# stoppe" here (o&!( "o$! &!to 0e!(a') The# 'ove" $ater)herever the# $e!t the# create" fo+!ta&!s* (ar"e!s* ha%%a%s) I $as te''&!( Mr) /&e'"&!( I$o+'" (&ve a!#th&!( to serve the%)4

He $as $ro!( abo+t the $ater* $h&ch !o E%peror* ho$ever s,&'f+'* ca! ca+se to (rav&tate+ph&''- a "epress&o! of so%e "epth to(ether $&th the $ho'e of Cha!"rapore 'a# bet$ee! the%os1+e a!" /&e'"&!(2s ho+se) Ro!!# $o+'" have p+''e" h&% +p* T+rto! $o+'" have $a!te" to



p+'' h&% +p* b+t restra&!e" h&%se'f) /&e'"&!( "&" !ot eve! $a!t to p+'' h&% +p- he ha" "+''e" h&scrav&!( for verba' tr+th a!" care" ch&ef'# for tr+th of %oo") As for M&ss Q+este"* she accepte"ever#th&!( A.&. sa&" as tr+e verba''#) I! her &(!ora!ce* she re(ar"e" h&% as 4I!"&a*4 a!" !ever s+r%&se" that h&s o+t'oo, $as '&%&te" a!" h&s %etho" &!acc+rate* a!" that !o o!e &s I!"&a)He $as !o$ %+ch exc&te"* chatter&!( a$a# har"* a!" eve! sa#&!( "a%! $he! he (ot %&xe"+p &! h&s se!te!ces) He to'" the% of h&s profess&o!* a!" of the operat&o!s he ha" $&t!esse" a!"

perfor%e"* a!" he $e!t &!to "eta&'s that scare" Mrs) Moore* tho+(h M&ss Q+este" %&stoo, the%for proofs of h&s broa"%&!"e"!ess- she ha" hear" s+ch ta', at ho%e &! a"va!ce" aca"e%&cc&rc'es* "e'&berate'# free) She s+ppose" h&% to be e%a!c&pate" as $e'' as re'&ab'e* a!" p'ace"h&% o! a p&!!ac'e $h&ch he co+'" !ot reta&!) He $as h&(h e!o+(h for the %o%e!t* to be s+re*

b+t !ot o! a!# p&!!ac'e) &!(s bore h&% +p* a!" f'a((&!( $o+'" "epos&t h&%)The arr&va' of Professor Go"bo'e 1+&ete" h&% so%e$hat* b+t &t re%a&!e" h&s after!oo!) The0rah%a!* po'&te a!" e!&(%at&c* "&" !ot &%pe"e h&s e'o1+e!ce* a!" eve! app'a+"e" &t) He too, h&s tea at a '&tt'e "&sta!ce fro% the o+tcasts* fro% a 'o$ tab'e p'ace" s'&(ht'# beh&!" h&%* to$h&ch he stretche" bac,* a!" as &t $ere e!co+!tere" foo" b# acc&"e!t- a'' fe&(!e" &!"&ffere!ceto Professor Go"bo'e2s tea) He $as e'"er'# a!" $&.e! $&th a (re# %o+stache a!" (re#b'+ee#es* a!" h&s co%p'ex&o! $as as fa&r as a E+ropea!2s) He $ore a t+rba! that 'oo,e" '&,e pa'e

p+rp'e %acaro!&* coat* $a&stcoat* "hot&* soc,s $&th c'oc,s) The c'oc,s %atche" the t+rba!* a!"h&s $ho'e appeara!ce s+((este" har%o!#as &f he ha" reco!c&'e" the pro"+cts of East a!"est* %e!ta' as $e'' as ph#s&ca'* a!" co+'" !ever be "&sco%pose") The 'a"&es $ere &!tereste"&! h&%* a!" hope" that he $o+'" s+pp'e%e!t Dr) A.&. b# sa#&!( so%eth&!( abo+t re'&(&o!) 0+the o!'# ateate a!" ate* s%&'&!(* !ever 'ett&!( h&s e#es catch s&(ht of h&s ha!")3eav&!( the Mo(+' E%perors* A.&. t+r!e" to top&cs that co+'" "&stress !o o!e) He "escr&be"the r&pe!&!( of the %a!(oes* a!" ho$ &! h&s bo#hoo" he +se" to r+! o+t &! the Ra&!s to a b&(%a!(o (rove be'o!(&!( to a! +!c'e a!" (or(e there) 4The! bac, $&th $ater strea%&!( over #o+a!" perhaps rather a pa&! &!s&"e) 0+t I "&" !ot %&!") A'' %# fr&e!"s $ere pa&!&!( $&th %e) ehave a proverb &! Ur"+: 2hat "oes +!happ&!ess %atter $he! $e are a'' +!happ# to(ether62$h&ch co%es &! co!ve!&e!t'# after %a!(oes) M&ss Q+este"* "o $a&t for %a!(oes) h# !ot sett'ea'to(ether &! I!"&a644I2% afra&" I ca!2t "o that*4 sa&" A"e'a) She %a"e the re%ar, $&tho+t th&!,&!( $hat &t%ea!t) To her* as to the three %e!* &t see%e" &! ,e# $&th the rest of the co!versat&o!* a!" !otfor severa' %&!+tes&!"ee"* !ot for ha'f a! ho+r"&" she rea'&.e that &t $as a! &%porta!t re%ar,*a!" o+(ht to have bee! %a"e &! the f&rst p'ace to Ro!!#)4;&s&tors '&,e #o+ are too rare)44The# are &!"ee"*4 sa&" Professor Go"bo'e) 4S+ch affab&'&t# &s se'"o% see!) 0+t $hat ca! $eoffer to "eta&! the%6 44Ma!(oes* %a!(oes)4The# 'a+(he") 4Eve! %a!(oes ca! be (ot &! E!('a!" !o$*4 p+t &! /&e'"&!() 4The# sh&p the%

&! &ceco'" roo%s) 7o+ ca! %a,e I!"&a &! E!('a!" appare!t'#* 9+st as #o+ ca! %a,e E!('a!" &!I!"&a)44/r&(htf+''# expe!s&ve &! both cases*4 sa&" the (&r')4I s+ppose so)44A!" !ast#)40+t the host $o+'"!2t a''o$ the co!versat&o! to ta,e th&s heav# t+r!) He t+r!e" to the o'"'a"#* $ho 'oo,e" f'+stere" a!" p+t o+the co+'" !ot &%a(&!e $h#a!" as,e" abo+t her o$!

p'a!s) She rep'&e" that she sho+'" '&,e to see over the Co''e(e) Ever#o!e &%%e"&ate'# rose* $&ththe except&o! of Professor Go"bo'e* $ho $as f&!&sh&!( a ba!a!a)4Do!2t #o+ co%e too* A"e'a- #o+ "&s'&,e &!st&t+t&o!s)447es* that &s so*4 sa&" M&ss Q+este"* a!" sat "o$! a(a&!)

A.&. hes&tate") H&s a+"&e!ce $as sp'&tt&!( +p) The %ore fa%&'&ar ha'f $as (o&!(* b+t the%ore atte!t&ve re%a&!e") Ref'ect&!( that &t $as a! 4+!co!ve!t&o!a'4 after!oo!* he stoppe")Ta', $e!t o! as before) Co+'" o!e offer the v&s&tors +!r&pe %a!(oes &! a foo'6 4I spea, !o$



as a "octor: !o)4 The! the o'" %a! sa&"* 40+t I $&'' se!" #o+ +p a fe$ hea'th# s$eets) I $&''(&ve %#se'f that p'eas+re)44M&ss Q+este"* Professor Go"bo'e2s s$eets are "e'&c&o+s*4 sa&" A.&. sa"'#* for he $a!te" tose!" s$eets too a!" ha" !o $&fe to coo, the%) 4The# $&'' (&ve #o+ a rea' I!"&a! treat) Ah* &!%# poor pos&t&o! I ca! (&ve #o+ !oth&!()44I "o!2t ,!o$ $h# #o+ sa# that* $he! #o+ have so ,&!"'# as,e" +s to #o+r ho+se)4

He tho+(ht a(a&! of h&s b+!(a'o$ $&th horror) Goo" heave!s* the st+p&" (&r' ha" ta,e! h&%at h&s $or"5 hat $as he to "o6 47es* a'' that &s sett'e"*4 he cr&e") 4I &!v&te #o+ a'' to see %e &!the Marabar Caves)44I sha'' be "e'&(hte")44Oh* that &s a %ost %a(!&f&ce!t e!terta&!%e!t co%pare" to %# poor s$eets) 0+t has !otM&ss Q+este" v&s&te" o+r caves a'rea"#644No) I2ve !ot eve! hear" of the%)44Not hear" of the%64 both cr&e") 4The Marabar Caves &! the Marabar H&''s644e hear !oth&!( &!terest&!( +p at the c'+b) O!'# te!!&s a!" r&"&c+'o+s (oss&p)4The o'" %a! $as s&'e!t* perhaps fee'&!( that &t $as +!see%'# of her to cr&t&c&.e her race*

perhaps fear&!( that &f he a(ree" she $o+'" report h&% for "&s'o#a't#) 0+t the #o+!( %a! +ttere"

a rap&" 4I ,!o$)44The! te'' %e ever#th&!( #o+ $&''* or I sha'' !ever +!"ersta!" I!"&a) Are the# the h&''s Iso%et&%es see &! the eve!&!(6 hat are these caves64A.&. +!"ertoo, to exp'a&!* b+t &t prese!t'# appeare" that he ha" !ever v&s&te" the cavesh&%se'fha" a'$a#s bee! 4%ea!&!(4 to (o* b+t $or, or pr&vate b+s&!ess ha" preve!te" h&%*a!" the# $ere so far) Professor Go"bo'e chaffe" h&% p'easa!t'#) 4M# "ear #o+!( s&r* the pot a!"the ,ett'e5 Have #o+ ever hear" of that +sef+' proverb644Are the# 'ar(e caves64 she as,e")4No* !ot 'ar(e)44Do "escr&be the%* Professor Go"bo'e)44It $&'' be a (reat ho!o+r)4 He "re$ +p h&s cha&r a!" a! express&o! of te!s&o! ca%e over h&sface) Ta,&!( the c&(arette box* she offere" to h&% a!" to A.&.* a!" '&t +p herse'f) After a!&%press&ve

pa+se he sa&": 4There &s a! e!tra!ce &! the roc, $h&ch #o+ e!ter* a!" thro+(h the e!tra!ce&s the cave)44So%eth&!( '&,e the caves at E'epha!ta644Oh !o* !ot at a''- at E'epha!ta there are sc+'pt+res of S&va a!" Parvat&) There are !o sc+'pt+resat Marabar)44The# are &%%e!se'# ho'#* !o "o+bt*4 sa&" A.&.* to he'p o! the !arrat&ve)4Oh !o* oh !o)44St&''* the# are or!a%e!te" &! so%e $a#)4

4Oh !o)44e''* $h# are the# so fa%o+s6 e a'' ta', of the fa%o+s Marabar Caves) Perhaps that &so+r e%pt# bra()44No* I sho+'" !ot 1+&te sa# that)44Descr&be the% to th&s 'a"#* the!)44It $&'' be a (reat p'eas+re)4 He fore$e!t the p'eas+re* a!" A.&. rea'&.e" that he $as ,eep&!(

bac, so%eth&!( abo+t the caves) He rea'&.e" beca+se he ofte! s+ffere" fro% s&%&'ar &!h&b&t&o!sh&%se'f) So%et&%es* to the exasperat&o! of Ma9or Ca''e!"ar* he $o+'" pass over the o!ere'eva!t fact &! a pos&t&o!* to "$e'' o! the h+!"re" &rre'eva!t) The Ma9or acc+se" h&% of"&s&!(e!+o+s!ess*a!" $as ro+(h'# r&(ht* b+t o!'# ro+(h'#) It $as rather that a po$er he co+'"!2t

co!tro' capr&c&o+s'# s&'e!ce" h&s %&!") Go"bo'e ha" bee! s&'e!ce" !o$- !o "o+bt !ot $&''&!('#*he $as co!cea'&!( so%eth&!() Ha!"'e" s+bt'#* he %&(ht re(a&! co!tro' a!" a!!o+!ce that theMarabar Caves $eref+'' of sta'act&tes* perhaps- A.&. 'e" +p to th&s* b+t the# $ere!2t)



The "&a'o(+e re%a&!e" '&(ht a!" fr&e!"'#* a!" A"e'a ha" !o co!cept&o! of &ts +!"er"r&ft) She"&" !ot ,!o$ that the co%parat&ve'# s&%p'e %&!" of the Moha%%e"a! $as e!co+!ter&!( A!c&e!t

N&(ht) A.&. p'a#e" a thr&''&!( (a%e) He $as ha!"'&!( a h+%a! to# that ref+se" to $or,he,!e$ that %+ch) If &t $or,e"* !e&ther he !or Professor Go"bo'e $o+'" be the 'east a"va!ta(e"*

b+t the atte%pt e!thra''e" h&% a!" $as a,&! to abstract tho+(ht) O! he chattere"* "efeate" atever# %ove b# a! oppo!e!t $ho $o+'" !of eve! a"%&t that a %ove ha" bee! %a"e* a!" f+rther

tha! ever fro% "&scover&!( $hat* &f a!#th&!(* $as extraor"&!ar# abo+t the Marabar Caves)I!to th&s Ro!!# "roppe")&th a! a!!o#a!ce he too, !o tro+b'e to co!cea'* he ca''e" fro% the (ar"e!: 4hat2s happe!e"to /&e'"&!(6 here2s %# %other644Goo" eve!&!(54 she rep'&e" coo''#)4I $a!t #o+ a!" %other at o!ce) There2s to be po'o)44I tho+(ht there $as to he !o po'o)44Ever#th&!(2s a'tere") So%e so'"&er %e! have co%e &!) Co%e a'o!( a!" I2'' te'' #o+ abo+t &t)447o+r %other $&'' ret+r! short'#* s&r*4 sa&" Professor Go"bo'e* $ho ha" r&se! $&th "efere!ce)4There &s b+t '&tt'e to see at o+r poor co''e(e)4Ro!!# too, !o !ot&ce* b+t co!t&!+e" to a""ress h&s re%ar,s to A"e'a- he ha" h+rr&e" a$a#

fro% h&s $or, to ta,e her to see the po'o* beca+se he tho+(ht &t $o+'" (&ve her p'eas+re) He"&" !ot %ea! to be r+"e to the t$o %e!* b+t the o!'# '&!, he co+'" be co!sc&o+s of $&th a! I!"&a!$as the off&c&a'* a!" !e&ther happe!e" to be h&s s+bor"&!ate) As pr&vate &!"&v&"+a's he for(otthe%)U!fort+!ate'# A.&. $as &! !o %oo" to be for(otte!) He $o+'" !ot (&ve +p the sec+re a!"&!t&%ate !ote of the 'ast ho+r) He ha" !ot r&se! $&th Go"bo'e* a!" !o$* offe!s&ve'# fr&e!"'#*ca''e" fro% h&s seat* 4Co%e a'o!( +p a!" 9o&! +s* Mr) Heas'op- s&t "o$! t&'' #o+r %other t+r!s+p)4Ro!!# rep'&e" b# or"er&!( o!e of /&e'"&!(2s serva!ts to fetch h&s %aster at o!ce)4He %a# !ot +!"ersta!" that) A''o$ %e4 A.&. repeate" the or"er &"&o%at&ca''#)Ro!!# $as te%pte" to retort- he ,!e$ the t#pe- he ,!e$ a'' the t#pes* a!" th&s $as thespo&'t ester!&.e") 0+t he $as a serva!t of the Gover!%e!t* &t $as h&s 9ob to avo&" 4&!c&"e!ts*4so he sa&" !oth&!(* a!" &(!ore" the provocat&o! that A.&. co!t&!+e" to offer) A.&. $as provocat&ve)Ever#th&!( he sa&" ha" a! &%pert&!e!t f'avo+r or 9arre") H&s $&!(s $ere fa&'&!(* b+t he ref+se"to fa'' $&tho+t a str+(('e) He "&" !ot %ea! to be &%pert&!e!t to Mr) Heas'op* $ho ha"!ever "o!e h&% har%* b+t here $as a! A!('oI!"&a! $ho %+st beco%e a %a! before co%fortco+'" be re(a&!e") He "&" !ot %ea! to be (reas&'# co!f&"e!t&a' to M&ss Q+este"* o!'# to e!'&sther s+pport- !or to be 'o+" a!" 9o''# to$ar"s Professor Go"bo'e) A stra!(e 1+artettehe f'+tter&!(to the (ro+!"* she p+..'e" b# the s+""e! +('&!ess* Ro!!# f+%&!(* the 0rah%a! observ&!(a'' three* b+t $&th "o$!cast e#es a!" ha!"s fo'"e"* as &f !oth&!( $as !ot&ceab'e) A sce!e fro%a p'a#* tho+(ht /&e'"&!(* $ho !o$ sa$ the% fro% the "&sta!ce across the (ar"e! (ro+pe"

a%o!( the b'+e p&''ars of h&s bea+t&f+' ha'')4Do!2t tro+b'e to co%e* %other*4 Ro!!# ca''e"- 4$e2re 9+st start&!()4 The! he h+rr&e" to/&e'"&!(* "re$ h&% as&"e a!" sa&" $&th pse+"oheart&!ess* 4I sa#* o'" %a!* "o exc+se %e* b+t Ith&!, perhaps #o+ o+(ht!2t to have 'eft M&ss Q+este" a'o!e)44I2% sorr#* $hat2s +p64 rep'&e" /&e'"&!(* a'so tr#&!( to be (e!&a')4e'' ) ) ) I2% the s+!"r&e" b+rea+crat* !o "o+bt- st&''* I "o!2t '&,e to see a! E!('&sh (&r' 'efts%o,&!( $&th t$o I!"&a!s)44She stoppe"* as she s%o,es* b# her o$! $&sh* o'" %a!)447es* that2s a'' r&(ht &! E!('a!")44I rea''# ca!2t see the har%)44If #o+ ca!2t see* #o+ ca!2t see) ) ) ) Ca!2t #o+ see that fe''o$2s a bo+!"er64

A.&. f'a%bo#a!t* $as patro!&.&!( Mrs) Moore)4He &s!2t a bo+!"er*4 proteste" /&e'"&!() 4H&s !erves are o! e"(e* that2s a'')44hat sho+'" have +pset h&s prec&o+s !erves64



4I "o!2t ,!o$) He $as a'' r&(ht $he! I 'eft)44e''* &t2s !oth&!( I2ve sa&"*4 sa&" Ro!!# reass+r&!('#) 4I !ever eve! spo,e to h&%)44Oh $e''* co%e a'o!( !o$* a!" ta,e #o+r 'a"&es a$a#- the catastrophe over)44/&e'"&!( ) ) ) "o!2t th&!, I2% ta,&!( &t ba"'#* or a!#th&!( of that sort) ) ) ) I s+ppose #o+$o!2t co%e o! to the po'o $&th +s6 e sho+'" a'' be "e'&(hte")44I2% afra&" I ca!2t* tha!,s a'' the sa%e) I2% a$f+''# sorr# #o+ fee' I2ve bee! re%&ss) I "&"!2t

%ea! to be)4So the 'eaveta,&!( be(a!) Ever# o!e $as cross or $retche") It $as as &f &rr&tat&o! ex+"e"fro% the ver# so&') Co+'" o!e have bee! so pett# o! a Scotch %oor or a! Ita'&a! a'p6 /&e'"&!($o!"ere" after$ar"s) There see%e" !o reserve of tra!1+&''&t# to "ra$ +po! &! I!"&a) E&ther !o!e* or e'se tra!1+&''&t# s$a''o$e" +p ever#th&!(* as &t appeare" to "o for Professor Go"bo'e)Here $as A.&. a'' sho""# a!" o"&o+s* Mrs) Moore a!" M&ss Q+este" both s&''#* a!" he h&%se'f a!" Heas'op both "ecoro+s o! the s+rface* b+t "etestab'e rea''#* a!" "etest&!( each other)4Goo"b#e* Mr) /&e'"&!(* a!" tha!, #o+ so %+ch) hat 'ove'# Co''e(e b+&'"&!(s544Goo"b#e* Mrs) Moore)44Goo"b#e* Mr) /&e'"&!() S+ch a! &!terest&!( after!oo! ) ) )44Goo"b#e* M&ss Q+este")4

4Goo"b#e* Dr) A.&.)44Goo"b#e* Mrs) Moore)44Goo"b#e* Dr) A.&.)44Goo"b#e* M&ss Q+este")4 He p+%pe" her ha!" +p a!" "o$! to sho$ that he fe't at ease)47o+2'' 9o''# 9o''# $e'' !ot for(et those caves* $o!2t #o+6 I2'' f&x the $ho'e sho$ +p &! a 9&ff#)44Tha!, #o+ ) ) )4I!sp&re" b# the "ev&' to a f&!a' effort* he a""e"* 4hat a sha%e #o+ 'eave I!"&a so soo!5Oh* "o reco!s&"er #o+r "ec&s&o!* "o sta#)44Goo"b#e* Professor Go"bo'e*4 she co!t&!+e"* s+""e!'# a(&tate") 4It2s a sha%e $e !ever hear" #o+ s&!()44I %a# s&!( !o$*4 he rep'&e"* a!" "&")H&s th&! vo&ce rose* a!" (ave o+t o!e so+!" after a!other) At t&%es there see%e" rh#th%* att&%es there $as the &''+s&o! of a ester! %e'o"#) 0+t the ear* baff'e" repeate"'#* soo! 'ost a!#c'+e* a!" $a!"ere" &! a %a.e of !o&ses* !o!e harsh or +!p'easa!t* !o!e &!te''&(&b'e) It $as theso!( of a! +!,!o$! b&r") O!'# the serva!ts +!"erstoo" &t) The# be(a! to $h&sper to o!e a!other)The %a! $ho $as (ather&!( $ater chest!+t ca%e !a,e" o+t of the ta!,* h&s '&ps parte"$&th "e'&(ht* "&sc'os&!( h&s scar'et to!(+e) The so+!"s co!t&!+e" a!" cease" after a fe$ %o%e!tsas cas+a''# as the# ha" be(+! appare!t'# ha'f thro+(h a bar* a!" +po! the s+bs "o%&!a!t)4Tha!,s so %+ch: $hat $as that64 as,e" /&e'"&!()4I $&'' exp'a&! &! "eta&') It $as a re'&(&o+s so!() I p'ace" %#se'f &! the pos&t&o! of a %&',%a&"e!)I sa# to Shr& 8r&sh!a* 2Co%e5 co%e to %e o!'#)2 The (o" ref+ses to co%e) I (ro$ h+%b'e

a!" sa#: 2Do !ot co%e to %e o!'#) M+'t&p'# #o+rse'f &!to a h+!"re" 8r&sh!as* a!" 'et o!e (oto each of %# h+!"re" co%pa!&o!s* b+t o!e* O 3or" of the U!&verse* co%e to %e)2 He ref+sesto co%e) Th&s &s repeate" severa' t&%es) The so!( &s co%pose" &! a ra(a appropr&ate to the prese!tho+r* $h&ch &s the eve!&!()440+t He co%es &! so%e other so!(* I hope64 sa&" Mrs) Moore (e!t'#)4Oh !o* he ref+ses to co%e*4 repeate" Go"bo'e* perhaps !ot +!"ersta!"&!( her 1+est&o!) 4Isa# to H&%* Co%e* co%e* co%e* co%e* co%e* co%e) He !e('ects to co%e)4Ro!!#2s steps ha" "&e" a$a#* a!" there $as a %o%e!t of abso'+te s&'e!ce) No r&pp'e "&st+rbe"the $ater* !o 'eaf st&rre")CHAPTER ;IIIA'tho+(h M&ss Q+este" ha" ,!o$! Ro!!# $e'' &! E!('a!"* she fe't $e'' a"v&se" to v&s&t h&%

before "ec&"&!( to be h&s $&fe) I!"&a ha" "eve'ope" s&"es of h&s character that she ha" !ever a"%&re") H&s se'fco%p'ace!c#* h&s ce!sor&o+s!ess* h&s 'ac, of s+bt'et#* a'' (re$ v&v&" be!eath atrop&c s,#- he see%e" %ore &!"&ffere!t tha! of o'" to $hat $as pass&!( &! the %&!"s of h&s fe''o$s*



%ore certa&! that he $as r&(ht abo+t the% or that &f he $as $ro!( &t "&"!2t %atter) he! prove" $ro!(* he $as part&c+'ar'# exasperat&!(- he a'$a#s %a!a(e" to s+((est that she!ee"!2t have bothere" to prove &t) The po&!t she %a"e $as !ever the re'eva!t po&!t* her ar(+%e!tsco!c'+s&ve b+t barre!* she $as re%&!"e" that he ha" expert ,!o$'e"(e a!" she !o!e*a!" that exper&e!ce $o+'" !ot he'p her beca+se she co+'" !ot &!terpret &t) A P+b'&c Schoo'*3o!"o! U!&vers&t#* a #ear at a cra%%er2s* a part&c+'ar se1+e!ce of posts &! a part&c+'ar prov&!ce*

a fa'' fro% a horse a!" a to+ch of fever $ere prese!te" to her as the o!'# tra&!&!( b#$h&ch I!"&a!s a!" a'' $ho res&"e &! the&r co+!tr# ca! be +!"erstoo"- the o!'# tra&!&!( she co+'"co%prehe!"* that &s to sa#* for of co+rse above Ro!!# there stretche" the h&(her rea'%s of ,!o$'e"(e* &!hab&te" b# Ca''e!"ars a!" T+rto!s* $ho ha" bee! !ot o!e #ear &! the co+!tr# b+tt$e!t# a!" $hose &!st&!cts $ere s+perh+%a!) /or h&%se'f he %a"e !o extrava(a!t c'a&%s- she$&she" he $o+'") It $as the 1+a'&f&e" bra# of the ca''o$ off&c&a'* the 4I a% !ot perfect* b+t4that (ot o! her !erves)Ho$ (ross he ha" bee! at Mr) /&e'"&!(2sspo&'&!( the ta', a!" $a',&!( off &! the %&""'e of the ha+!t&!( so!(5 As he "rove the% a$a# &! the t+r!t+r!* her &rr&tat&o! beca%e +!bearab'e*a!" she "&" !ot rea'&.e that %+ch of &t $as "&recte" a(a&!st herse'f) She 'o!(e" for a! opport+!&t#to f'# o+t at h&%* a!" s&!ce he fe't cross too* a!" the# $ere both &! I!"&a* a! opport+!&t#

soo! occ+rre") The# ha" scarce'# 'eft the Co''e(e (ro+!"s before she hear" h&% sa# to h&s%other* $ho $as $&th h&% o! the fro!t seat* 4hat $as that abo+t caves64 a!" she pro%pt'#ope!e" f&re)4Mrs) Moore* #o+r "e'&(htf+' "octor has "ec&"e" o! a p&c!&c* &!stea" of a part# &! h&s ho+se-$e are to %eet h&% o+t there#o+* %#se'f* Mr) /&e'"&!(* Professor Go"bo'eexact'# the sa%e

part#)44O+t $here64 as,e" Ro!!#)4The Marabar Caves)44e''* I2% b'esse"*4 he %+r%+re" after a pa+se) 4D&" he "esce!" to a!# "eta&'s644He "&" !ot) If #o+ ha" spo,e! to h&%* $e co+'" have arra!(e" the%)4He shoo, h&s hea"* 'a+(h&!()4Have I sa&" a!#th&!( f+!!#644I $as o!'# th&!,&!( ho$ the $orth# "octor2s co''ar c'&%be" +p h&s !ec,)44I tho+(ht #o+ $ere "&sc+ss&!( the caves)44So I a%) A.&. $as ex1+&s&te'# "resse"* fro% t&ep&! to spats* b+t he ha" for(otte! h&s bac, co''arst+"* a!" there #o+ have the I!"&a! a'' over: &!atte!t&o! to "eta&'- the f+!"a%e!ta' s'ac,!essthat revea's the race) S&%&'ar'#* to 2%eet2 &! the caves as &f the# $ere the c'oc, at Char&!(Cross* $he! the#2re %&'es fro% a stat&o! a!" each other)44Have #o+ bee! to the%644No* b+t I ,!o$ a'' abo+t the%* !at+ra''#)44Oh* !at+ra''#54

4Are #o+ too p'e"(e" to th&s expe"&t&o!* %other644Mother &s p'e"(e" to !oth&!(*4 sa&" Mrs) Moore* rather +!expecte"'#) 4 Certa&!'# !ot to th&s po'o) &'' #o+ "r&ve +p to the b+!(a'o$ f&rst* a!" "rop %e there* p'ease6 I prefer to rest)44Drop %e too*4 sa&" A"e'a) 4I "o!2t $a!t to $atch po'o e&ther* I2% s+re)44S&%p'er to "rop the po'o*4 sa&" Ro!!#) T&re" a!" "&sappo&!te"* he 1+&te 'ost se'fco!tro'*a!" a""e" &! a 'o+" 'ect+r&!( vo&ce* 4I $o!2t have #o+ %ess&!( abo+t $&th I!"&a!s a!# %ore5 If #o+ $a!t to (o to the Marabar Caves* #o+2'' (o +!"er 0r&t&sh a+sp&ces)44I2ve !ever hear" of these caves* I "o!2t ,!o$ $hat or $here the# are*4 sa&" Mrs) Moore*4b+t I rea''# ca!2t have 4she tappe" the c+sh&o! bes&"e her4 so %+ch 1+arre''&!( a!"t&reso%e!ess54The #o+!( peop'e $ere asha%e") The# "roppe" her at the b+!(a'o$ a!" "rove o! to(ether

to the po'o* fee'&!( &t $as the 'east the# co+'" "o) The&r crac,'&!( ba" h+%o+r 'eft the%* b+t theheav&!ess of the&r sp&r&t re%a&!e"- th+!"erstor%s se'"o% c'ear the a&r) M&ss Q+este" $as th&!,&!(over her o$! behav&o+r* a!" "&"!2t '&,e &t at a'') I!stea" of $e&(h&!( Ro!!# a!" herse'f* a!"



co%&!( to a reaso!e" co!c'+s&o! abo+t %arr&a(e* she ha" &!c&"e!ta''#* &! the co+rse of a ta', abo+t %a!(oes* re%ar,e" to %&xe" co%pa!# that she "&"!2t %ea! to stop &! I!"&a) h&ch%ea!t that she $o+'"!2t %arr# Ro!!#: b+t $hat a $a# to a!!o+!ce &t* $hat a $a# for a c&v&'&.e"(&r' to behave5 She o$e" h&% a! exp'a!at&o!* b+t +!fort+!ate'# there $as !oth&!( to exp'a&!)The 4thoro+(h ta',4 so "ear to her pr&!c&p'es a!" te%pera%e!t ha" bee! postpo!e" +!t&'too 'ate) There see%e" !o po&!t &! be&!( "&sa(reeab'e to h&% a!" for%+'at&!( her co%p'a&!ts

a(a&!st h&s character at th&s ho+r of the "a#* $h&ch $as the eve!&!() ) ) ) The po'o too, p'ace o!the Ma&"a! !ear the e!tra!ce of Cha!"rapore c&t#) The s+! $as a'rea"# "ec'&!&!( a!" each of the trees he'" a pre%o!&t&o! of !&(ht) The# $a',e" a$a# fro% the (over!&!( (ro+p to a "&sta!tseat* a!" there* fee'&!( that &t $as h&s "+e a!" her o$!* she force" o+t of herse'f the +!"&(este"re%ar,: 4e %+st have a thoro+(h ta',* Ro!!#* I2% afra&")44M# te%per2s rotte!* I %+st apo'o(&.e*4 $as h&s rep'#) 4I "&"!2t %ea! to or"er #o+ a!"%other abo+t* b+t of co+rse the $a# those 0e!(a'&s 'et #o+ "o$! th&s %or!&!( a!!o#e" %e*a!" I "o!2t $a!t that sort of th&!( to ,eep happe!&!()44It2s !oth&!( to "o $&th the% that I ) ) )44No* b+t A.&. $o+'" %a,e so%e s&%&'ar %+""'e over the caves) He %ea!t !oth&!( b# the&!v&tat&o!* I co+'" te'' b# h&s vo&ce- &t2s 9+st the&r $a# of be&!( p'easa!t)4

4It2s so%eth&!( ver# "&ffere!t* !oth&!( to "o $&th caves* that I $a!te" to ta',) over $&th#o+)4 She (a.e" at the co'o+r'ess (rass) 4I2ve f&!a''# "ec&"e" $e are !ot (o&!( to be %arr&e"*%# "ear bo#)4The !e$s h+rt Ro!!# ver# %+ch) He ha" hear" A.&. a!!o+!ce that she $o+'" !ot ret+r! tothe co+!tr#* b+t ha" pa&" !o atte!t&o! to the re%ar,* for he !ever "rea%t that a! I!"&a! co+'"

be a cha!!e' of co%%+!&cat&o! bet$ee! t$o E!('&sh peop'e) He co!tro''e" h&%se'f a!" sa&"(e!t'#* 47o+ !ever sa&" $e sho+'" %arr#* %# "ear (&r'- #o+ !ever bo+!" e&ther #o+rse'f or %e"o!2t 'et th&s +pset #o+)4She fe't asha%e") Ho$ "ece!t he $as5 He %&(ht force h&s op&!&o!s "o$! her throat* b+t "&"!ot press her to a! 4e!(a(e%e!t*4 beca+se he be'&eve"* '&,e herse'f* &! the sa!ct&t# of perso!a're'at&o!sh&ps: &t $as th&s that ha" "ra$! the% to(ether at the&r f&rst %eet&!(* $h&ch ha" occ+rre"a%o!( the (ra!" sce!er# of the E!('&sh 3a,es) Her or"ea' $as over* b+t she fe't &tsho+'" have bee! %ore pa&!f+' a!" 'o!(er) A"e'a $&'' !ot %arr# Ro!!#) It see%e" s'&pp&!( a$a#'&,e a "rea%) She sa&"* 40+t 'et +s "&sc+ss th&!(s- &t2s a'' so fr&(htf+''# &%porta!t* $e %+st!2t%a,e fa'se steps) I $a!t !ext to hear #o+r po&!t of v&e$ abo+t %e&t %&(ht he'p +s both)4H&s %a!!er $as +!happ# a!" reserve") 4I "o!2t %+ch be'&eve &! th&s "&sc+ss&!(bes&"es*I2% so "ea" $&th a'' th&s extra $or, Moh+rra%2s br&!(&!(* &f #o+2'' exc+se %e)44I o!'# $a!t ever#th&!( to be abso'+te'# c'ear bet$ee! +s* a!" to a!s$er a!# 1+est&o!s #o+care to p+t to %e o! %# co!"+ct)440+t I have!2t (ot a!# 1+est&o!s) 7o+2ve acte" $&th&! #o+r r&(hts* #o+ $ere 1+&te r&(ht toco%e o+t a!" have a 'oo, at %e "o&!( %# $or,* &t $as a! exce''e!t p'a!* a!" a!#ho$ &t2s !o

+se ta',&!( f+rther$e sho+'" o!'# (et +p stea%)4 He fe't a!(r# a!" br+&se"- he $as too pro+"to te%pt her bac,* b+t he "&" !ot co!s&"er that she ha" behave" ba"'#* beca+se $here h&sco%patr&ots $ere co!cer!e" he ha" a (e!ero+s %&!")4I s+ppose that there &s !oth&!( e'se- &t2s +!par"o!ab'e of %e to have (&ve! #o+ a!" #o+r %other a'' th&s bother*4 sa&" M&ss Q+este" heav&'#* a!" fro$!e" +p at the tree be!eath $h&chthe# $ere s&tt&!() A '&tt'e (ree! b&r" $as observ&!( her* so br&''&a!t a!" !eat that &t %&(ht havehoppe" stra&(ht o+t of a shop) O! catch&!( her e#e &t c'ose" &ts o$!* (ave a s%a'' s,&p a!" prepare"to (o to be") So%e I!"&a! $&'" b&r") 47es* !oth&!( e'se*4 she repeate"* fee'&!( that a profo+!"a!" pass&o!ate speech o+(ht to have bee! "e'&vere" b# o!e or both of the%) 4e2ve

bee! a$f+''# 0r&t&sh over &t* b+t I s+ppose that2s a'' r&(ht)44As $e are 0r&t&sh* I s+ppose &t &s)4

4A!#ho$ $e2ve !ot 1+arre''e"* Ro!!#)44Oh* that $o+'" have bee! too abs+r") h# sho+'" $e 1+arre'644I th&!, $e sha'' ,eep fr&e!"s)4



4I ,!o$ $e sha'')44Q+&te so)4As soo! as the# ha" excha!(e" th&s a"%&ss&o!* a $ave of re'&ef passe" thro+(h the% both*a!" the! tra!sfor%e" &tse'f &!to a $ave of te!"er!ess* a!" passe" bac,) The# $ere softe!e" b#the&r o$! ho!est#* a!" be(a! to fee' 'o!e'# a!" +!$&se) Exper&e!ces* !ot character* "&v&"e"the%- the# $ere !ot "&ss&%&'ar* as h+%a!s (o- &!"ee"* $he! co%pare" $&th the peop'e $ho

stoo" !earest to the% &! po&!t of space the# beca%e pract&ca''# &"e!t&ca') The 0h&' $ho $asho'"&!( a! off&cer2s po'o po!#* the E+ras&a! $ho "rove the Na$ab 0aha"+r2s car* the Na$ab0aha"+r h&%se'f* the Na$ab 0aha"+r2s "eba+che" (ra!"so!!o!e $o+'" have exa%&!e" a "&ff&c+'t#so fra!,'# a!" coo''#) The %ere fact of exa%&!at&o! ca+se" &t to "&%&!&sh) Of co+rse the#$ere fr&e!"s* a!" for ever) 4Do #o+ ,!o$ $hat the !a%e of that (ree! b&r" +p above +s &s64 sheas,e"* p+tt&!( her sho+'"er rather !earer to h&s)40eeeater)44Oh !o* Ro!!#* &t has re" bars o! &ts $&!(s)44Parrot*4 he ha.ar"e")4Goo" (rac&o+s !o)4

The b&r" &! 1+est&o! "&ve" &!to the "o%e of the tree) It $as of !o &%porta!ce* #et the#$o+'" have '&,e" to &"e!t&f# &t* &t $o+'" so%eho$ have so'ace" the&r hearts) 0+t !oth&!( &! I!"&a&s &"e!t&f&ab'e* the %ere as,&!( of a 1+est&o! ca+ses &t to "&sappear or to %er(e &! so%eth&!(e'se)4Mc0r#"e has a! &''+strate" b&r" boo,*4 he sa&" "e9ecte"'#) 4I2% !o (oo" at a'' at b&r"s* &!fact I2% +se'ess at a!# &!for%at&o! o+ts&"e %# o$! 9ob) It2s a (reat p&t#)44So a% I) I2% +se'ess at ever#th&!()44hat "o I hear64 sho+te" the Na$ab 0aha"+r at the top of h&s vo&ce* ca+s&!( both of the%to start) 4hat %ost &%probab'e state%e!t have I hear"6 A! E!('&sh 'a"# +se'ess6 No* !o* !o*!o* !o)4 He 'a+(he" (e!&a''#* s+re* $&th&! '&%&ts* of h&s $e'co%e)4Ha''o* Na$ab 0aha"+r5 0ee! $atch&!( the po'o a(a&!64 sa&" Ro!!# tep&"'#)4I have* sah&b* I have)44Ho$ "o #o+ "o64 sa&" A"e'a* '&,e$&se p+''&!( herse'f to(ether) She he'" o+t her ha!") Theo'" (e!t'e%a! 9+"(e" fro% so $a!to! a (est+re that she $as !e$ to h&s co+!tr#* b+t he pa&"'&tt'e hee") o%e! $ho expose" the&r face beca%e b# that o!e act so %#ster&o+s to h&% thathe too, the% at the va'+at&o! of the&r %e! fo', rather tha! at h&s o$!) Perhaps the# $ere !ot&%%ora'* a!" a!#ho$ the# $ere !ot h&s affa&r) O! see&!( the C&t# Ma(&strate a'o!e $&th a%a&"e! at t$&'&(ht* he ha" bor!e "o$! o! the% $&th hosp&tab'e &!te!t) He ha" a !e$ '&tt'e car*a!" $&she" to p'ace &t at the&r "&sposa'- the C&t# Ma(&strate $o+'" "ec&"e $hether the offer $asacceptab'e)Ro!!# $as b# th&s t&%e rather asha%e" of h&s c+rt!ess to A.&. a!" Go"bo'e* a!" here $as

a! opport+!&t# of sho$&!( that he co+'" treat I!"&a!s $&th co!s&"erat&o! $he! the# "eserve" &t)So he sa&" to A"e'a* $&th the sa%e sa" fr&e!"'&!ess that he ha" e%p'o#e" $he! "&sc+ss&!( the b&r"* 4o+'" ha'f a! ho+r2s sp&! e!terta&! #o+ at a''644O+(ht!2t $e to (et bac, to the b+!(a'o$644h#64 He (a.e" at her)4I th&!, perhaps I o+(ht to see #o+r %other a!" "&s c+ss f+t+re p'a!s)44That2s as #o+ '&,e* b+t there2s !o h+rr#* &s there6443et %e ta,e #o+ to the b+!(a'o$* a!" f&rst the '&tt'e sp&!*4 cr&e" the o'" %a!* a!" haste!e"to the car)4He %a# sho$ #o+ so%e aspect of the co+!tr# I ca!2t* a!" he2s a rea' 'o#a'&st) I tho+(ht #o+%&(ht care for a b&t of a cha!(e)4

Deter%&!e" to (&ve h&% !o %ore tro+b'e* she a(ree"* b+t her "es&re to see I!"&a ha" s+""e!'#"ecrease") There ha" bee! a fact&t&o+s e'e%e!t &! &t)Ho$ sho+'" the# seat the%se'ves &! the car6 The e'e(a!t (ra!"so! ha" to be 'eft beh&!")



The Na$ab 0aha"+r (ot +p &! fro!t* for he ha" !o &!te!t&o! of !e&(hbo+r&!( a! E!('&sh (&r')4Desp&te %# a"va!ce" #ears* I a% 'ear!&!( to "r&ve*4 he sa&") 4Ma! ca! 'ear! ever#th&!( &f he$&'' b+t tr#)4 A!" foresee&!( a f+rther "&ff&c+'t#* he a""e"* 4I "o !ot "o the act+a' steer&!() I s&ta!" as, %# cha+ffe+r 1+est&o!s* a!" th+s 'ear! the reaso! for ever#th&!( that &s "o!e before I"o &t %#se'f) 0# th&s %etho" ser&o+s a!" I %a# sa# '+"&cro+s acc&"e!ts* s+ch as befe'' o!e of %#co%patr&ots "+r&!( that "e'&(htf+' recept&o! at the E!('&sh C'+b* are avo&"e") O+r (oo" Pa!!a

3a'5 I hope* sah&b* that (reat "a%a(e $as !ot "o!e to #o+r f'o$ers) 3et +s have o+r '&tt'e sp&!"o$! the Ga!(avat& roa") Ha'f o!e 'ea(+e o!$ar"s54 He fe'' as'eep)5 Ro!!# &!str+cte" the cha+ffe+r to ta,e the Marabar roa" rather tha! the Ga!(avat&* s&!cethe 'atter $as +!"er repa&r* a!" sett'e" h&%se'f "o$! bes&"e the 'a"# he ha" 'ost) The car %a"ea b+rr&!( !o&se a!" r+she" a'o!( a cha+sse that ra! +po! a! e%ba!,%e!t above %e'a!cho'#f&e'"s) Trees of a poor 1+a'&t# bor"ere"* the roa"* &!"ee" the $ho'e sce!e $as &!fer&or* a!"s+((este"that the co+!tr#s&"e $as too vast to a"%&t of exce''e!ce) I! va&! "&" each &te% &! &t ca''o+t* 4Co%e* co%e)4 There $as !ot e!o+(h (o" to (o ro+!") The t$o #o+!( peop'e co!verse"feeb'# a!" fe't +!&%porta!t) he! the "ar,!ess be(a!* &t see%e" to $e'' o+t of the %ea(reve(etat&o!* e!t&re'# cover&!( the f&e'"s each s&"e of the% before &t br&%%e" over the roa")

Ro!!#2s face (re$ "&%a! eve!t that a'$a#s &!crease" her estee% for h&s character) Her ha!"to+che" h&s* o$&!( to a 9o't* a!" o!e of the thr&''s so fre1+e!t &! the a!&%a' ,&!("o% passe"

bet$ee! the%* a!" a!!o+!ce" that a'' the&r "&ff&c+'t&es $ere o!'# a 'overs2 1+arre') Each $astoo pro+" to &!crease the press+re* b+t !e&ther $&th"re$ &t* a!" a sp+r&o+s +!&t# "esce!"e" o!the%* as 'oca' a!" te%porar# as the ('ea% that &!hab&ts a f&ref'#) It $o+'" va!&sh &! a %o%e!t*

perhaps to reappear* b+t the "ar,!ess &s a'o!e "+rab'e) A!" the !&(ht that e!c&rc'e" the%* abso'+teas &t see%e"* $as &tse'f o!'# a sp+r&o+s +!&t#* be&!( %o"&f&e" b# the ('ea%s of "a# that'ea,e" +p ro+!" the e"(es of the earth* a!" b# the stars)The# (r&ppe" ) ) ) b+%p* 9+%p* a s$erve* t$o $hee's '&fte" &! the a&r* bra,es o!* b+%p $&thtree at e"(e of e%ba!,%e!t* sta!"st&'') A! acc&"e!t) A s'&(ht o!e) Nobo"# h+rt) The Na$ab0aha"+r a$o,e) He cr&e" o+t &! Arab&c* a!" v&o'e!t'# t+((e" h&s bear")4hat2s the "a%a(e64 e!1+&re" Ro!!#* after the %o%e!t2s pa+se that he per%&tte" h&%se'f

before ta,&!( char(e of a s&t+at&o!) The E+ras&a!* &!c'&!e" to be f'+stere"* ra''&e" to the so+!"of h&s vo&ce* a!"* ever# &!ch a! E!('&sh%a!* rep'&e"* 47o+ (&ve %e f&ve %&!+tes2 t&%e* I2'' ta,e#o+ a!# "a% a!#$here)44/r&(hte!e"* A"e'a64 He re'ease" her ha!")4Not a b&t)44I co!s&"er !ot to be fr&(hte!e" the he&(ht of fo''#*4 cr&e" the Na$ab 0aha"+r 1+&te r+"e'#)4e''* &t2s a'' over !o$* tears are +se'ess*4 sa&" Ro!!#* "&s%o+!t&!() 4e ha" so%e '+c,

b+tt&!( that tree)4

4A'' over ) ) ) oh #es* the "a!(er &s past* 'et +s s%o,e c&(arettes* 'et +s "o a!#th&!( $e p'ease) Oh #es ) ) e!9o# o+rse'vesoh %# %erc&f+' Go" ) ) )4 H&s $or"s "&e" &!to Arab&c a(a&!)4as!2t the br&"(e) e s,&""e")44e "&"!2t s,&"*4 sa&" A"e'a* $ho ha" see! the ca+se of the acc&"e!t* a!" tho+(ht ever#o!e%+st have see! &t too) 4e ra! &!to a! a!&%a')4A 'o+" cr# bro,e fro% the o'" %a!: h&s terror $as "&sproport&o!ate a!" r&"&c+'o+s)4A! a!&%a'644A 'ar(e a!&%a' r+she" +p o+t of the "ar, o! the r&(ht a!" h&t +s)440# ?ove* she2s r&(ht*4 Ro!!# exc'a&%e") 4The pa&!t2s (o!e)440# ?ove* s&r* #o+r 'a"# &s r&(ht*4 echoe" the E+ras&a!) ?+st b# the h&!(es of the "oor $as a"e!t* a!" the "oor ope!e" $&th "&ff&c+'t#)

4Of co+rse I2% r&(ht) I sa$ &ts ha&r# bac, 1+&te p'a&!'#)44I sa#* A"e'a* $hat $as &t644I "o!2t ,!o$ the a!&%a's a!# better tha! the b&r"s heretoo b&( for a (oat)4



4Exact'#* too b&( for a (oat ) ) )4 sa&" the o'" %a!)Ro!!# sa&"* 43et2s (o &!to th&s- 'et2s 'oo, for &ts trac,s)44Exact'#- #o+ $&sh to borro$ th&s e'ectr&c torch)4The E!('&sh peop'e $a',e" a fe$ steps bac, &!to the "ar,!ess* +!&te" a!" happ#) Tha!,s tothe&r #o+th a!" +pbr&!(&!(* the# $ere !ot +pset b# the acc&"e!t) The# trace" bac, the $r&th&!(of the t#res to the so+rce of the&r "&st+rba!ce) It $as 9+st after the ex&t fro% a br&"(e- the a!&%a'

ha" probab'# co%e +p o+t of the !+''ah) Stea"# a!" s%ooth ra! the %ar,s of the car* r&bbo!s!eat'# !&c,e" $&th 'o.e!(es* the! a'' $e!t %a") Certa&!'# so%e exter!a' force ha" &%p&!(e"* b+t the roa" ha" bee! +se" b# too %a!# ob9ects for a!# o!e trac, to be 'e(&b'e* a!"the torch create" s+ch h&(h '&(hts a!" b'ac, sha"o$s that the# co+'" !ot &!terpret $hat &t revea'e")Moreover* A"e'a &! her exc&te%e!t ,!e't a!" s$ept her s,&rts abo+t* +!t&' &t $as she &f a!#o!e $ho appeare" to have attac,e" the car) The &!c&"e!t $as a (reat re'&ef to the% both)The# for(ot the&r abort&ve perso!a' re'at&o!sh&p* a!" fe't a"ve!t+ro+s as the# %+""&e" abo+t &!the "+st)4I be'&eve &t $as a b+ffa'o*4 she ca''e" to the&r host* $ho ha" !ot acco%pa!&e" the%)4Exact'#)44U!'ess &t $as a h#e!a)4

Ro!!# approve" th&s 'ast co!9ect+re) H#e!as pro$' &! !+''ahs a!" hea"'&(hts "a..'e the%)4Exce''e!t* a h#e!a*4 sa&" the I!"&a! $&th a! a!(r# &ro!# a!" a (est+re at the !&(ht) 4Mr)Harr&s544Ha'f a %o%e!t) G&ve %e te! %&!+tes2 t&%e)44Sah&b sa#s h#e!a)44Do!2t $orr# Mr) Harr&s) He save" +s fro% a !ast# s%ash) Harr&s* $e'' "o!e544A s%ash* sah&b* that $o+'" !ot have ta,e! p'ace ha" he obe#e" a!" ta,e! +s Ga!(avat&s&"e* &!stea" of Marabar)44M# fa+'t that) I to'" h&% to co%e th&s $a# beca+se the roa"2s better) Mr) 3es'e# has %a"e &t

p+,,a r&(ht +p to the h&''s)44Ah* !o$ I be(&! to +!"ersta!")4 See%&!( to p+'' h&%se'f to(ether* he apo'o(&.e" s'o$'# a!"e'aborate'# for the acc&"e!t) Ro!!# %+r%+re"* 4Not at a''*4 b+t apo'o(&es $ere h&s "+e* a!"sho+'" have starte" soo!er: beca+se E!('&sh peop'e are so ca'% at a cr&s&s* &t &s !ot to be ass+%e"that the# are +!&%porta!t) The Na$ab 0aha"+r ha" !ot co%e o+t ver# $e'')At that %o%e!t a 'ar(e car approache" fro% the oppos&te "&rect&o!) Ro!!# a"va!ce" a fe$steps "o$! the roa"* a!" $&th a+thor&t# &! h&s vo&ce a!" (est+re stoppe" &t) It bore the &!scr&pt&o!4M+",+' State4 across &ts bo!!et) A'' fr&s,&!ess a!" fr&e!"'&!ess* M&ss Dere, sat &!s&"e)4Mr) Heas'op* M&ss Q+este"* $hat are #o+ ho'"&!( +p a! &!!oce!t fe%a'e for644e2ve ha" a brea,"o$!)440+t ho$ p+tr&"544e ra! &!to a h#e!a54

4Ho$ abso'+te'# rotte!544Ca! #o+ (&ve +s a '&ft6447es* &!"ee")44Ta,e %e too*4 sa&" the Na$ab 0aha"+r)4Heh* $hat abo+t %e64 cr&e" Mr) Harr&s)4No$ $hat2s a'' th&s6 I2% !ot a! o%!&b+s*4 sa&" M&ss Dere, $&th "ec&s&o!) 4I2ve a har%o!&+%a!" t$o "o(s &! here $&th %e as &t &s) I2'' ta,e three of #o+ &f o!e255 s&t &! fro!t a!" !+rse a p+()

No %ore)44I $&'' s&t &! fro!t*4 sa&" the Na$ab 0aha"+r)4The! hop &!: I2ve !o !ot&o! $ho #o+ are)44Heh !o* $hat abo+t %# "&!!er6 I ca!2t be 'eft a'o!e a'' the !&(ht)4 Tr#&!( to 'oo, a!" fee'

'&,e a E+ropea!* the cha+ffe+r &!terpose" a((ress&ve'#) He st&'' $ore a top&* "esp&te the "ar,!ess*a!" h&s face* to $h&ch the R+'&!( Race ha" co!tr&b+te" '&tt'e be#o!" ba" teeth* peere" o+tof &t pathet&ca''#* a!" see%e" to sa#* 4hat2s &t a'' abo+t6 Do!2t $orr# %e so* #o+ b'ac,s a!"



$h&tes) Here I a%* st+c, &! "a% I!"&a sa%e as #o+* a!" #o+ (ot to f&t %e &! better tha! th&s)44N+ss+ $&'' br&!( #o+ o+t so%e s+&tab'e "&!!er +po! a b&c#c'e*4 sa&" the Na$ab 0aha"+r*$ho ha" re(a&!e" h&s +s+a' "&(!&t#) 4I sha'' "espatch h&% $&th a'' poss&b'e spee") Mea!$h&'e*repa&r %# car)4The# spe" off* a!" Mr) Harr&s* after a reproachf+' ('a!ce* s1+atte" "o$! +po! h&s ha%s)he! E!('&sh a!" I!"&a!s $ere both prese!t* he (re$ se'fco!sc&o+s* beca+se he "&" !ot ,!o$

to $ho% he be'o!(e") /or a '&tt'e he $as vexe" b# oppos&te c+rre!ts &! h&s b'oo"* the! the# b'e!"e"* a!" he be'o!(e" to !o o!e b+t h&%se'f)0+t M&ss Dere, $as &! tear&!( sp&r&ts) She ha" s+ccee"e" &! stea'&!( the M+",+' car) Her Mahara9ah $o+'" be a$f+''# s&c,* b+t she "&"!2t %&!"* he co+'" sac, her &f he '&,e") 4I "o!2t be'&eve&! these peop'e 'ett&!( #o+ "o$!*4 she sa&") 4If I "&"!2t s!atch '&,e the "ev&'* I sho+'" be!o$here) He "oes!2t $a!t the car* s&''# foo'5 S+re'# &t2s to the cre"&t of h&s State I sho+'" besee! abo+t &! &t at Cha!"rapore "+r&!( %# 'eave) He o+(ht to 'oo, at &t that $a#) A!#ho$ he2s(ot to 'oo, at &t that $a#) M# Mahara!&2s "&ffere!t%# Mahara!&2s a "ear) That2s her fox terr&er*

poor '&tt'e "ev&') I f&she" the% o+t both $&th the "r&ver) I%a(&!e ta,&!( "o(s to a Ch&efs2Co!fere!ce5As se!s&b'e as ta,&!( Ch&efs* perhaps)4 She shr&e,e" $&th 'a+(hter) 4The har%o!&+%the

har%o!&+%2s %# '&tt'e %&sta,e* I o$!) The# rather ha" %e over the har%o!&+%) I %ea!t &t tostop o! the tra&!) Oh 'or2 54Ro!!# 'a+(he" $&th restra&!t) He "&" !ot approve of E!('&sh peop'e ta,&!( serv&ce +!"er the

Nat&ve States* $here the# obta&! a certa&! a%o+!t of &!f'+e!ce* b+t at the expe!se of the (e!era' prest&(e) The h+%oro+s tr&+%phs of a free 'a!ce are of !o ass&sta!ce to a! a"%&!&strator*a!" he to'" the #o+!( 'a"# that she $o+'" o+t"o I!"&a!s at the&r o$! (a%e &f she $e!t o!%+ch 'o!(er)4The# a'$a#s sac, %e before that happe!s* a!" the! I (et a!other 9ob) The $ho'e of I!"&aseethes $&th Mahara!&s a!" Ra!&s a!" 0e(+%s $ho c'a%o+r for s+ch as %e)44Rea''#) I ha" !o &"ea)44Ho$ co+'" #o+ have a!# &"ea* Mr) Heas'op6 hat sho+'" he ,!o$ abo+t Mahara!&s* M&ssQ+este"6 Noth&!() At 'east I sho+'" hope !ot)44I +!"ersta!" those b&( peop'e are !ot part&c+'ar'# &!terest&!(*4 sa&" A"e'a* 1+&et'#* "&s'&,&!(the #o+!( $o%a!2s to!e) Her ha!" to+che" Ro!!#2s a(a&! &! the "ar,!ess* a!" to the a!&%a'thr&'' there $as !o$ a""e" a co&!c&"e!ce of op&!&o!)4Ah* there #o+2re $ro!() The#2re pr&ce'ess)44I $o+'" scarce'# ca'' her $ro!(*4 bro,e o+t the Na$ab 0aha"+r* fro% h&s &so'at&o! o! thefro!t seat* $h&ther the# ha" re'e(ate" h&%) 4A Nat&ve State* a H&!"+ State* the $&fe of a r+'er of a H&!"+ State* %a# be#o!" "o+bt be a %ost exce''e!t 'a"#* a!" 'et &t !ot be for a %o%e!t s+ppose"that I s+((est a!#th&!( a(a&!st the character of Her H&(h!ess the Mahara!& of M+",+')0+t I fear she $&'' be +!e"+cate"* I fear she $&'' be s+perst&t&o+s) I!"ee"* ho$ co+'" she be

other$&se6 hat opport+!&t# of e"+cat&o! has s+ch a 'a"# ha"6 Oh* s+perst&t&o! &s terr&b'e* terr&b'e5oh* &t &s the (reat "efect &! o+r I!"&a! character5 4a!" as &f to po&!t h&s cr&t&c&s%* the'&(hts of the c&v&' stat&o! appeare" o! a r&se to the r&(ht) He (re$ %ore a!" %ore vo'+b'e) 4Oh*&t &s the "+t# of each a!" ever# c&t&.e! to sha,e s+perst&t&o! off* a!" tho+(h I have '&tt'e exper&e!ceof H&!"+ States* a!" !o!e of th&s part&c+'ar o!e* !a%e'# M+",+' Bthe R+'er* I fa!c#* has asa'+te of b+t e'eve! (+!s #et I ca!!ot &%a(&!e that the# have bee! as s+ccessf+' as 0r&t&shI!"&a* $here $e see reaso! a!" or"er'&!ess sprea"&!( &! ever# "&rect&o!* '&,e a %ost hea'th(&v&!(f'oo"54M&ss Dere, sa&" 4Go''#54U!"eterre" b# the exp'et&ve* the o'" %a! s$ept o!) H&s to!(+e ha" bee! 'oose" a!" h&s%&!" ha" severa' po&!ts to %a,e) He $a!te" to e!"orse M&ss Q+este"2s re%ar, that b&( peop'e

are !ot &!terest&!(* beca+se he $as b&((er h&%se'f tha! %a!# a! &!"epe!"e!t ch&ef- at thesa%e t&%e* he %+st !e&ther re%&!" !or &!for% her that he $as b&(* 'est she fe't she ha" co%%&tte"a "&sco+rtes#) Th&s $as the (ro+!"$or, of h&s orat&o!- $or,e" &! $&th &t $as h&s (rat&t+"e



to M&ss Dere, for the '&ft* h&s $&''&!(!ess to ho'" a rep+'s&ve "o( &! h&s ar%s* a!" h&s (e!era're(ret for the tro+b'e he ha" ca+se" the h+%a! race "+r&!( the eve!&!() A'so he $a!te" to

be "roppe" !ear the c&t# to (et ho'" of h&s c'ea!er* a!" to see $hat %&sch&ef h&s (ra!"so! $as+p to) As he $ove a'' these a!x&et&es &!to a s&!('e rope* he s+specte" that h&s a+"&e!ce fe't !o&!terest* a!" that the C&t# Ma(&strate fo!"'e" e&ther %a&"e! beh&!" the cover of the har!&o!&+%*

b+t (oo" bree"&!( co%pe''e" h&% to co!t&!+e- &t $as !oth&!( to h&% &f the# $ere bore"* beca+se

he "&" !ot ,!o$ $hat bore"o% &s* a!" &t $as !oth&!( to h&% &f the# $ere '&ce!t&o+s* beca+seGo" has create" a'' races to be "&ffere!t) The acc&"e!t $as over* a!" h&s '&fe* e1+ab'#+sef+'* "&st&!(+&she"* happ#* ra! o! as before a!" expresse" &tse'f &! strea%s of $e''chose!$or"s)he! th&s o'" (e#ser 'eft the%* Ro!!# %a"e !o co%%e!t* b+t ta',e" '&(ht'# abo+t po'o-T+rto! ha" ta+(ht h&% that &t &s so+!"er !ot to "&sc+ss a %a! at o!ce* a!" he reserve" $hat heha" to sa# o! the Na$ab2s character +!t&' 'ater &! the eve!&!() H&s ha!"* $h&ch he ha" re%ove"to sa# (oo"b#e* to+che" A"e'a2s a(a&!- she caresse" &t "ef&!&te'#* he respo!"e"* a!" the&r f&r%a!" %+t+a' press+re s+re'# %ea!t so%eth&!() The# 'oo,e" at each other $he! the# reache"the b+!(a'o$* for Mrs) Moore $as &!s&"e &t) It $as for M&ss Q+este" to spea,* a!" she sa&"!ervo+s'#* 4Ro!!#* I sho+'" '&,e to ta,e bac, $hat I sa&" o! the Ma&"a!)4 He asse!te"* a!" the#

beca%e e!(a(e" to be %arr&e" &! co!se1+e!ce) Ne&ther ha" foresee! s+ch a co!se1+e!ce) She ha" %ea!t to revert to her for%er co!"&t&o!of &%porta!t a!" c+'t&vate" +!certa&!t#* b+t &t ha" passe" o+t of her reach at &ts appropr&ateho+r) U!'&,e the (ree! b&r" or the ha&r# a!&%a'* she $as 'abe''e" !o$) She fe't h+%&'&ate" a(a&!*for she "eprecate" 'abe's* a!" she fe't too that there sho+'" have bee! a!other sce!e bet$ee!her 'over a!" herse'f at th&s po&!t* so%eth&!( "ra%at&c a!" 'e!(th#) He $as p'ease" &!stea" of "&stresse"* he $as s+rpr&se"* b+t he ha" rea''# !oth&!( to sa#) hat &!"ee" &s there to sa#6 To

be or !ot to be %arr&e"* that $as the 1+est&o!* a!" the# ha" "ec&"e" &t &! the aff&r%at&ve)4Co%e a'o!( a!" 'et2s te'' the %ater a'' th&s 4ope!&!( the perforate" .&!c "oor that protecte"the b+!(a'o$ fro% the s$ar%s of $&!(e" creat+res) The !o&se $o,e the %ater +p) Sheha" bee! "rea%&!( of the abse!t ch&'"re! $ho $ere so se'"o% %e!t&o!e"* Ra'ph a!" Ste''a*a!" "&" !ot at f&rst (rasp $hat $as re1+&re" of her) She too ha" beco%e +se" to tho+(htf+'

procrast&!at&o!*a!" fe't a'ar%e" $he! &t ca%e to a! e!")he! the a!!o+!ce%e!t $as over* he %a"e a (rac&o+s a!" ho!est re%ar,) 43oo, here*

both of #o+* see I!"&a &f #o+ '&,e a!" as #o+ '&,eI ,!o$ I %a"e %#se'f rather r&"&c+'o+s at/&e'"&!(2s* b+t ) ) ) &t2s "&ffere!t !o$) I $as!2t 1+&te s+re of %#se'f)44M# "+t&es here are ev&"e!t'# f&!&she"* I "o!2t $a!t to see I!"&a !o$- !o$ for %# passa(e

bac,*4 $as Mrs) Moore2s tho+(ht) She re%&!"e" herse'f of a'' that a happ# %arr&a(e %ea!s* a!"of her o$! happ# %arr&a(es* o!e of $h&ch ha" pro"+ce" Ro!!#) A"e'a2s pare!ts ha" a'so bee!happ&'# %arr&e"* a!" exce''e!t &t $as to see the &!c&"e!t repeate" b# the #o+!(er (e!erat&o!)

O! a!" o!5 the !+%ber of s+ch +!&o!s $o+'" certa&!'# &!crease as e"+cat&o! sprea" a!" &"ea's(re$ 'oft&er* a!" characters f&r%er) 0+t she $as t&re" b# her v&s&t to Gover!%e!t Co''e(e* her feet ache"* Mr) /&e'"&!( ha" $a',e" too fast a!" far* the #o+!( peop'e ha" a!!o#e" her &! thet+r!t+r!* a!" (&ve! her to s+ppose the# $ere brea,&!( $&th each other* a!" tho+(h &t $as a''r&(ht !o$ she co+'" !ot spea, as e!th+s&ast&ca''# of $e"'oc, or of a!#th&!( as she sho+'" have"o!e) Ro!!# $as s+&te"* !o$ she %+st (o ho%e a!" he'p the others* &f the# $&she") She $as

past %arr#&!( herse'f* eve! +!happ&'#- her f+!ct&o! $as to he'p others* her re$ar" to be &!for%e"that she $as s#%pathet&c) E'"er'# 'a"&es %+st !ot expect %ore tha! th&s)The# "&!e" a'o!e) There $as %+ch p'easa!t a!" affect&o!ate ta', abo+t the f+t+re) 3ater o!the# spo,e of pass&!( eve!ts* a!" Ro!!# rev&e$e" a!" reco+!te" the "a# fro% h&s o$! po&!t of v&e$) It $as a "&ffere!t "a# fro% the $o%e!2s beca+se $h&'e the# ha" e!9o#e" the%se'ves or

tho+(ht* he ha" $or,e") Moh+rra% $as approach&!(* a!" as +s+a' the Cha!"rapore Moha%%e"a!s$ere b+&'"&!( paper to$ers of a s&.e too 'ar(e to pass +!"er the bra!ches of a certa&! pep+' tree) O!e ,!e$ $hat happe!e" !ext- the to$er st+c,* a Moha%%e"a! c'&%be" +p the



pep+' a!" c+t the bra!ch off* the H&!"+s proteste"* there $as a re'&(&o+s r&ot* a!" Heave! ,!e$$hat* $&th perhaps the troops se!t for) There ha" bee! "ep+tat&o!s a!" co!c&'&at&o! co%%&ttees+!"er the a+sp&ces of T+rto!* a!" a'' the !or%a' $or, of Cha!"rapore ha" bee! h+!( +p)Sho+'" the process&o! ta,e a!other ro+te* or sho+'" the to$ers be shorter6 The Moha%%e"a!soffere" the for%er* the H&!"+s &!s&ste" o! the 'atter) The Co''ector ha" favo+re" the H&!"+s* +!t&'he s+specte" that the# ha" art&f&c&a''# be!t the tree !earer the (ro+!") The# sa&" &t sa((e"

!at+ra''#) Meas+re%e!ts* p'a!s* a! off&c&a' v&s&t to the spot) 0+t Ro!!# ha" !ot "&s'&,e" h&s "a#*for &t prove" that the 0r&t&sh $ere !ecessar# to I!"&a- there $o+'" certa&!'# have bee! b'oo"she"$&tho+t the%) H&s vo&ce (re$ co%p'ace!t a(a&!- he $as here !ot to be p'easa!t b+t to,eep the peace* a!" !o$ that A"e'a ha" pro%&se" to be h&s $&fe* she $as s+re to +!"ersta!")4hat "oes o+r o'" (e!t'e%a! of the car th&!,64 she as,e"* a!" her !e('&(e!t to!e $as exact'#$hat he "es&re")4O+r o'" (e!t'e%a! &s he'pf+' a!" so+!"* as he a'$a#s &s over p+b'&c affa&rs) 7o+2ve see! &!h&% o+r sho$ I!"&a!)44Have I rea''#644I2% afra&" so) I!cre"&b'e* are!2t the#* eve! the best of the%6 The#2re a''the# a'' for(etthe&r bac, co''ar st+"s soo!er or 'ater) 7o+2ve ha" to "o $&th three sets of I!"&a!s to"a#* the

0hattachar#as* A.&.* a!" th&s chap* a!" &t rea''# &s!2t a co&!c&"e!ce that the#2ve a'' 'et #o+"o$!)44I '&,e A.&.* A.&. &s %# rea' fr&e!"*4 Mrs) Moore &!terpose")4he! the a!&%a' r+!s &!to +s the Na$ab 'oses h&s hea"* "eserts h&s +!fort+!ate cha+ffe+r*&!tr+"es +po! M&ss Dere, ) ) ) !o (reat cr&%es* !o (reat cr&%es* b+t !o $h&te %a! $o+'" have"o!e &t)44hat a!&%a'644Oh* $e ha" a s%a'' acc&"e!t o! the Marabar Roa") A"e'a th&!,s &t $as a h#e!a)44A! acc&"e!t64 she cr&e")4Noth&!(- !o o!e h+rt) O+r exce''e!t host a$o,e %+ch ratt'e" fro% h&s "rea%s* appeare" toth&!, &t $as o+r fa+'t* a!" cha!te" exact'#* exact'#)4Mrs) Moore sh&vere"* 4A (host54 0+t the &"ea of a (host scarce'# passe" her '&ps) The #o+!(

peop'e "&" !ot ta,e &t +p* be&!( occ+p&e" $&th the&r o$! o+t'oo,s* a!" "epr&ve" of s+pport &t per&she"* or $as reabsorbe" &!to the part of the %&!" that se'"o% spea,s)47es* !oth&!( cr&%&!a'*4 Ro!!# s+%%e" +p* 4b+t there2s the !at&ve* a!" there2s o!e of thereaso!s $h# $e "o!2t a"%&t h&% to o+r c'+bs* a!" ho$ a "ece!t (&r' '&,e M&ss Dere, ca! ta,eserv&ce +!"er !at&ves p+..'es %e) ) ) ) 0+t I %+st (et o! $&th %# $or,) 8r&sh!a54 8r&sh!a $asthe peo! $ho sho+'" have bro+(ht the f&'es fro% h&s off&ce) He ha" !ot t+r!e" +p* a!" a terr&f&cro$ e!s+e") Ro!!# stor%e"* sho+te"* ho$'e"* a!" o!'# the exper&e!ce" observer co+'" te'' thathe $as !ot a!(r#* "&" !ot %+ch $a!t the f&'es* a!" o!'# %a"e a ro$ beca+se &t $as the c+sto%)Serva!ts* 1+&te +!"ersta!"&!(* ra! s'o$'# &! c&rc'es* carr#&!( h+rr&ca!e 'a%ps) 8r&sh!a the earth*

8r&sh!a the stars rep'&e"* +!t&' the E!('&sh%a! $as appease" b# the&r echoes* f&!e" the abse!t peo! e&(ht a!!as* a!" sat "o$! to h&s arrears &! the !ext roo%)4&'' #o+ p'a# Pat&e!ce $&th #o+r f+t+re %other&!'a$* "ear A"e'a* or "oes &t see% toota%e644I sho+'" '&,e toI "o!2t fee' a b&t exc&te"I2% 9+st ('a" &t2s sett'e" +p at 'ast* b+t I2% !otco!sc&o+s of vast cha!(es) e are a'' three the sa%e peop'e st&'')44That2s %+ch the best fee'&!( to have)4 She "ea't o+t the f&rst ro$ of 4"e%o!)44I s+ppose so*4 sa&" the (&r' tho+(htf+''#)4I feare" at Mr) /&e'"&!(2s that &t %&(ht be sett'e" the other $a# ) ) ) b'ac, ,!ave o! a re"1+ee!) ) ) )4 The# chatte" (e!t'# abo+t the (a%e)Prese!t'# A"e'a sa&": 47o+ hear" %e te'' A.&. a!" Go"bo'e I $as!2t stopp&!( &! the&r co+!tr#)

I "&"!2t %ea! &t* so $h# "&" I sa# &t6 I fee' I have!2t bee! fra!, e!o+(h* atte!t&ve e!o+(h* or so%eth&!() It2s as &f I (ot ever#th&!( o+t of proport&o!) 7o+ have bee! so ver# (oo" to %e* a!"I %ea!t to be (oo" $he! I sa&'e"* b+t so%eho$ I have!2t bee!) ) ) ) Mrs) Moore* &f o!e &s!2t



abso'+te'#ho!est* $hat &s the +se of ex&st&!(64She co!t&!+e" to 'a# o+t her car"s) The $or"s $ere obsc+re* b+t she +!"erstoo" the +!eas&!essthat pro"+ce" the%) She ha" exper&e!ce" &t t$&ce herse'f* "+r&!( her o$!e!(a(e%e!tsth&s va(+e co!tr&t&o! a!" "o+bt) A'' ha" co%e r&(ht e!o+(h after$ar"s a!""o+bt'ess $o+'" th&s t&%e%arr&a(e %a,es %ost th&!(s r&(ht e!o+(h) 4I $o+'"!2t $orr#*4 she

sa&") 4It2s part'# the o"" s+rro+!"&!(s- #o+ a!" I ,eep o! atte!"&!( to tr&f'es &!stea" of $hat2s&%porta!t- $e are $hat the peop'e here ca'' 2!e$)2447o+ %ea! that %# bothers are %&xe" +p $&th I!"&a644I!"&a2s4 She stoppe")4hat %a"e #o+ ca'' &t a (host644Ca'' $hat a (host644The a!&%a' th&!( that h&t +s) D&"!2t #o+ sa# 2Oh* a (host*2 &! pass&!()44I co+'"!2t have bee! th&!,&!( of $hat I $as sa#&!()44It $as probab'# a h#e!a* as a %atter of fact)44Ah* ver# '&,e'#)4A!" the# $e!t o! $&th the&r Pat&e!ce) Do$! &! Cha!"rapore the Na$ab 0aha"+r $a&te" for

h&s car) He sat beh&!" h&s to$! ho+se Ba s%a'' +!f+r!&she" b+&'"&!( $h&ch he rare'# e!tere" &!the %&"st of the '&tt'e co+rt that a'$a#s &%prov&ses &tse'f ro+!" I!"&a!s of pos&t&o!) As &f t+rba!s$ere the !at+ra' pro"+ct of "ar,!ess a fresh o!e $o+'" occas&o!a''# froth to the fro!t* &!c'&!e&tse'f to$ar"s h&%* a!" ret&re) He $as preocc+p&e"* h&s "&ct&o! $as appropr&ate to a re'&(&o+ss+b9ect) N&!e #ears prev&o+s'#* $he! f&rst he ha" ha" a car* he ha" "r&ve! &t over a "r+!,e! %a!a!" ,&''e" h&%* a!" the %a! ha" bee! $a&t&!( for h&% ever s&!ce) The Na$ab 0aha"+t $as &!!oce!t

before Go" a!" the 3a$* he ha" pa&" "o+b'e the co%pe!sat&o! !ecessar#- b+t &t $as !o+se* the %a! co!t&!+e" to $a&t &! a! +!spea,ab'e for%* c'ose to the sce!e of h&s "eath) No!eof the E!('&sh peop'e ,!e$ of th&s* !or "&" the cha+ffe+r- &t $as a rac&a' secret co%%+!&cab'e%ore b# b'oo" tha! speech) He spo,e !o$ &! horror of the part&c+'ar c&rc+%sta!ces- he ha" 'e"others &!to "a!(er* he ha" r&s,e" the '&ves of t$o &!!oce!t a!" ho!o+re" (+ests) He repeate"*4If I ha" bee! ,&''e"* $hat %atter6 &t %+st happe! so%et&%e- b+t the# $ho tr+ste" %e4 Theco%pa!# sh+""ere" a!" &!vo,e" the %erc# of Go") O!'# A.&. he'" a'oof* beca+se a perso!a'exper&e!ce restra&!e" h&%: $as &t !ot b# "esp&s&!( (hosts that he ha" co%e to ,!o$ Mrs)Moore6 47o+ ,!o$* N+re""&!*4 he $h&spere" to the (ra!"so!a! effe%&!ate #o+th $ho% hese'"o% %et* a'$a#s '&,e"* a!" &!var&ab'# for(ot4 #o+ ,!o$* %# "ear fe''o$* $e Mos'e%s s&%p'#%+st (et r&" of these s+perst&t&o!s* or I!"&a $&'' !ever a"va!ce) Ho$ 'o!( %+st I hear of thesava(e p&( +po! the Marabar Roa"64 N+re""&! 'oo,e" "o$!) A.&. co!t&!+e": 47o+r (ra!"father

be'o!(s to a!other (e!erat&o!* a!" I respect a!" 'ove the o'" (e!t'e%a!* as #o+ ,!o$) I sa#!oth&!( a(a&!st h&%* o!'# that &t &s $ro!( for +s* beca+se $e are #o+!() I $a!t #o+ to pro%&se%eN+re""&!* are #o+ '&ste!&!(6!ot to be'&eve &! Ev&' Sp&r&ts* a!" &f I "&e Bfor %# hea'th (ro$s

ver# $ea, to br&!( +p %# three ch&'"re! to "&sbe'&eve &! the% too)4 N+re""&! s%&'e"* a!" as+&tab'e a!s$er rose to h&s prett# '&ps* b+t before he co+'" %a,e &t the car arr&ve"* a!" h&s(ra!"father too, h&% a$a#)The (a%e of Pat&e!ce +p &! the c&v&' '&!es $e!t o! 'o!(er tha! th&s) Mrs) Moore co!t&!+e" to%+r%+r 4Re" te! o! a b'ac, ,!ave*4 M&ss Q+este" to ass&st her* a!" to &!tersperse a%o!( the&!tr&cac&es of the p'a# "eta&'s abo+t the h#e!a* the e!(a(e%e!t* the Mahara!& of M+",+'* the0hattachar#as* a!" the "a# (e!era''#* $hose ro+(h "es&ccate" s+rface ac1+&re" as &t rece"e" a"ef&!&te o+t'&!e* as I!"&a &tse'f %&(ht* co+'" &t be v&e$e" fro% the %oo!) Prese!t'# the p'a#ers$e!t to be"* b+t !ot before other peop'e ha" $o,e! +p e'se$here* peop'e $hose e%ot&o!sthe# co+'" !ot share* a!" $hose ex&ste!ce the# &(!ore") Never tra!1+&'* !ever perfect'# "ar,*the !&(ht $ore &tse'f a$a#* "&st&!(+&she" fro% other !&(hts b# t$o or three b'asts of $&!"* $h&ch

see%e" to fa'' perpe!"&c+'ar'# o+t of the s,# a!" to bo+!ce bac, &!to &t* har" a!" co%pact*'eav&!( !o fresh!ess beh&!" the%: the hot $eather $as approach&!()CHAPTER I



A.&. fe'' &'' as he foreto'"s'&(ht'# &'') Three "a#s 'ater he 'a# abe" &! h&s b+!(a'o$* prete!"&!(to be ver# &'') It $as a to+ch of fever* $h&ch he $o+'" have !e('ecte" &f there $as a!#th&!(&%porta!t at the hosp&ta') No$ a!" the! he (roa!e" a!" tho+(ht he sho+'" "&e* b+t "&" !otth&!, so for 'o!(* a!" a ver# '&tt'e "&verte" h&%) It $as S+!"a#* a'$a#s a! e1+&voca' "a# &! theEast* a!" a! exc+se for s'ac,&!() He co+'" hear ch+rch be''s as he "ro$se"* both fro% the c&v&'stat&o! a!" fro% the %&ss&o!ar&es o+t be#o!" the s'a+(hter ho+se"&ffere!t be''s a!" r+!( $&th

"&ffere!t &!te!t* for o!e set $as ca''&!( f&r%'# to A!('oI!"&a* a!" the other feeb'# to %a!,&!")He "&" !ot ob9ect to the f&rst set- the other he &(!ore"* ,!o$&!( the&r &!eff&c&e!c#) O'" Mr)Gra#sfor"a!" #o+!( Mr) Sor'e# %a"e co!verts "+r&!( a fa%&!e* beca+se the# "&str&b+te" foo"- b+t$he! t&%es &%prove" the# $ere !at+ra''# 'eft a'o!e a(a&!* a!" tho+(h s+rpr&se" a!" a((r&eve"each t&%e th&s happe!e"* the# !ever 'ear!t $&s"o%) 4No E!('&sh%a! +!"ersta!"s +s except Mr)/&e'"&!(*4 he tho+(ht- 4b+t ho$ sha'' I see h&% a(a&!6 If he e!tere" th&s roo% the "&s(race of &t$o+'" ,&'' %e)4 He ca''e" to Hassa! to c'ear +p* b+t Hassa!* $ho $as test&!( h&s $a(es b# r&!(&!(the% o! the step of the vera!"ah* fo+!" &t poss&b'e !ot to hear h&%- hear" a!" "&"!2t hear*

9+st as A.&. ha" ca''e" a!" ha"!2t ca''e") 4That2s I!"&a a'' over ) ) ) ho$ '&,e +s ) ) ) there $e are) ) )4 He "o.e" a(a&!* a!" h&s tho+(hts $a!"ere" over the var&e" s+rface of '&fe)

Gra"+a''# the# stea"&e" +po! a certa&! spotthe 0otto%'ess P&t accor"&!( to %&ss&o!ar&es* b+t he ha" !ever re(ar"e" &t as %ore tha! a "&%p'e) 7es* he "&" $a!t to spe!" a! eve!&!( $&thso%e (&r's* s&!(&!( a!" a'' that* the va(+e 9o''&t# that $o+'" c+'%&!ate &! vo'+pt+o+s!ess) 7es*that $as $hat he "&" $a!t) Ho$ co+'" &t be %a!a(e"6 If Ma9or Ca''e!"ar ha" bee! a! I!"&a!*he $o+'" have re%e%bere" $hat #o+!( %e! are* a!" (ra!te" t$o or three "a#s2 'eave to Ca'c+tta$&tho+t as,&!( 1+est&o!s) 0+t the Ma9or ass+%e" e&ther that h&s s+bor"&!ates $ere %a"eof &ce* or that the# repa&re" to the Cha!"rapore ba.aars"&s(+st&!( &"eas both) It $as o!'# Mr)/&e'"&!( $ho4Hassa!5The serva!t ca%e r+!!&!()43oo, at those f'&es* brother-4 a!" he po&!te" to the horr&b'e %ass that h+!( fro% the ce&'&!()The !+c'e+s $as a $&re $h&ch ha" bee! &!serte" as a ho%a(e to e'ectr&c&t#) E'ectr&c&t# ha"

pa&" !o atte!t&o!* a!" a co'o!# of e#ef'&es ha" co%e &!stea" a!" b'ac,e!e" the co&'s $&th the&r bo"&es)4H+.oor* those are f'&es)44Goo"* (oo"* the# are* exce''e!t* b+t $h# have I ca''e" #o+644To "r&ve the% e'se$here*4 sa&" Hassa!* after pa&!f+' tho+(ht)4Dr&ve! e'se$here* the# a'$a#s ret+r!)44H+.oor)447o+ %+st %a,e so%e arra!(e%e!t a(a&!st f'&esthat &s $h# #o+ are %# serva!t*4 sa&" A.&.(e!t'#)

Hassa! $o+'" ca'' the '&tt'e bo# to borro$ the step'a""er fro% Mah%o+" A'&2s ho+sehe$o+'" or"er the coo, to '&(ht the Pr&%+s stove a!" heat $ater- he $o+'" perso!a''# asce!" thesteps $&th a b+c,et &! h&s ar%s* a!" "&p the e!" of the co&' &!to &t)4Goo"* ver# (oo") No$ $hat have #o+ to "o6448&'' f'&es)44Goo") Do &t)4Hassa! $&th"re$* the p'a! a'%ost 'o"(e" &! h&s hea"* a!" be(a! to 'oo, for the '&tt'e bo#)

Not f&!"&!( h&%* h&s steps (re$ s'o$er* a!" he sto'e bac, to h&s post o! the vera!"ah* b+t "&"!ot (o o! test&!( h&s r+pees* &! case h&s %aster hear" the% c'&!,) O! t$&ttere" the S+!"a#

be''s- the East ha" ret+r!e" to the East v&a the s+b+rbs of E!('a!"* a!" ha" beco%e r&"&c+'o+s"+r&!( the "eto+r)

A.&. co!t&!+e" to th&!, abo+t bea+t&f+' $o%e!)H&s %&!" here $as har" a!" "&rect* tho+(h !ot br+ta') He ha" 'ear!t a'' he !ee"e" co!cer!&!(h&s o$! co!st&t+t&o! %a!# #ears a(o* tha!,s to the soc&a' or"er &!to $h&ch he ha" bee!



bor!* a!" $he! he ca%e to st+"# %e"&c&!e he $as repe''e" b# the pe"a!tr# a!" f+ss $&th$h&ch E+rope tab+'ates the facts of sex) Sc&e!ce see%e" to "&sc+ss ever#th&!( fro% the $ro!(e!") It "&"!2t &!terpret h&s exper&e!ces $he! he fo+!" the% &! a Ger%a! %a!+a'* beca+se b#

be&!( there the# cease" to be h&s exper&e!ces) hat he ha" bee! to'" b# h&s father or %other or ha" p&c,e" +p fro% serva!ts&t $as &!for%at&o! of that sort that he fo+!" +sef+'* a!"ha!"e" o! as occas&o! offere" to others)

0+t he %+st !ot br&!( a!# "&s(race o! h&s ch&'"re! b# so%e s&''# escapa"e) I%a(&!e &f &t (otabo+t that he $as !ot respectab'e5 H&s profess&o!a' pos&t&o! too %+st be co!s&"ere"* $hatever Ma9or Ca''e!"ar tho+(ht) A.&. +phe'" the propr&et&es* tho+(h he "&" !ot &!vest the% $&th a!#%ora' ha'o* a!" &t $as here that he ch&ef'# "&ffere" fro% a! E!('&sh%a!) H&s co!ve!t&o!s $eresoc&a') There &s !o har% &! "ece&v&!( soc&et# as 'o!( as she "oes !ot f&!" #o+ o+t* beca+se &t &so!'# $he! she f&!"s #o+ o+t that #o+ have har%e" her- she &s !ot '&,e a fr&e!" or Go"* $ho are&!9+re" b# the %ere ex&ste!ce of +!fa&thf+'!ess) Q+&te c'ear abo+t th&s* he %e"&tate" $hat t#peof '&e he sho+'" te'' to (et a$a# to Ca'c+tta* a!" ha" tho+(ht of a %a! there $ho co+'" betr+ste" to se!" h&% a $&re a!" a 'etter that he co+'" sho$ to Ma9or Ca''e!"ar* $he! the !o&se of $hee's $as hear" &! h&s co%po+!") So%eo!e ha" ca''e" to e!1+&re) The tho+(ht of s#%path#&!crease" h&s fever* a!" $&th a s&!cere (roa! he $rappe" h&%se'f &! h&s 1+&'t)

4A.&.* %# "ear fe''o$* $e are (reat'# co!cer!e"*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah2s vo&ce) O!e* t$o* three*fo+r b+%ps* as peop'e sat "o$! +po! h&s be")4he! a "octor fa''s &'' &t &s a ser&o+s %atter*4 sa&" the vo&ce of Mr) S#e" Moha%%e"* the ass&sta!te!(&!eer)4he! a! e!(&!eer fa''s &''* &t &s e1+a''# &%porta!t*4 sa&" the vo&ce of Mr) Ha1* a po'&ce &!spector)4Oh #es* $e are a'' 9o''# &%porta!t* o+r sa'ar&es prove &t)44Dr) A.&. too, tea $&th o+r Pr&!cIpa' 'ast Th+rs"a# after!oo!*4 p&pe" Raf&* the e!(&!eer2s!ephe$) 4Professor Go"bo'e* $ho a'so atte!"e"* has s&c,e!e" too* $h&ch see%s rather a c+r&o+sth&!(* s&r* "oes &t !ot64/'a%es of s+sp&c&o! 'eapt +p &! the breast of each %a!) 4H+%b+(54 exc'a&%e" Ha%&"+''ah*&! a+thor&tat&ve to!es* 1+e!ch&!( the%)4H+%b+(* %ost certa&!'#*4 echoe" the others* asha%e" of the%se'ves) The $&c,e" schoo'bo#*hav&!( fa&'e" to start a sca!"a'* 'ost co!f&"e!ce a!" stoo" +p $&th h&s bac, to the $a'')4Is Professor Go"bo'e &''64 e!1+&re" A.&.* pe!etrate" b# the !e$s) 4I a% s&!cere'# sorr#)4I!te''&(e!t a!" co%pass&o!ate* h&s face peepe" o+t of the br&(ht cr&%so! fo'"s of the 1+&'t)4Ho$ "o #o+ "o* Mr) S#e" Moha%%e"* Mr) Ha16 Ho$ ver# ,&!" of #o+ to e!1+&re after %#hea'th5 Ho$ "o #o+ "o* Ha%&"+''ah6 0+t #o+ br&!( %e ba" !e$s) hat &s $ro!( $&th h&%* theexce''e!t fe''o$644h# "o!2t #o+ a!s$er* Raf&6 7o+2re the (reat a+thor&t#*4 sa&" h&s +!c'e)47es* Raf&2s the (reat %a!*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah* r+bb&!( &t &!) 4Raf& &s the Sher'oc, Ho'%es of Cha!"rapore) Spea, +p* Raf&)4

3ess tha! the "+st* the schoo'bo# %+r%+re" the $or" 4D&arrhcra*4 b+t too, co+ra(e assoo! as &t ha" bee! +ttere"* for &t &%prove" h&s pos&t&o!) /'a%es of s+sp&c&o! shot +p a(a&! &!the breasts of h&s e'"ers* tho+(h &! a "&ffere!t "&rect&o!) Co+'" $hat $as ca''e" "&arrhcea rea''#

be a! ear'# case of cho'era64If th&s &s so* th&s &s a ver# ser&o+s th&!(: th&s &s scarce'# the e!" of March) h# have I !ot

bee! &!for%e"64 cr&e" A.&.)4Dr) Pa!!a 3a' atte!"s h&%* s&r)44Oh #es* both H&!"+s- there $e have &t- the# ha!( to(ether '&,e f'&es a!" ,eep ever#th&!("ar,) Raf&* co%e here) S&t "o$!) Te'' %e a'' the "eta&'s) Is there vo%&t&!( a'so644Oh #es &!"ee"* s&r* a!" the ser&o+s pa&!s)44That sett'es &t) I! t$e!t#fo+r ho+rs he $&'' be "ea")4

Ever#bo"# 'oo,e" a!" fe't shoc,e"* b+t Professor Go"bo'e ha" "&%&!&she" h&s appea' b#'&!,&!( h&%se'f $&th a core'&(&o!&st) He %ove" the% 'ess tha! $he! he ha" appeare" as a s+ffer&!(&!"&v&"+a') 0efore 'o!( the# be(a! to co!"e%! h&% as a so+rce of &!fect&o!) 4A'' &''!ess



procee"s fro% H&!"+s*4 Mr) Ha1 sa&") Mr) S#e" Moha%%e" ha" v&s&te" re'&(&o+s fa&rs* atA''ahaba"a!" at U99a&!* a!" "escr&be" the% $&th b&t&!( scor!) At A''ahaba" there $as f'o$&!( $ater*$h&ch carr&e" &%p+r&t&es a$a#* b+t at U99a&! the '&tt'e r&ver S&pra $as ba!,e" +p* a!" tho+sa!"sof bathers "epos&te" the&r (er%s &! the poo') He spo,e $&th "&s(+st of the hot s+!* the co$"+!(a!" %ar&(o'" f'o$ers* a!" the e!ca%p%e!t of sa""h+s* so%e of $ho% stro"e star, !a,e"

thro+(h the streets) As,e" $hat $as the !a%e of the ch&ef &"o' at U99a&!* he rep'&e" that he"&" !ot ,!o$* he ha" "&s"a&!e" to e!1+&re* he rea''# co+'" !ot $aste h&s t&%e over s+ch tr&v&a'&t&es)H&s o+tb+rst too, so%e t&%e* a!" &! h&s exc&te%e!t he fe'' &!to P+!9ab& Bhe ca%e fro% thats&"e a!" $as +!&!te''&(&b'e)A.&. '&,e" to hear h&s re'&(&o! pra&se") It soothe" the s+rface of h&s %&!"* a!" a''o$e" bea+t&f+'&%a(es to for% be!eath) he! the e!(&!eer2s !o&s# t&ra"e $as f&!&she"* he sa&"* 4That &sexact'# %# o$! v&e$)4 He he'" +p h&s ha!"* pa'% o+t$ar"* h&s e#es be(a! to ('o$* h&s heart tof&'' $&th te!"er!ess) Iss+&!( st&'' farther fro% h&s 1+&'t* he rec&te" a poe% b# Gha'&b) It ha" !oco!!ect&o! $&th a!#th&!( that ha" (o!e before* b+t &t ca%e fro% h&s heart a!" spo,e to the&rs)The# $ere over$he'%e" b# &ts pathos- pathos* the# a(ree"* &s the h&(hest 1+a'&t# &! art- a

poe% sho+'" to+ch the hearer $&th a se!se of h&s o$! $ea,!ess* a!" sho+'" &!st&t+te so%e

co%par&so! bet$ee! %a!,&!" a!" f'o$ers) The s1+a'&" be"roo% (re$ 1+&et- the s&''# &!tr&(+es*the (oss&p* the sha''o$ "&sco!te!t $ere st&''e"* $h&'e $or"s accepte" as &%%orta' f&''e" the&!"&ffere!ta&r) Not as a ca'' to batt'e* b+t as a ca'% ass+ra!ce ca%e the fee'&!( that I!"&a $aso!e- Mos'e%- a'$a#s ha" bee!- a! ass+ra!ce that 'aste" +!t&' the# 'oo,e" o+t of the "oor)hatever Gha'&b ha" fe't* he ha" a!#ho$ '&ve" &! I!"&a* a!" th&s co!so'&"ate" &t for the%: heha" (o!e $&th h&s o$! t+'&ps a!" roses* b+t t+'&ps a!" roses "o !ot (o) A!" the s&ster ,&!("o%sof the !orthArab&a* Pers&a* /er(ha!a* T+r,esta! stretche" o+t the&r ha!"s as he sa!(* sa"'#*

beca+se a'' bea+t# &s sa"* a!" (reete" r&"&c+'o+s Cha!"rapore* $here ever# street a!" ho+se$as "&v&"e" a(a&!st &tse'f* a!" to'" her that she $as a co!t&!e!t a!" a +!&t#)Of the co%pa!#* o!'# Ha%&"+''ah ha" a!# co%prehe!s&o! of poetr#) The %&!"s of the others$ere &!fer&or a!" ro+(h) 7et the# '&ste!e" $&th p'eas+re* beca+se '&terat+re ha" !ot bee! "&vorce"fro% the&r c&v&'&.at&o!) The po'&ce &!spector* for &!sta!ce* "&" !ot fee' that A.&. ha" "e(ra"e"h&%se'f b# rec&t&!(* !or brea, &!to the cheer# (+ffa$ $&th $h&ch a! E!('&sh%a! avertsthe &!fect&o! of bea+t#) He 9+st sat $&th h&s %&!" e%pt#* a!" $he! h&s tho+(hts* $h&ch $ere%a&!'# &(!ob'e* f'o$e" bac, &!to &t the# ha" a p'easa!t fresh!ess) The poe% ha" "o!e !o4(oo"4 to a!#o!e* b+t &t $as a pass&!( re%&!"er* a breath fro% the "&v&!e '&ps of bea+t#* a!&(ht&!(a'e bet$ee! t$o $or'"s of "+st) 3ess exp'&c&t tha! the ca'' to 8r&sh!a* &t vo&ce" o+r'o!e'&!ess!everthe'ess* o+r &so'at&o!* o+r !ee" for the /r&e!" $ho !ever co%es #et &s !ot e!t&re'#"&sprove") A.&. &t 'eft th&!,&!( abo+t $o%e! a(a&!* b+t &! a "&ffere!t $a#: 'ess "ef&!&te* %ore

&!te!se) So%et&%es poetr# ha" th&s effect o! h&%* so%et&%es &t o!'# &!crease" h&s 'oca' "es&res*a!" he !ever ,!e$ beforeha!" $h&ch effect $o+'" e!s+e: he co+'" "&scover !o r+'e for th&s or for a!#th&!( e'se &! '&fe)Ha%&"+''ah ha" ca''e" &! o! h&s $a# to a $orr#&!( co%%&ttee of !otab'es* !at&o!a'&st &! te!"e!c#*$here H&!"+s* Mos'e%s* t$o S&,hs* t$o Pars&s* a ?a%* a!" a Nat&ve Chr&st&a! tr&e" to '&,eo!e a!other %ore tha! ca%e !at+ra' to the%) As 'o!( as so%eo!e ab+se" the E!('&sh* a'' $e!t$e''* b+t !oth&!( co!str+ct&ve ha" bee! ach&eve"* a!" &f the E!('&sh $ere to 'eave I!"&a* theco%%&ttee $o+'" va!&sh a'so) He $as ('a" that A.&.* $ho% he 'ove" a!" $hose fa%&'# $asco!!ecte" $&th h&s o$!* too, !o &!terest &! po'&t&cs* $h&ch r+&! the character a!" career* #et!oth&!( ca! be ach&eve" $&tho+t the%) He tho+(ht of Ca%br&"(esa"'#* as of a!other poe%that ha" e!"e") Ho$ happ# he ha" bee! there* t$e!t# #ears a(o5 Po'&t&cs ha" !ot %attere" &!

Mr) a!" Mrs) 0a!!&ster2s rector#) There* (a%es* $or,* a!" p'easa!t soc&et# ha" &!ter$ove!* a!"appeare" to be s+ff&c&e!t s+bstr+ct+re for a !at&o!a' '&fe) Here a'' $as $&rep+''&!( a!" fear)Messrs) S#e" Moha%%e" a!" Ha1he co+'"!2t eve! tr+st the%* a'tho+(h the# ha" co%e &! h&s



carr&a(e* a!" the schoo'bo# $as a scorp&o!) 0e!"&!( "o$!* he sa&"* 4A.&.* A.&.* %# "ear bo#*$e %+st be (o&!(* $e are a'rea"# 'ate) Get $e'' 1+&c,'#* for I "o !ot ,!o$ $hat o+r '&tt'e c&rc'e$o+'" "o $&tho+t #o+)44I sha'' !ot for(et those affect&o!ate $or"s*4 rep'&e" A.&.)4A"" %&!e to the%*4 sa&" the e!(&!eer)4Tha!, #o+* Mr) S#e" Moha%%e"* I $&'')4

4A!" %&!e*4 4A!"* s&r* accept %&!e*4 cr&e" the others* st&rre" each accor"&!( to h&s capac&t#to$ar"s (oo"$&'') 3&tt'e &!effect+a' +!1+e!chab'e f'a%es5 The co%pa!# co!t&!+e" to s&t o! the be" a!" to che$ s+(arca!e* $h&ch Hassa! ha" r+! for &!to the ba.aar* a!" A.&. "ra!, a c+p of sp&ce" %&',) Prese!t'# there $as the so+!" of a!other carr&a(e) Dr) Pa!!a 3a' ha" arr&ve"*"r&ve! b# horr&" Mr) Ra% Cha!") The at%osphere of a s&c,roo% $as at o!ce reestab'&she"*a!" the &!va'&" ret&re" +!"er h&s 1+&'t)4Ge!t'e%e!* #o+ $&'' exc+se* I have co%e to e!1+&re b# Ma9or Ca''e!"ar2s or"ers*4 sa&" theH&!"+* !ervo+s of the "e! of fa!at&cs &!to $h&ch h&s c+r&os&t# ha" ca''e" h&%)4Here he '&es*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah* &!"&cat&!( the prostrate for%)4Dr) A.&.* Dr) A.&.* I co%e to e!1+&re)4A.&. prese!te" a! express&o!'ess face to the ther%o%eter)

47o+r ha!" a'so* p'ease)4 He too, &t* (a.e" at the f'&es o! the ce&'&!(* a!" f&!a''# a!!o+!ce"*4So%e te%perat+re)44I th&!, !ot %+ch*4 sa&" Ra% Cha!"* "es&ro+s of fo%e!t&!( tro+b'e)4So%e- he sho+'" re%a&! &! be"*4 repeate" Dr) Pa!!a 3a'* a!" shoo, the ther%o%eter "o$!* so that &ts a't&t+"e re%a&!e" for ever +!,!o$!) He 'oathe" h&s #o+!( co''ea(+e s&!ce the"&sasters $&th Dapp'e* a!" he $o+'" have '&,e" to "o h&% a ba" t+r! a!" report to Ma9or Ca''e!"ar that he $as sha%%&!() 0+t he %&(ht $a!t a "a# &! be" h&%se'f soo!*bes&"es* tho+(hMa9or Ca''e!"ar a'$a#s be'&eve" the $orst of !at&ves* he !ever be'&eve" the% $he! the# carr&e"ta'es abo+t o!e a!other) S#%path# see%e" the safer co+rse) 4Ho$ &s sto%ach64 he e!1+&re"*4ho$ hea"64 A!" catch&!( s&(ht of the e%pt# c+p* he reco%%e!"e" a %&', "&et)4Th&s &s a (reat re'&ef to +s* &t &s ver# (oo" of #o+ to ca''* Doctor Sah&b*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah*

b+tter&!( h&% +p a b&t)4It &s o!'# %# "+t#)44e ,!o$ ho$ b+s# #o+ are)447es* that &s tr+e)44A!" ho$ %+ch &''!ess there &s &! the c&t#)4The "octor s+specte" a trap &! th&s re%ar,- &f he a"%&tte" that there $as or $as !ot &''!ess*e&ther state%e!t %&(ht be +se" a(a&!st h&%) 4There &s a'$a#s &''!ess*4 he rep'&e"* 4a!" I a% a'$a#s

b+s#&t &s a "octor2s !at+re)44He has !ot a %&!+te* he &s "+e "o+b'e sharp at Gover!%e!t Co''e(e !o$*4 sa&" Ra%Cha!")

47o+ atte!" Professor Go"bo'e there perhaps64The "octor 'oo,e" profess&o!a' a!" $as s&'e!t)4e hope h&s "&arrhoea &s ceas&!()44He pro(resses* b+t !ot fro% "&arrhoea)44e are &! so%e a!x&et# over h&%he a!" Dr) A.&. are (reat fr&e!"s) If #o+ co+'" te'' +s the!a%e of h&s co%p'a&!t $e sho+'" be (ratef+' to #o+)4After a ca+t&o+s pa+se he sa&"* 4Hae%orrho&"s)44A!" so %+ch* %# "ear Raf&* for #o+r cho'era*4 hoote" A.&.* +!ab'e to restra&! h&%se'f)4Cho'era* cho'era* $hat !ext* $hat !o$64 cr&e" the "octor* (reat'# f+sse") 4ho sprea"ss+ch +!tr+e reports abo+t %# pat&e!ts64Ha%&"+''ah po&!te" to the c+'pr&t)

4I hear cho'era* I hear b+bo!&c p'a(+e* I hear ever# spec&es of '&e) here $&'' &t e!"* I as, %#se'f so%et&%es) Th&s c&t# &s f+'' of %&sstate%e!ts* a!" the or&(&!ators of the% o+(ht to be"&scovere" a!" p+!&she" a+thor&tat&ve'#)4



4Raf&* "o #o+ hear that6 No$ $h# "o #o+ st+ff +s +p $&th a'' th&s h+%b+(64The schoo'bo# %+r%+re" that a!other bo# ha" to'" h&%* a'so that the ba" E!('&sh (ra%%ar the Gover!%e!t ob'&(e" the% to +se ofte! (ave the $ro!( %ea!&!( for $or"s* a!" so 'e"scho'ars &!to %&sta,es)4That &s !o reaso! #o+ sho+'" br&!( a char(e a(a&!st a "octor*4 sa&" Ra% Cha!")4Exact'#* exact'#*4 a(ree" Ha%&"+''ah* a!x&o+s to avo&" a! +!p'easa!t!ess) Q+arre's sprea"

so 1+&c,'# a!" so far* a!" Messrs) S#e" Moha%%e" a!" Ha1 'oo,e" cross* a!" rea"# to f'# o+t)47o+ %+st apo'o(&.e proper'#* Raf&* I ca! see #o+r +!c'e $&shes &t*4 he sa&") 47o+ have !ot #etsa&" that #o+ are sorr# for the tro+b'e #o+ have ca+se" th&s (e!t'e%a! b# #o+r care'ess!ess)44It &s o!'# a bo#*4 sa&" Dr) Pa!!a 3a'* appease")4Eve! bo#s %+st 'ear!*4 sa&" Ra% Cha!")47o+r o$! so! fa&'&!( to pass the 'o$est sta!"ar"* I th&!,*4 sa&" S#e" Moha%%e" s+""e!'#)4Oh* &!"ee"6 Oh #es* perhaps) He has !ot the a"va!ta(e of a re'at&ve &! the Prosper&t#Pr&!t&!( Press)44Nor #o+ the a"va!ta(e of co!"+ct&!( the&r cases &! the Co+rts a!# 'o!(er)4The&r vo&ces rose) The# attac,e" o!e a!other $&th obsc+re a''+s&o!s a!" ha" a s&''# 1+arre')Ha%&"+''a'& a!" the "octor tr&e" to %a,e peace bet$ee! the%) I! the %&"st of the "&! so%eo!e

sa&"* 4I sa#5 Is he &'' or &s!2t he &''64 Mr) /&e'"&!( ha" e!tere" +!observe") A'' rose to the&r feet*a!" Hassa!* to "o a! E!('&sh%a! ho!o+r* str+c, +p $&th a s+(arca!e at the co&' of f'&es)A.&. sa&"* 4S&t "o$!*4 co'"'#) hat a roo%5 hat a %eet&!(5 S1+a'or a!" +('# ta',* the f'oor stre$! $&th fra(%e!ts of ca!e a!" !+ts* a!" spotte" $&th &!,* the p&ct+res croo,e" +po! the"&rt# $a''s* !o p+!,ah5 He ha"!2t %ea!t to '&ve '&,e th&s or a%o!( these th&r"rate peop'e) A!"&! h&s co!f+s&o! he tho+(ht o!'# of the &!s&(!&f&ca!t Raf&* $ho% he ha" 'a+(he" at* a!" a''o$e"to be tease") The bo# %+st be se!t a$a# happ#* or hosp&ta'&t# $o+'" have fa&'e"* a'o!( the$ho'e '&!e)4It &s (oo" of Mr) /&e'"&!( to co!"esce!" to v&s&t o+r fr&e!"*4 sa&" the po'&ce &!spector) 4eare to+che" b# th&s (reat ,&!"!ess)44Do!2t ta', to h&% '&,e that* he "oes!2t $a!t &t* a!" he "oes!2t $a!t three cha&rs- he2s !otthree E!('&sh%e!*4 he f'ashe") 4Raf&* co%e here) S&t "o$! a(a&!) I2% "e'&(hte" #o+ co+'" co%e$&th Mr) Ha%&"+''ah* %# "ear bo#- &t $&'' he'p %e to recover* see&!( #o+)44/or(&ve %# %&sta,es*4 sa&" Raf&* to co!so'&"ate h&%se'f)4e''* are #o+ &''* A.&.* or are!2t #o+64 /&e'"&!( repeate")4No "o+bt Ma9or Ca''e!"ar has to'" #o+ that I a% sha%%&!()44e''* are #o+64 The co%pa!# 'a+(he"* fr&e!"'# a!" p'ease") 4A! E!('&sh%a! at h&s best*4the# tho+(ht- 4so (e!&a')44E!1+&re fro% Dr) Pa!!a 3a')447o+2re s+re I "o!2t t&re #o+ b# stopp&!(644h#* !o5 There are s&x peop'e prese!t &! %# s%a'' roo% a'rea"#) P'ease re%a&! seate"* &f

#o+ $&'' exc+se the &!for%a'&t#)4 He t+r!e" a$a# a!" co!t&!+e" to a""ress Raf&* $ho $as terr&f&e"at the arr&va' of h&s Pr&!c&pa'* re%e%bere" that he ha" tr&e" to sprea" s'a!"er abo+t h&%*a!" #ear!e" to (et a$a#)4He &s &'' a!" he &s !ot &''*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah* offer&!( a c&(arette) 4A!" I s+ppose that %ost of +s are &! that sa%e case)4/&e'"&!( a(ree"- he a!" the p'easa!t se!s&t&ve barr&ster (ot o! $e'') The# $ere fa&r'# &!t&%atea!" be(&!!&!( to tr+st each other)4The $ho'e $or'" 'oo,s to be "#&!(* st&'' &t "oes!2t "&e* so $e %+st ass+%e the ex&ste!ce of a be!ef&ce!t Prov&"e!ce)44Oh* that &s tr+e* ho$ tr+e54 sa&" the po'&ce%a!* th&!,&!( re'&(&o! ha" bee! pra&se")4Does Mr) /&e'"&!( th&!, &t2s tr+e64

4Th&!, $h&ch tr+e6 The $or'" &s!2t "#&!() I2% certa&! of that544No* !othe ex&ste!ce of Prov&"e!ce)44e''* I "o!2t be'&eve &! Prov&"e!ce)4



40+t ho$ the! ca! #o+ be'&eve &! Go"64 as,e" S#e" Moha%%e")4I "o!2t be'&eve &! Go")4A t&!# %ove%e!t as of 4I to'" #o+ so54 passe" ro+!" the co%pa!#* a!" A.&. 'oo,e" +p for a! &!sta!t* sca!"a'&.e") 4Is &t correct that %ost are athe&sts &! E!('a!" !o$64 Ha%&"+''ah e!1+&re")4The e"+cate" tho+(htf+' peop'e6 I sho+'" sa# so* tho+(h the# "o!2t '&,e the !a%e) Thetr+th &s that the est "oes!2t bother %+ch over be'&ef a!" "&sbe'&ef &! these "a#s) /&ft# #ears

a(o* or eve! $he! #o+ a!" I $ere #o+!(* %+ch %ore f+ss $as %a"e)44A!" "oes !ot %ora'&t# a'so "ec'&!e644It "epe!"s $hat #o+ ca''#es* #es* I s+ppose %ora'&t# "oes "ec'&!e)44Exc+se the 1+est&o!* b+t &f th&s &s the case* ho$ &s E!('a!" 9+st&f&e" &! ho'"&!( I!"&a64There the# $ere5 Po'&t&cs a(a&!) 4 It2s a 1+est&o! I ca!2t (et %# %&!" o! to*4 he rep'&e") 4I2%o+t here perso!a''# beca+se I !ee"e" a 9ob) I ca!!ot te'' #o+ $h# E!('a!" &s here or $hether she o+(ht to be here) It2s be#o!" %e)44e''1+a'&f&e" I!"&a!s a'so !ee" 9obs &! the e"+cat&o!a')44I (+ess the# "o- I (ot &! f&rst*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* s%&'&!()4The! exc+se %e a(a&!&s &t fa&r a! E!('&sh%a! sho+'" occ+p# o!e $he! I!"&a!s are ava&'ab'e6Of co+rse I %ea! !oth&!( perso!a''#) Perso!a''# $e are "e'&(hte" #o+ sho+'" be here* a!"

$e be!ef&t (reat'# b# th&s fra!, ta',)4There &s o!'# o!e a!s$er to a co!versat&o! of th&s t#pe: 4E!('a!" ho'"s I!"&a for her (oo")47et /&e'"&!( $as "&s&!c'&!e" to (&ve &t) The .ea' for ho!est# ha" eate! h&% +p) He sa&"* 4I2%"e'&(hte"to be here toothat2s %# a!s$er* there2s %# o!'# exc+se) I ca!2t te'' #o+ a!#th&!( abo+tfa&r!ess) It %a#!2t have bee! fa&r I sho+'" have bee! bor!) I ta,e +p so%e other fe''o$2s a&r*"o!2t I* $he!ever I breathe6 St&''* I2% ('a" &t2s happe!e"* a!" I2% ('a" I2% o+t here) Ho$ever

b&( a ba"%ash o!e &s &f o!e2s happ# &! co!se1+e!ce* that &s so%e 9+st&f&cat&o!)4The I!"&a!s $ere be$&'"ere") The '&!e of tho+(ht $as !ot a'&e! to the%* b+t the $or"s$ere too "ef&!&te a!" b'ea,) U!'ess a se!te!ce pa&" a fe$ co%p'&%e!ts to ?+st&ce a!" Mora'&t#&! pass&!(* &ts (ra%%ar $o+!"e" the&r ears a!" para'#se" the&r %&!"s) hat the# sa&" a!" $hatthe# fe't $ere Bexcept &! the case of affect&o! se'"o% the sa%e) The# ha" !+%ero+s %e!ta'co!ve!t&o!s a!" $he! these $ere f'o+te" the# fo+!" &t ver# "&ff&c+'t to f+!ct&o!) Ha%&"+''ah

bore +p best) 4A!" those E!('&sh%e! $ho are !ot "e'&(hte" to be &! I!"&ahave the# !o exc+se64he as,e")4No!e) Ch+c, 2e% o+t)44It %a# be "&ff&c+'t to separate the% fro% the rest*4 he 'a+(he")4orse tha! "&ff&c+'t* $ro!(*4 sa&" Mr) Ra% Cha&&") 4No I!"&a! (e!t'e%a! approves ch+c,&!(o+t as a proper th&!() Here $e "&ffer fro% those other !at&o!s) e are so sp&r&t+a')44Oh* that &s tr+e* ho$ tr+e54 sa&" the po'&ce &!spector)4Is &t tr+e* Mr) Ha16 I "o!2t co!s&"er +s sp&r&t+a') e ca!2t coor"&!ate* $e ca!2t coor"&!ate*

&t o!'# co%es to that) e ca!2t ,eep e!(a(e%e!ts* $e ca!2t catch tra&!s) hat %ore tha! th&s &sthe soca''e" sp&r&t+a'&t# of I!"&a6 7o+ a!" I o+(ht to be at the Co%%&ttee of Notab'es* $e2re!ot- o+r fr&e!" Dr) 3a' o+(ht to be $&th h&s pat&e!ts* he &s!2t) So $e (o o!* a!" so $e sha'' co!t&!+eto (o* I th&!,* +!t&' the e!" of t&%e)44It &s !ot the e!" of t&%e* &t &s scarce'# te!th&rt#* ha* ha54 cr&e" Dr) Pa!!a 3a'* $ho $asa(a&! &! co!f&"e!t %oo") 4Ge!t'e%e!* &f I %a# be a''o$e" to sa# a fe$ $or"s* $hat a! &!terest&!(ta',* a'so tha!,f+'!ess a!" (rat&t+"e to Mr) /&e'"&!( &! the f&rst p'ace teaches o+r so!s a!"(&ves the% a'' the (reat be!ef&ts of h&s exper&e!ce a!" 9+"(%e!t44Dr) 3a'544Dr) A.&.6447o+ s&t o! %# 'e()4

4I be( par"o!* b+t so%e %&(ht sa# #o+r 'e( ,&c,s)44Co%e a'o!(* $e t&re the &!va'&" &! e&ther case*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* a!" the# f&'e" o+tfo+rMoha%%e"a!s*



t$o H&!"+s a!" the E!('&sh%a!) The# stoo" o! the vera!"ah $h&'e the&r co!ve#a!ces$ere s+%%o!e" o+t of var&o+s patches of sha"e)4A.&. has a h&(h op&!&o! of #o+* he o!'# "&" !ot spea, beca+se of h&s &''!ess)44I 1+&te +!"ersta!"*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* $ho $as rather "&sappo&!te" $&th h&s ca'') The C'+bco%%e!t* 4%a,&!( h&%se'f cheap as +s+a'*4 passe" thro+(h h&s %&!") He co+'"!2t eve! (et h&shorse bro+(ht +p) He ha" '&,e" A.&. so %+ch at the&r f&rst %eet&!(* a!" ha" hope" for

"eve'op%e!ts)CHAPTER The heat ha" 'eapt for$ar" &! the 'ast ho+r* the street $as "eserte" as &f a catastrophe ha"c'ea!e" off h+%a!&t# "+r&!( the &!co!c'+s&ve ta',) Oppos&te A.&.2 b+!(a'o$ stoo" a 'ar(e+!f&!&she"ho+se be'o!(&!( to t$o brothers* astro'o(ers* a!" a s1+&rre' h+!( hea""o$!$ar"s o! &t*

press&!( &ts be''# a(a&!st b+r!&!( scaffo'"&!( a!" t$&tch&!( a %a!(# ta&') It see%e" the o!'#occ+pa!tof the ho+se* a!" the s1+ea's &t (ave $ere &! t+!e $&th the &!f&!&te* !o "o+bt* b+t !otattract&ve except to other s1+&rre's) More !o&ses ca%e fro% a "+st# tree* $here bro$! b&r"screa,e" a!" f'o+!"ere" abo+t 'oo,&!( for &!sects- a!other b&r"* the &!v&s&b'e coppers%&th* ha"

starte" h&s 4po!, po!,)4 It %atters so '&tt'e to the %a9or&t# of '&v&!( be&!(s $hat the %&!or&t#*that ca''s &tse'f h+%a!* "es&res or "ec&"es) Most of the &!hab&ta!ts of I!"&a "o !ot %&!" ho$ I!"&a&s (over!e") Nor are the 'o$er a!&%a's of E!('a!" co!cer!e" abo+t E!('a!"* b+t &! thetrop&cs the &!"&ffere!ce &s %ore pro%&!e!t* the &!art&c+'ate $or'" &s c'oser at ha!" a!" rea"&er tores+%e co!tro' as soo! as %e! are) t&re") he! the seve! (e!t'e%e! $ho ha" he'" s+ch var&o+sop&!&o!s &!s&"e the b+!(a'o$ ca%e o+t of &t* the# $ere a$are of a co%%o! b+r"e!* ava(+e threat $h&ch the# ca''e" 4the ba" $eather co%&!()4 The# fe't that the# co+'" !ot "o the&r $or,* or $o+'" !ot be pa&" e!o+(h for "o&!( &t) The space bet$ee! the% a!" the&r carr&a(es*&!stea" of be&!( e%pt#* $as c'o((e" $&th a %e"&+% that presse" a(a&!st the&r f'esh* the carr&a(ec+sh&o!s sca'"e" the&r tro+sers* the&r e#es pr&c,e"* "o%es of hot $ater acc+%+'ate" +!"er the&r hea"(ear a!" po+re" "o$! the&r chee,s) Sa'aa%&!( feeb'#* the# "&sperse" for the &!ter&or of other b+!(a'o$s* to recover the&r se'festee% a!" the 1+a'&t&es that "&st&!(+&she" the% fro%each other)A'' over the c&t# a!" over %+ch of I!"&a the sa%e retreat o! the part of h+%a!&t# $as be(&!!&!(*&!to ce''ars* +p h&''s* +!"er trees) Apr&'* hera'" of horrors* &s at ha!") The s+! $as ret+r!&!(to h&s ,&!("o% $&th po$er b+t $&tho+t bea+t#that $as the s&!&ster feat+re) If o!'#there ha" bee! bea+t#5 H&s cr+e't# $o+'" have bee! to'erab'e the!) Thro+(h excess of '&(ht* hefa&'e" to tr&+%ph* he a'so- &! h&s #e''o$#$h&te overf'o$ !ot o!'# %atter* b+t br&(ht!ess &tse'f 'a#"ro$!e") He $as !ot the +!atta&!ab'e fr&e!"* e&ther of %e! or b&r"s or other s+!s* he $as !otthe eter!a' pro%&se* the !ever$&th"ra$! s+((est&o! that ha+!ts o+r co!sc&o+s!ess- he $as%ere'# a creat+re* '&,e the rest* a!" so "ebarre" fro% ('or#)

CHAPTER IA'tho+(h the I!"&a!s ha" "r&ve! off* a!" /&e'"&!( co+'" see h&s horse sta!"&!( &! a s%a''she" &! the cor!er of the co%po+!"* !o o!e tro+b'e" to br&!( &t to h&%) He starte" to (et &th&%se'f* b+t $as stoppe" b# a ca'' fro% the ho+se) A.&. $as s&tt&!( +p &! be"* 'oo,&!( "&sheve''e"a!" sa") 4Here2s #o+r ho%e*4 he sa&" sar"o!&ca''#) 4Here2s the ce'ebrate" hosp&ta'&t# of theEast) 3oo, at the f'&es) 3oo, at the ch+!a% co%&!( off the $a''s) Is!2t &t 9o''#6 No$ I s+ppose#o+ $a!t to be off* hav&!( see! a! Or&e!ta' &!ter&or)44A!#ho$* #o+ $a!t to rest)44I ca! rest the $ho'e "a#* tha!,s to $orth# Dr) 3a') Ma9or Ca''e!"ar2s sp#* I s+ppose #o+,!o$* b+t th&s t&%e &t "&"!2t $or,) I a% a''o$e" to have a s'&(ht te%perat+re)44Ca''e!"ar "oes!2t tr+st a!#o!e* E!('&sh or I!"&a!: that2s h&s character* a!" I $&sh #o+

$ere!2t +!"er h&%- b+t #o+ are* a!" that2s that)440efore #o+ (o* for #o+ are ev&"e!t'# &! a (reat h+rr#* $&'' #o+ p'ease +!'oc, that "ra$er6Do #o+ see a p&ece of bro$! paper at the top64



47es)44Ope! &t)44ho &s th&s644She $as %# $&fe) 7o+ are the f&rst E!('&sh%a! she has ever co%e before) No$ p+t her

photo(raph a$a#)4He $as asto!&she"* as a trave''er $ho s+""e!'# sees* bet$ee! the sto!es of the "esert*

f'o$ers) The f'o$ers have bee! there a'' the t&%e* b+t s+""e!'# he sees the%) He tr&e" to 'oo, at the photo(raph* b+t &! &tse'f &t $as 9+st a $o%a! &! a sar&* fac&!( the $or'") He %+ttere"*4Rea''#* I "o!2t ,!o$ $h# #o+ pa# %e th&s (reat co%p'&%e!t* A.&.* b+t I "o apprec&ate &t)44Oh* &t2s !oth&!(* she $as !ot a h&(h'# e"+cate" $o%a! or eve! bea+t&f+'* b+t p+t &t a$a#)7o+ $o+'" have see! her* so $h# sho+'" #o+ !ot see her photo(raph6447o+ $o+'" have a''o$e" %e to see her644h# !ot6 I be'&eve &! the p+r"ah* b+t I sho+'" have to'" her #o+ $ere %# brother* a!" she$o+'" have see! #o+) Ha%&"+''ah sa$ her* a!" severa' others)44D&" she th&!, the# $ere #o+r brothers644Of co+rse !ot* b+t the $or" ex&sts a!" &s co!ve!&e!t) A'' %e! are %# brothers* a!" as soo!as o!e behaves as s+ch he %a# see %# $&fe)4

4A!" $he! the $ho'e $or'" behaves as s+ch* there $&'' be !o %ore p+r"ah644It &s beca+se #o+ ca! sa# a!" fee' s+ch a re%ar, as that* that I sho$ #o+ the photo(raph*4sa&" A.&. (rave'#) 4It &s be#o!" the po$er of %ost %e!) It &s beca+se #o+ behave $e'' $h&'e I

behave ba"'# that I sho$ &t #o+) I !ever expecte" #o+ to co%e bac, 9+st !o$ $he! I ca''e"#o+) I tho+(ht* 2He has certa&!'# "o!e $&th %e- I have &!s+'te" h&%)2 Mr) /&e'"&!(* !o o!e ca!ever rea'&.e ho$ %+ch ,&!"!ess $e I!"&a!s !ee"* $e "o !ot eve! rea'&.e &t o+rse'ves) 0+t $e,!o$ $he! &t has bee! (&ve!) e "o !ot for(et* tho+(h $e %a# see% to) 8&!"!ess* %ore ,&!"!ess*a!" eve! after that %ore ,&!"!ess) I ass+re #o+ &t &s the o!'# hope)4 H&s vo&ce see%e" toar&se fro% a "rea%) A'ter&!( &t* #et st&'' "eep be'o$ h&s !or%a' s+rface* he sa&"* 4e ca!2t b+&'"+p I!"&a except o! $hat $e fee') hat &s the +se of a'' these refor%s* a!" Co!c&'&at&o! Co%%&tteesfor Moh+rra%* a!" sha'' $e c+t the ta.&a short or sha'' $e carr# &t a!other ro+te* a!"Co+!c&'s of Notab'es a!" off&c&a' part&es $here the E!('&sh s!eer at o+r s,&!s644It2s be(&!!&!( at the $ro!( e!"* &s!2t &t6 I ,!o$* b+t &!st&t+t&o!s a!" the (over!%e!ts"o!2t)4 He 'oo,e" a(a&! at the photo(raph) The 'a"# face" the $or'" at her h+sba!"2s $&sh a!"her o$!* b+t ho$ be$&'"er&!( she fo+!" &t* the echo&!( co!tra"&ctor# $or'"54P+t her a$a#* she &s of !o &%porta!ce* she &s "ea"*4 sa&" A.&. (e!t'#) 4I sho$e" her to #o+

beca+se I have !oth&!( e'se to sho$) 7o+ %a# 'oo, ro+!" the $ho'e of %# b+!(a'o$ !o$* a!"e%pt# ever#th&!() I have !o other secrets* %# three ch&'"re! '&ve a$a# $&th the&r (ra!"%a%%a*a!" that &s a'')4/&e'"&!( sat "o$! b# the be"* f'attere" at the tr+st repose" &! h&%* #et rather sa") He fe'to'") He $&she" that he too co+'" be carr&e" a$a# o! $aves of e%ot&o!) The !ext t&%e the# %et*

A.&. %&(ht be ca+t&o+s a!" sta!"off&sh) He rea'&.e" th&s* a!" &t %a"e h&% sa" that he sho+'"rea'&.e &t) 8&!"!ess* ,&!"!ess* a!" %ore ,&!"!ess#es* that he %&(ht s+pp'#* b+t $as that rea''#a'' that the 1+eer !at&o! !ee"e"6 D&" &t !ot a'so "e%a!" a! occas&o!a' &!tox&cat&o! of the

b'oo"6 hat ha" he "o!e to "eserve th&s o+tb+rst of co!f&"e!ce* a!" $hat hosta(e co+'" he(&ve &! excha!(e6 He 'oo,e" bac, at h&s o$! '&fe) hat a poor crop of secrets &t ha" pro"+ce"5There $ere th&!(s &! &t that he ha" sho$! to !o o!e* b+t the# $ere so +!&!terest&!(* &t $as!2t$orth $h&'e '&ft&!( a p+r"ah o! the&r acco+!t) He2" bee! &! 'ove* e!(a(e" to be %arr&e"* 'a"#

bro,e &t off* %e%or&es of her a!" tho+(hts abo+t her ha" ,ept h&% fro% other $o%e! for at&%e- the! &!"+'(e!ce* fo''o$e" b# repe!ta!ce a!" e1+&'&br&+%) Mea(re rea''# except thee1+&'&br&+%*a!" A.&. "&"!2t $a!t to have that co!f&"e" to h&%he $o+'" have ca''e" &t 4ever#th&!(

ra!(e" co'"'# o! she'ves)44I sha'' !ot rea''# be &!t&%ate $&th th&s fe''o$*4 /&e'"&!( tho+(ht* a!" the! 4!or $&th a!#o!e)4That $as the coro''ar#) A!" he ha" to co!fess that he rea''# "&"!2t %&!"* that he $as co!te!t



to he'p peop'e* a!" '&,e the% as 'o!( as the# "&"!2t ob9ect* a!" &f the# ob9ecte" pass o!sere!e'#) Exper&e!ce ca! "o %+ch* a!" a'' that he ha" 'ear!t &! E!('a!" a!" E+rope $as a!ass&sta!ceto h&%* a!" he'pe" h&% to$ar"s c'ar&t#* b+t c'ar&t# preve!te" h&% fro% exper&e!c&!(so%eth&!( e'se)4Ho$ "&" #o+ '&,e the t$o 'a"&es #o+ %et 'ast Th+rs"a#64 he as,e")

A.&. shoo, h&s hea" "&stastef+''#) The 1+est&o! re%&!"e" h&% of h&s rash re%ar, abo+t theMarabar Caves)4Ho$ "o #o+ '&,e E!('&sh$o%e! (e!era''#644Ha%&"+''ah '&,e" the% &! E!('a!") Here $e !ever 'oo, at the%) Oh !o* %+ch too caref+')3et2s ta', of so%eth&!( e'se)44Ha%&"+''ah2s r&(ht: the# are %+ch !&cer &! E!('a!") There2s so%eth&!( that "oes!2t s+&tthe% o+t here)4A.&. after a!other s&'e!ce sa&"* 4h# are #o+ !ot %arr&e"64/&e'"&!( $as p'ease" that he ha" as,e") 40eca+se I have %ore or 'ess co%e thro+(h $&tho+t&t*4 he rep'&e") 4I $as th&!,&!( of te''&!( #o+ a '&tt'e abo+t %#se'f so%e "a# &f I ca! %a,e &t&!terest&!(

e!o+(h) The 'a"# I '&,e" $o+'"!2t %arr# %ethat &s the %a&! po&!t* b+t that2s f&ftee!#ears a(o a!" !o$ %ea!s !oth&!()440+t #o+ have!2t ch&'"re!)44No!e)44Exc+se the fo''o$&!( 1+est&o!: have #o+ a!# &''e(&t&%ate ch&'"re!644No) I2" $&''&!('# te'' #o+ &f I ha")44The! #o+r !a%e $&'' e!t&re'# "&e o+t)44It %+st)44e'')4 He shoo, h&s hea") 4Th&s &!"&ffere!ce &s $hat the Or&e!ta' $&'' !ever +!"ersta!")44I "o!2t care for ch&'"re!)44Car&!( has !oth&!( to "o $&th &t*4 he sa&" &%pat&e!t'#)4I "o!2t fee' the&r abse!ce* I "o!2t $a!t the% $eep&!( aro+!" %# "eathbe" a!" be&!( po'&teabo+t %e after$ar"s* $h&ch I be'&eve &s the (e!era' !ot&o!) I2" far rather 'eave a tho+(ht

beh&!" %e tha! a ch&'") Other peop'e ca! have ch&'"re!) No ob'&(at&o!* $&th E!('a!" (ett&!( sochoc,ab'oc, a!" overr+!!&!( I!"&a for 9obs)44h# "o!2t #o+ %arr# M&ss Q+este"644Goo" Go"5 $h#* the (&r'2s a pr&()44Pr&(* pr&(6 8&!"'# exp'a&!) Is!2t that a ba" $or"644Oh* I "o!2t ,!o$ her* b+t she str+c, %e as o!e of the %ore pathet&c pro"+cts of ester!e"+cat&o!) She "epresses %e)440+t pr&(* Mr) /&e'"&!(6 Ho$2s that64

4She (oes o! a!" o! as &f she2s at a 'ect+retr#&!( ever so har" to +!"ersta!" I!"&a a!"'&fe* a!" occas&o!a''# ta,&!( a !ote)44I tho+(ht her so !&ce a!" s&!cere)44So she probab'# &s*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* asha%e" of h&s ro+(h!ess: a!# s+((est&o! that hesho+'" %arr# a'$a#s "oes pro"+ce overstate%e!ts o! the part of the bache'or* a!" a %e!ta'

bree.e) 40+t I ca!2t %arr# her &f I $a!te" to* for she has 9+st beco%e e!(a(e" to the C&t#Ma(&strate)44Has she &!"ee"6 I a% so ('a"54 he exc'a&%e" $&th re'&ef* for th&s exe%pte" h&% fro% theMarabar expe"&t&o!: he $o+'" scarce'# be expecte" to e!terta&! re(+'ar A!('oI!"&a!s)4It2s the o'" %other2s "o&!() She $as afra&" her "ear bo# $o+'" choose for h&%se'f* so she

bro+(ht o+t the (&r' o! p+rpose* a!" f'+!( the% to(ether +!t&' &t happe!e")4

4Mrs) Moore "&" !ot %e!t&o! that to %e a%o!( her p'a!s)44I %a# have (ot &t $ro!(I2% o+t of c'+b (oss&p) 0+t a!#ho$ the#2re e!(a(e" to be %arr&e")447es* #o+2re o+t of &t* %# poor chap*4 he s%&'e") 4No M&ss Q+este" for Mr) /&e'"&!() Ho$ever*



she $as !ot bea+t&f+') She has pract&ca''# !o breasts* &f #o+ co%e to th&!, of &t)4He s%&'e" too* b+t fo+!" a to+ch of ba" taste &! the refere!ce to a 'a"#2s breasts)4/or the C&t# Ma(&strate the# sha'' be s+ff&c&e!t perhaps* a!" he for her) /or #o+ I sha'' arra!(ea 'a"# $&th breasts '&,e %a!(oes) ) ) )44No* #o+ $o!2t)44I $&'' !ot rea''#* a!" bes&"es #o+r pos&t&o! %a,es &t "a!(ero+s for #o+)4 H&s %&!" ha"

s'&ppe" fro% %atr&%o!# to Ca'c+tta) H&s face (re$ (rave) /a!c# &f he ha" pers+a"e" the Pr&!c&pa'to acco%pa!# h&% there* a!" the! (ot h&% &!to tro+b'e5 A!" abr+pt'# he too, +p a !e$ att&t+"eto$ar"s h&s fr&e!"* the att&t+"e of the protector $ho ,!o$s the "a!(ers of I!"&a a!" &sa"%o!&tor#) 47o+ ca!2t be too caref+' &! ever# $a#* Mr) /&e'"&!(- $hatever #o+ sa# or "o &! th&s"a%!e" co+!tr# there &s a'$a#s so%e e!v&o+s fe''o$ o! the 'oo,o+t) 7o+%a# be s+rpr&se" to,!o$ that there $ere at 'east three sp&es s&tt&!( here $he! #o+ ca%e to e!1+&re) I $as rea''# a(oo" "ea' +pset that #o+ ta',e" &! that fash&o! abo+t Go") The# $&'' certa&!'# report &t)44To $ho%644That2s a'' ver# $e''* b+t #o+ spo,e a(a&!st %ora'&t# a'so* a!" #o+ sa&" #o+ ha" co%e tota,e other peop'e2s 9obs) A'' that $as ver# +!$&se) Th&s &s a! a$f+' p'ace for sca!"a') h#* act+a''#o!e of #o+r o$! p+p&'s $as '&ste!&!()4

4Tha!,s for te''&!( %e that- #es* I %+st tr# a!" be %ore caref+') If I2% &!tereste"* I2% apt tofor(et %#se'f) St&''* &t "oes!2t "o rea' har%)440+t spea,&!( o+t %a# (et #o+ &!to tro+b'e)44It2s ofte! "o!e so &! the past)44There* '&ste! to that5 0+t the e!" of &t %&(ht be that #o+ 'ost #o+r 9ob)44If I "o* I "o) I sha'' s+rv&ve &t) I trave' '&(ht)44Trave' '&(ht5 7o+ are a %ost extraor"&!ar# race*4 sa&" A.&.* t+r!&!( a$a# as &f he $ere (o&!(to s'eep* a!" &%%e"&ate'# t+r!&!( bac, a(a&!) 4Is &t #o+r c'&%ate* or $hat644P'e!t# of I!"&a!s trave' '&(ht toosa""h+s a!" s+ch) It2s o!e of the th&!(s I a"%&re abo+t#o+r co+!tr#) A!# %a! ca! trave' '&(ht +!t&' he has a $&fe or ch&'"re!) That2s part of %# casea(a&!st %arr&a(e) I2% a ho'# %a! %&!+s the ho'&!ess) Ha!" that o! to #o+r three sp&es* a!" te''the% to p+t &t &! the&r p&pes)4A.&. $as char%e" a!" &!tereste"* a!" t+r!e" the !e$ &"ea over &! h&s %&!") So th&s $as$h# Mr) /&e'"&!( a!" a fe$ others $ere so fear'ess5 The# ha" !oth&!( to 'ose) 0+t he h&%se'f $as roote" &! soc&et# a!" Is'a%) He be'o!(e" to a tra"&t&o! $h&ch bo+!" h&%* a!" he ha"

bro+(ht ch&'"re! &!to the $or'"* the soc&et# of the f+t+re) Tho+(h he '&ve" so va(+e'# &! th&sf'&%s# b+!(a'o$* !everthe'ess he $as p'ace"* p'ace")4I ca!2t be sac,e" fro% %# 9ob* beca+se %# 9ob2s E"+cat&o!) I be'&eve &! teach&!( peop'e to

be &!"&v&"+a's* a!" to +!"ersta!" other &!"&v&"+a's) It2s the o!'# th&!( I "o be'&eve &!) AtGover!%e!tCo''e(e* I %&x &t +p $&th tr&(o!o%etr#* a!" so o!) he! I2% a sa""h+* I sha'' %&x &t +p

$&th so%eth&!( e'se)4He co!c'+"e" h&s %a!&festo* a!" both $ere s&'e!t) The e#ef'&es beca%e $orse tha! ever a!" "a!ce" c'ose +p to the&r p+p&'s* or cra$'e" &!to the&r ears) /&e'"&!( h&t abo+t $&'"'#) Theexerc&se%a"e h&% hot* a!" he (ot +p to (o)47o+ %&(ht te'' #o+r serva!t to br&!( %# horse) He "oes!2t see% to apprec&ate %# Ur"+)44I ,!o$) I (ave h&% or"ers !ot to) S+ch are the tr&c,s $e p'a# o! +!fort+!ate E!('&sh%e!)Poor Mr) /&e'"&!(5 0+t I $&'' re'ease #o+ !o$) Oh "ear5 &th the except&o! of #o+rse'f a!"Ha%&"+''ah*I have !o o!e to ta', to &! th&s p'ace) 7o+ '&,e Ha%&"+''ah* "o!2t #o+644;er# %+ch)4

4Do #o+ pro%&se to co%e at o!ce to +s $he! #o+ are &! tro+b'e644I !ever ca! be &! tro+b'e)44There (oes a 1+eer chap* I tr+st he $o!2t ca%e to (r&ef*4 tho+(ht A.&.* 'eft a'o!e) H&s per&o"



of a"%&rat&o! $as over* a!" he reacte" to$ar"s patro!a(e) It $as "&ff&c+'t for h&% to re%a&!&! a$e of a!#o!e $ho p'a#e" $&th a'' h&s car"s o! the tab'e) /&e'"&!(* he "&scovere" o!c'oser ac1+a&!ta!ce* $as tr+'# $ar%hearte" a!" +!co!ve!t&o!a'* b+t !ot $hat ca! be ca''e"$&se) That fra!,!ess of speech &! the prese!ce of Ra% Cha!" Raf& a!" Co) $as "a!(ero+s a!"&!e'e(a!t) It serve" !o +sef+' e!")0+t the# $ere fr&e!"s* brothers) That part $as sett'e"* the&r co%pact ha" bee! s+bscr&be"

b# the photo(raph* the# tr+ste" o!e a!other* affect&o! ha" tr&+%phe" for o!ce &! a $a#) He"roppe" off to s'eep a%&" the happ&er %e%or&es of the 'ast t$o ho+rspoetr# of Gha'&b* fe%a'e(race* (oo" o'" Ha%&"+''ah* (oo" /&e'"&!(* h&s ho!o+re" $&fe a!" "ear bo#s) He passe" &!to are(&o! $here these 9o#s ha" !o e!e%&es b+t b'oo%e" har%o!&o+s'# &! a! eter!a' (ar"e!* or ra!"o$! $atershoots of r&bbe" %arb'e* or rose &!to "o%es $here+!"er $ere &!scr&be"* b'ac, a(a&!st $h&te* the !&!et#!&!e attr&b+tes of Go")PART II: CA;ESCHAPTER IIThe Ga!(es* tho+(h f'o$&!( fro% the foot of ;&sh!+ a!" thro+(h S&va2s ha&r* &s !ot a! a!c&e!tstrea%) Geo'o(#* 'oo,&!( f+rther tha! re'&(&o!* ,!o$s of a t&%e $he! !e&ther the r&ver !or the H&%a'a#as that !o+r&she" &t ex&ste"* a!" a! ocea! f'o$e" over the ho'# p'aces of H&!"+sta!)

The %o+!ta&!s rose* the&r "ebr&s s&'te" +p the ocea!* the (o"s too, the&r seats o! the% a!"co!tr&ve" the r&ver* a!" the I!"&a $e ca'' &%%e%or&a' ca%e &!to be&!() 0+t I!"&a &s rea''# far o'"er) I! the "a#s of the preh&stor&c ocea! the so+ther! part of the pe!&!s+'a a'rea"# ex&ste"*a!" the h&(h p'aces of Drav&"&a have bee! 'a!" s&!ce 'a!" be(a!* a!" have see! o! the o!es&"e the s&!,&!( of a co!t&!e!t that 9o&!e" the% to Afr&ca* a!" o! the other the +pheava' of theH&%a'a#as fro% a sea) The# are o'"er tha! a!#th&!( &! the $or'") No $ater has ever covere"the%* a!" the s+! $ho has $atche" the% for co+!t'ess aeo!s %a# st&'' "&scer! &! the&r o+t'&!esfor%s that $ere h&s before o+r ('obe $as tor! fro% h&s boso%) If f'esh of the s+!2s f'esh &s to

be to+che" a!#$here* &t &s here* a%o!( the &!cre"&b'e a!t&1+&t# of these h&''s)7et eve! the# are a'ter&!() As H&%a'a#a! I!"&a rose* th&s I!"&a* the pr&%a'* has bee! "epresse"*a!" &s s'o$'# ree!ter&!( the c+rve of the earth) It %a# be that &! aeo!s to co%e a!ocea! $&'' f'o$ here too* a!" cover the s+!bor! roc,s $&th s'&%e) Mea!$h&'e the p'a&! of theGa!(es e!croaches o! the% $&th so%eth&!( of the sea2s act&o!) The# are s&!,&!( be!eath the!e$er 'a!"s) The&r %a&! %ass &s +!to+che"* b+t at the e"(e the&r o+tposts have bee! c+t off a!" sta!" ,!ee"eep* throat"eep* &! the a"va!c&!( so&') There &s so%eth&!( +!spea,ab'e &!these o+tposts) The# are '&,e !oth&!( e'se &! the $or'"* a!" a ('&%pse of the% %a,es the

breath catch) The# r&se abr+pt'#* &!sa!e'#* $&tho+t the proport&o! that &s ,ept b# the $&'"est h&''se'se$here* the# bear !o re'at&o! to a!#th&!( "rea%t or see!) To ca'' the% 4+!ca!!#4 s+((ests(hosts* a!" the# are o'"er tha! a'' sp&r&t) H&!"+&s% has scratche" a!" p'astere" a fe$ roc,s* b+tthe shr&!es are +!fre1+e!te"* as &f p&'(r&%s* $ho (e!era''# see, the extraor"&!ar#* ha" herefo+!" too %+ch of &t) So%e sa""h+s "&" o!ce sett'e &! a cave* b+t the# $ere s%o,e" o+t* a!"

eve! 0+""ha* $ho %+st have passe" th&s $a# "o$! to the 0o Tree of G#a* sh+!!e" a re!+!c&at&o!%ore co%p'ete tha! h&s o$!* a!" has 'eft !o 'e(e!" of str+(('e or v&ctor# &! the Marabar)The caves are rea"&'# "escr&be") A t+!!e' e&(ht feet 'o!(* f&ve feet h&(h* three feet $&"e*'ea"s to a c&rc+'ar cha%ber abo+t t$e!t# feet &! "&a%eter) Th&s arra!(e%e!t occ+rs a(a&! a!"a(a&! thro+(ho+t the (ro+p of h&''s* a!" th&s &s a''* th&s &s a Marabar Cave) Hav&!( see! o!e s+chcave* hav&!( see! t$o* hav&!( see! three* fo+r* fo+rtee!* t$e!t#fo+r* the v&s&tor ret+r!s toCha!"rapore +!certa&! $hether he has ha" a! &!terest&!( exper&e!ce or a "+'' o!e or a!# exper&e!ceat a'') He f&!"s &t "&ff&c+'t to "&sc+ss the caves* or to ,eep the% apart &! h&s %&!"* for the

patter! !ever var&es* a!" !o carv&!(* !ot eve! a bees2!est or a bat "&st&!(+&shes o!e fro% a!other) Noth&!(* !oth&!( attaches to the%* a!" the&r rep+tat&o!for the# have o!e"oes !ot "epe!"+po! h+%a! speech) It &s as &f the s+rro+!"&!( p'a&! or the pass&!( b&r"s have ta,e! +po!

the%se'ves to exc'a&% 4extraor"&!ar#*4 a!" the $or" has ta,e! root &! the a&r* a!" bee! &!ha'e" b# %a!,&!")The# are "ar, caves) Eve! $he! the# ope! to$ar"s the s+!* ver# '&tt'e '&(ht pe!etrates



"o$! the e!tra!ce t+!!e' &!to the c&rc+'ar cha%ber) There &s '&tt'e to see* a!" !o e#e to see &t*+!t&' the v&s&tor arr&ves for h&s f&ve %&!+tes* a!" str&,es a %atch) I%%e"&ate'# a!other f'a%er&ses &! the "epths of the roc, a!" %oves to$ar"s the s+rface '&,e a! &%pr&so!e" sp&r&t: the$a''s of the c&rc+'ar cha%ber have bee! %ost %arve''o+s'# po'&she") The t$o f'a%es approacha!" str&ve to +!&te* b+t ca!!ot* beca+se o!e of the% breathes a&r* the other sto!e) A %&rror &!'a&"$&th 'ove'# co'o+rs "&v&"es the 'overs* "e'&cate stars of p&!, a!" (re# &!terpose* ex1+&s&te

!eb+'ae* sha"&!(s fa&!ter tha! the ta&' of a co%et or the %&""a# %oo!* a'' the eva!esce!t '&fe of the (ra!&te* o!'# here v&s&b'e) /&sts a!" f&!(ers thr+st above the a"va!c&!( so&'here at 'ast &sthe&r s,&!* f&!er tha! a!# cover&!( ac1+&re" b# the a!&%a's* s%oother tha! $&!"'ess $ater* %orevo'+pt+o+s tha! 'ove) The ra"&a!ce &!creases* the f'a%es to+ch o!e a!other* ,&ss* exp&re) Thecave &s "ar, a(a&!* '&,e a'' the caves)O!'# the $a'' of the c&rc+'ar cha%ber has bee! po'&she" th+s) The s&"es of the t+!!e' are'eft ro+(h* the# &%p&!(e as a! aftertho+(ht +po! the &!ter!a' perfect&o!) A! e!tra!ce $as !ecessar#*so %a!,&!" %a"e o!e) 0+t e'se$here* "eeper &! the (ra!&te* are there certa&! cha%bersthat have !o e!tra!ces6 Cha%bers !ever +!sea'e" s&!ce the arr&va' of the (o"s) 3oca' report"ec'ares that these excee" &! !+%ber those that ca! be v&s&te"* as the "ea" excee" the '&v&!(fo+r h+!"re" of the%* fo+r tho+sa!" or %&''&o!) Noth&!( &s &!s&"e the%* the# $ere sea'e" +p

before the creat&o! of pest&'e!ce or treas+re- &f %a!,&!" (re$ c+r&o+s a!" excavate"* !oth&!(*!oth&!( $o+'" be a""e" to the s+% of (oo" or ev&') O!e of the% &s r+%o+re" $&th&! the bo+'"er that s$&!(s o! the s+%%&t of the h&(hest of the h&''s- a b+bb'eshape" cave that has !e&ther ce&'&!( !or f'oor* a!" %&rrors &ts o$! "ar,!ess &! ever# "&rect&o! &!f&!&te'#) If the bo+'"er fa''sa!" s%ashes* the cave $&'' s%ash tooe%pt# as a! Easter e(() The bo+'"er beca+se of &tsho''o$!esss$a#s &! the $&!"* a!" eve! %oves $he! a cro$ perches +po! &t: he!ce &ts !a%e a!"the !a%e of &ts st+pe!"o+s pe"esta': the 8a$a Do')CHAPTER IIIThese h&''s 'oo, ro%a!t&c &! certa&! '&(hts a!" at s+&tab'e "&sta!ces* a!" see! of a! eve!&!(fro% the +pper vera!"ah of the c'+b the# ca+se" M&ss Q+este" to sa# co!versat&o!a''# to M&ssDere, that she sho+'" '&,e to have (o!e* that Dr) A.&. at Mr) /&e'"&!(2s ha" sa&" he $o+'" arra!(eso%eth&!(* a!" that I!"&a!s see% rather for(etf+') She $as overhear" b# the serva!t$ho offere" the% ver%o+ths) Th&s serva!t +!"erstoo" E!('&sh) A!" he $as !ot exact'# a sp#*

b+t he ,ept h&s ears ope!* a!" Mah%o+" A'& "&" !ot exact'# br&be h&%* b+t "&" e!co+ra(e h&% toco%e a!" s1+at $&th h&s o$! serva!ts* a!" $o+'" happe! to stro'' the&r $a# $he! he $asthere) As the stor# trave''e"* &t accrete" e%ot&o! a!" A.&. 'ear!t $&th horror that the 'a"&es $ere"eep'# offe!"e" $&th h&%* a!" ha" expecte" a! &!v&tat&o! "a&'#) He tho+(ht h&s fac&'e re%ar, ha" bee! for(otte!) E!"o$e" $&th t$o %e%or&es* a te%porar# a!" a per%a!e!t* he ha" h&thertore'e(ate" the caves to the for%er) No$ he tra!sferre" the% o!ce for a''* a!" p+she" the%atter thro+(h) The# $ere to be a st+pe!"o+s rep'&ca of the tea part#) He be(a! b# sec+r&!(

/&e'"&!( a!" o'" Go"bo'e* a!" the! co%%&ss&o!e" /&e'"&!( to approach Mrs)) Moore a!" M&ssQ+este" $he! the# $ere a'o!eb# th&s "ev&ce Ro!!#* the&r off&c&a' protector* co+'" be c&rc+%ve!te") /&e'"&!( "&"!2t '&,e the 9ob %+ch- he $as b+s#* caves bore" h&%* he foresa$ fr&ct&o! a!"expe!se* b+t he $o+'" !ot ref+se the f&rst favo+r h&s fr&e!" ha" as,e" fro% h&%* a!" "&" as re1+&re")The 'a"&es accepte") It $as a '&tt'e &!co!ve!&e!t &! the prese!t press of the&r e!(a(e%e!ts*st&''* the# hope" to %a!a(e &t after co!s+'t&!( Mr) Heas'op) Co!s+'te"* Ro!!# ra&se" !oob9ect&o!* prov&"e" /&e'"&!( +!"ertoo, f+'' respo!s&b&'&t# for the&r co%fort) He $as !ot e!th+s&ast&cabo+t the p&c!&c* b+t* the!* !o %ore $ere the 'a"&es!o o!e $as e!th+s&ast&c* #et &t too,

p'ace)A.&. $as terr&b'# $orr&e") It $as !ot a 'o!( expe"&t&o!a tra&! 'eft Cha!"rapore 9+st before"a$!* a!other $o+'" br&!( the% bac, for t&ff&!b+t he $as o!'# a '&tt'e off&c&a' st&''* a!" feare"

to ac1+&t h&%se'f "&sho!o+rab'#) He ha" to as, Ma9or Ca''e!"ar for ha'f a "a#2s 'eave* a!" beref+se" beca+se of h&s rece!t %a'&!(er&!(- "espa&r- re!e$e" approach of Ma9or Ca''e!"ar thro+(h /&e'"&!(* a!" co!te%pt+o+s s!ar'&!( per%&ss&o!) He ha" to borro$ c+t'er# fro% Mah%o+"



A'& $&tho+t &!v&t&!( h&%) The! there $as the 1+est&o! of a'coho'- Mr) /&e'"&!(* a!" perhapsthe 'a"&es* $ere "r&!,ers* so %+st he prov&"e $h&s,#so"as a!" ports6 There $as the prob'e%of tra!sport fro% the $a#s&"e stat&o! of Marabar to the caves) There $as the prob'e% of Professor Go"bo'e a!" h&s foo"* a!" of Professor Go"bo'e a!" other peop'e2s foo"t$o prob'e%s*!ot o!e prob'e%) The Professor $as !ot a ver# str&ct H&!"+he $o+'" ta,e tea* fr+&t* so"a$ater a!" s$eets* $hoever coo,e" the%* a!" ve(etab'es a!" r&ce &f coo,e" b# a 0rah%a!- b+t

!ot %eat* !ot ca,es 'est the# co!ta&!e" e((s* a!" he $o+'" !ot a''o$ a!#o!e e'se to eat beef:a s'&ce of beef +po! a "&sta!t p'ate $o+'" $rec, h&s happ&!ess) Other peop'e %&(ht eat %+tto!*the# %&(ht eat ha%) 0+t over ha% A.&.2 o$! re'&(&o! ra&se" &ts vo&ce: he "&" !ot fa!c# other

peop'e eat&!( ha%) Tro+b'e after tro+b'e e!co+!tere" h&%* beca+se he ha" cha''e!(e" the sp&r&tof the I!"&a! earth* $h&ch tr&es to ,eep %e! &! co%part%e!ts)At 'ast the %o%e!t arr&ve")H&s fr&e!"s tho+(ht h&% %ost +!$&se to %&x h&%se'f +p $&th E!('&sh 'a"&es* a!" $ar!e" h&%to ta,e ever# preca+t&o! a(a&!st +!p+!ct+a'&t#) Co!se1+e!t'# he spe!t the prev&o+s !&(ht at thestat&o!) The serva!ts $ere h+""'e" o! the p'atfor%* e!9o&!e" !ot to stra#) He h&%se'f $a',e" +pa!" "o$! $&th o'" Moha%%e" 3at&f* $ho $as to act as %a9or"o%o) He fe't &!sec+re a!" a'so+!rea') A car "rove +p* a!" he hope" /&e'"&!( $o+'" (et o+t of &t* to 'e!" h&% so'&"&t#) 0+t &t

co!ta&!e" Mrs) Moore* M&ss Q+este"* a!" the&r Goa!ese serva!t) He r+she" to %eet the%* s+""e!'#happ#) 40+t #o+2ve co%e* after a'') Oh* ho$ ver# ver# ,&!" of #o+54 he cr&e") 4Th&s &s thehapp&est %o%e!t &! a'' %# '&fe)4The 'a"&es $ere c&v&') It $as !ot the happ&est %o%e!t &! the&r '&ves* st&''* the# 'oo,e" for$ar"to e!9o#&!( the%se'ves as soo! as the bother of the ear'# start $as over) The# ha" !ot see!h&% s&!ce the expe"&t&o! $as arra!(e"* a!" the# tha!,e" h&% a"e1+ate'#)47o+ "o!2t re1+&re t&c,etsp'ease stop #o+r serva!t) There are !o t&c,ets o! the Marabar

bra!ch '&!e- &t &s &ts pec+'&ar&t#) 7o+ co%e to the carr&a(e a!" rest t&'' Mr) /&e'"&!( 9o&!s +s) D&"#o+ ,!o$ #o+ are to trave' p+r"ah6 &'' #o+ '&,e that64The# rep'&e" that the# sho+'" '&,e &t) The tra&! ha" co%e &!* a!" a cro$" of "epe!"e!ts$ere s$ar%&!( over the seats of the carr&a(e '&,e %o!,e#s) A.&. ha" borro$e" serva!ts fro%h&s fr&e!"s* as $e'' as br&!(&!( h&s o$! three* a!" 1+arre's over prece"e!ce $ere res+'t&!() The'a"&es2 serva!t stoo" apart* $&th a s!eer&!( express&o! o! h&s face) The# ha" h&re" h&% $h&'ethe# $ere st&'' ('obetrotters* at 0o%ba#) I! a hote' or a%o!( s%art peop'e he $as exce''e!t*

b+t as soo! as the# co!sorte" $&th a!#o!e $ho% he tho+(ht seco!"rate he 'eft the% to the&r "&s(race)The !&(ht $as st&'' "ar,* b+t ha" ac1+&re" the te%porar# 'oo, that &!"&cates &ts e!") Perche"o! the roof of a she"* the stat&o!%aster2s he!s be(a! to "rea% of ,&tes &!stea" of o$'s) 3a%ps$ere p+t o+t* &! or"er to save the tro+b'e of p+tt&!( the% o+t 'ater- the s%e'' of tobacco a!"the so+!" of sp&tt&!( arose fro% th&r"c'ass passe!(ers &! "ar, cor!ers- hea"s $ere +!shro+"e"*teeth c'ea!e" o! the t$&(s of a tree) So co!v&!ce" $as a 9+!&or off&c&a' that a!other

s+! $o+'" r&se* that he ra!( a be'' $&th e!th+s&as%) Th&s +pset the serva!ts) The# shr&e,e" thatthe tra&! $as start&!(* a!" ra! to both e!"s of &t to &!terce"e) M+ch ha" st&'' to e!ter the p+r"ahcarr&a(e a box bo+!" $&th brass* a %e'o! $ear&!( a fe.* a to$e' co!ta&!&!( (+avas* a step'a""er a!" a (+!) The (+ests p'a#e" +p a'' r&(ht) The# ha" !o raceco!sc&o+s!ess Mrs) Moore$as too o'"* M&ss Q+este" too !e$a!" the# behave" to A.&. as to a!# #o+!( %a! $ho ha"

bee! ,&!" to the% &! the co+!tr#) Th&s %ove" h&% "eep'#) He ha" expecte" the% to arr&ve $&thMr) /&e'"&!(* &!stea" of $h&ch the# tr+ste" the%se'ves to be $&th h&% a fe$ %o%e!ts a'o!e)4Se!" bac, #o+r serva!t*4 he s+((este") 4He &s +!!ecessar#) The! $e sha'' a'' be Mos'e%sto(ether)44A!" he &s s+ch a horr&b'e serva!t) A!to!#* #o+ ca! (o- $e "o!2t $a!t #o+*4 sa&" the (&r'&%pat&e!t'#)

4Master to'" %e to co%e)44M&stress te''s #o+ to (o)44Master sa#s* ,eep !ear the 'a"&es a'' the %or!&!()4



4e''* #o+r 'a"&es $o!2t have #o+)4 She t+r!e" to the host) 4Do (et r&" of h&%* Dr) A.&.544Moha%%e" 3at&f54 he ca''e")The poor re'at&ve excha!(e" fe..es $&th the %e'o!* a!" peepe" o+t of the $&!"o$ of thera&'$a# carr&a(e* $hose co!f+s&o! he $as s+per&!te!"&!()4Here &s %# co+s&!* Mr) Moha%%e" 3at&f) Oh !o* "o!2t sha,e ha!"s) He &s a! I!"&a! of theo'"fash&o!e" sort* he prefers to sa'aa%) There* I to'" #o+ so) Moha%%e" 3at&f* ho$ bea+t&f+''#

#o+ sa'aa%) See* he has!2t +!"erstoo"- he ,!o$s !o E!('&sh)447o+ sp&c, '&e*4 sa&" the o'" %a! (e!t'#)4I sp&c, a '&e5 Oh* 9o''# (oo") Is!2t he a f+!!# o'" %a!6 e $&'' have (reat 9o,es $&th h&%'ater) He "oes a'' sorts of '&tt'e th&!(s) He &s !ot !ear'# as st+p&" as #o+ th&!,* a!" a$f+''# poor)It2s '+c,# o+rs &s a 'ar(e fa%&'#)4 He f'+!( a! ar% ro+!" the (r+bb# !ec,) 40+t #o+ (et &!s&"e*%a,e #o+rse'ves at ho%e- #es* #o+ '&e "o$!)4 The ce'ebrate" Or&e!ta' co!f+s&o! appeare" at'ast to be at a! e!") 4Exc+se %e* !o$ I %+st %eet o+r other t$o (+ests54He $as (ett&!( !ervo+s a(a&!* for &t $as te! %&!+tes to the t&%e) St&''* /&e'"&!( $as a! E!('&sh%a!*a!" the# !ever "o %&ss tra&!s* a!" Go"bo'e $as a H&!"+ a!" "&" !ot co+!t* a!"*soothe" b# th&s 'o(&c* he (re$ ca'%er as the ho+r of "epart+re approache") Moha%%e" 3at&f ha" br&be" A!to!# !ot to co%e) The# $a',e" +p a!" "o$! the p'atfor%* ta',&!( +sef+''#) The#

a(ree" that the# ha" over"o!e the serva!ts* a!" %+st 'eave t$o or three beh&!" at Marabar stat&o!) A!" A.&. exp'a&!e" that he %&(ht be p'a#&!( o!e or t$o pract&ca' 9o,es at the caves!ot o+t of +!,&!"!ess* b+t to %a,e the (+ests 'a+(h) The o'" %a! asse!te" $&th s'&(ht s&"e$a#%ot&o!s of the hea": he $as a'$a#s $&''&!( to be r&"&c+'e"* a!" he ba"e A.&. !ot spare h&%)E'ate" b# h&s &%porta!ce* he be(a! a! &!"ece!t a!ec"ote)4Te'' %e a!other t&%e* brother* $he! I have %ore 'e&s+re* for !o$* as I have a'rea"# exp'a&!e"*$e have to (&ve p'eas+re to !o!Mos'e%s) Three $&'' be E+ropea!s* o!e a H&!"+* $h&ch%+st !ot be for(otte!) Ever# atte!t&o! %+st be pa&" to Professor Go"bo'e* 'est he fee' that he &s&!fer&or to %# other (+ests)44I $&'' "&sc+ss ph&'osoph# $&th h&%)44That $&'' be ,&!" of #o+- b+t the serva!ts are eve! %ore &%porta!t) e %+st !ot co!ve#a! &%press&o! of "&sor(a!&.at&o!) It ca! be "o!e* a!" I expect #o+ to "o &t ) ) )4A shr&e, fro% the p+r"ah carr&a(e) The tra&! ha" starte")4Merc&f+' Go"54 cr&e" Moha%%e" 3at&f) He f'+!( h&%se'f at the tra&!* a!" 'eapt o! to thefootboar" of a carr&a(e) A.&. "&" '&,e$&se) It $as a! eas# feat* for a bra!ch'&!e tra&! &s s'o$ toass+%e spec&a' a&rs) 4e2re %o!,e#s* "o!2t $orr#*4 he ca''e"* ha!(&!( o! to a bar a!" 'a+(h&!()The! he ho$'e"* 4Mr) /&e'"&!(5 Mr) /&e'"&!(54There $ere /&e'"&!( a!" o'" Go"bo'e* he'" +p at the 'eve'cross&!() Appa''&!( catastrophe5The (ates ha" bee! c'ose" ear'&er tha! +s+a') The# 'eapt fro% the&r to!(a- the# (est&c+'ate"*

b+t $hat $as the (oo") So !ear a!" #et so far5 As the tra&! 9o(('e" past over the po&!ts* there$as t&%e for a(o!&.e" $or"s)

40a"* ba"* #o+ have "estro#e" %e)44Go"bo'e2s p+9ah "&" &t*4 cr&e" the E!('&sh%a!)The 0rah%a! 'o$ere" h&s e#es* asha%e" of re'&(&o!) /or &t $as so: he ha" %&sca'c+'ate" the'e!(th of a pra#er)4?+%p o!* I %+st have #o+*4 screa%e" A.&.* bes&"e h&%se'f)4R&(ht* (&ve a ha!")44He2s !ot to* he2'' ,&'' h&%se'f*4 Mrs) Moore proteste") He 9+%pe"* he fa&'e"* %&sse" h&sfr&e!"2s ha!"* a!" fe'' bac, o! to the '&!e) The tra&! r+%b'e" past) He scra%b'e" o! to h&s feet*a!" ba$'e" after the%* 4I2% a'' r&(ht* #o+2re a'' r&(ht* "o!2t $orr#*4 a!" the! the# passe" be#o!"ra!(e of h&s vo&ce)4Mrs) Moore* M&ss Q+este"* o+r expe"&t&o! &s a r+&!)4 He s$+!( h&%se'f a'o!( the footboar"*

a'%ost &! tears)4Get &!* (et &!- #o+2'' ,&'' #o+rse'f as $e'' as Mr) /&e'"&!() I see !o r+&!)44Ho$ &s that6 Oh* exp'a&! to %e54 he sa&" p&teo+s'#* '&,e a ch&'")



4e sha'' be a'' Mos'e%s to(ether !o$* as #o+ pro%&se")4She $as perfect as a'$a#s* h&s "ear Mrs) Moore) A'' the 'ove for her he ha" fe't at the%os1+e $e''e" +p a(a&!* the fresher for for(etf+'!ess) There $as !oth&!( he $o+'" !ot "o for her) He $o+'" "&e to %a,e her happ#)4Get &!* Dr) A.&.* #o+ %a,e +s (&""#*4 the other 'a"# ca''e") 4If the#2re so foo'&sh as to %&ssthe tra&!* that2s the&r 'oss* !ot o+rs)4

4I a% to b'a%e) I a% the host)44No!se!se* (o to #o+r carr&a(e) e2re (o&!( to have a "e'&(htf+' t&%e $&tho+t the%)4 Not perfect '&,e Mrs) Moore* b+t ver# s&!cere a!" ,&!") o!"erf+' 'a"&es* both of the%* a!"for o!e prec&o+s %or!&!( h&s (+ests) He fe't &%porta!t a!" co%pete!t) /&e'"&!( $as a 'oss

perso!a''#* be&!( a fr&e!"* &!creas&!('# "ear* #et &f /&e'"&!( ha" co%e* he h&%se'f $o+'" have re%a&!e"&! 'ea"&!(str&!(s) 4I!"&a!s are &!capab'e of respo!s&b&'&t#*4 sa&" the off&c&a's* a!" Ha%&"+''ahso%et&%es sa&" so too) He $o+'" sho$ those pess&%&sts that the# $ere $ro!() S%&'&!(

pro+"'#* he ('a!ce" o+t$ar" at the co+!tr#* $h&ch $as st&'' &!v&s&b'e except as a "ar, %ove%e!t&! the "ar,!ess- the! +p$ar"s at the s,#* $here the stars of the spra$'&!( Scorp&o! ha" be(+!to pa'e) The! he "&ve" thro+(h a $&!"o$ &!to a eco!"c'ass carr&a(e)

4Moha%%e" 3at&f* b# the $a#* $hat &s &! these caves* brother6 h# are $e a'' (o&!( to seethe%64S+ch a 1+est&o! $as be#o!" the poor re'at&ve2s scope) He co+'" o!'# rep'# that Go" a!" the'oca' v&''a(ers ,!e$* a!" that the 'atter $o+'" ('a"'# act as (+&"es)CHAPTER I;Most of '&fe &s so "+'' that there &s !oth&!( to be sa&" abo+t &t* a!" the boo,s a!" ta', that$o+'" "escr&be &t as &!terest&!( are ob'&(e" to exa((erate* &! the hope of 9+st&f#&!( the&r o$!ex&ste!ce) I!s&"e &ts cocoo! of $or, or soc&a' ob'&(at&o!* the h+%a! sp&r&t s'+%bers for the %ost

part* re(&ster&!( the "&st&!ct&o! bet$ee! p'eas+re a!" pa&!* b+t !ot !ear'# as a'ert as $e prete!")There are per&o"s &! the %ost thr&''&!( "a# "+r&!( $h&ch !oth&!( happe!s* a!" tho+(h $eco!t&!+e to exc'a&%* 4I "o e!9o# %#se'f*4 or* 4 I a% horr&f&e"*4 $e are &!s&!cere) 4 As far as I fee'a!#th&!(* &t &s e!9o#%e!t* horror 4&t2s !o %ore tha! that rea''#* a!" a perfect'# a"9+ste" or(a!&s%$o+'" be s&'e!t)It so happe!e" that Mrs) Moore a!" M&ss Q+este" ha" fe't !oth&!( ac+te'# for a fort!&(ht)Ever s&!ce Professor Go"bo'e ha" s+!( h&s 1+eer '&tt'e so!(* the# ha" '&ve" %ore or 'ess &!s&"ecocoo!s* a!" the "&ffere!ce bet$ee! the% $as that the e'"er 'a"# accepte" her o$! apath#*$h&'e the #o+!(er rese!te" hers) It $as A"e'a2s fa&th that the $ho'e strea% of eve!ts &s &%porta!ta!" &!terest&!(* a!" &f she (re$ bore" she b'a%e" herse'f severe'# a!" co%pe''e" her '&psto +tter e!th+s&as%s) Th&s $as the o!'# &!s&!cer&t# &! a character other$&se s&!cere* a!" &t $as&!"ee" the &!te''ect+a' protest of her #o+th) She $as part&c+'ar'# vexe" !o$ beca+se she $as

both &! I!"&a a!" e!(a(e" to be %arr&e"* $h&ch "o+b'e eve!t sho+'" have %a"e ever# &!sta!t

s+b'&%e)I!"&a $as certa&!'# "&% th&s %or!&!(* tho+(h see! +!"er the a+sp&ces of I!"&a!s) Her $&shha" bee! (ra!te"* b+t too 'ate) She co+'" !ot (et exc&te" over A.&. a!" h&s arra!(e%e!ts) She$as !ot the 'east +!happ# or "epresse"* a!" the var&o+s o"" ob9ects that s+rro+!"e" hertheco%&c 4p+r"ah4 carr&a(e* the p&'es of r+(s a!" bo'sters* the ro''&!( %e'o!s* the sce!t of s$eeto&'s* the 'a""er* the brassbo+!" box* the s+""e! &rr+pt&o! of Mah%o+" A'&2s b+t'er fro% the'avator# $&th tea a!" poache" e((s +po! a tra#the# $ere a'' !e$ a!" a%+s&!(* a!" 'e" her toco%%e!t appropr&ate'#* b+t the# $o+'"!2t b&te &!to her %&!") So she tr&e" to f&!" co%fort b#ref'ect&!( that her %a&! &!terest $o+'" he!ce for$ar" be Ro!!#)4hat a !&ce cheerf+' serva!t5 hat a re'&ef after A!to!#544The# start'e o!e rather) A stra!(e p'ace to %a,e tea &!*4 sa&" Mrs) Moore* $ho ha" hope"

for a !ap)4I $a!t to sac, A!to!#) H&s behav&o+r o! the p'atfor% has "ec&"e" %e)4Mrs) Moore tho+(ht that A!to!#2s better se'f $o+'" co%e to the fro!t at S&%'a) M&ss Q+este"



$as to be %arr&e" at S&%'a- so%e co+s&!s* $&th a ho+se 'oo,&!( stra&(ht o! to Th&bet* ha" &!v&te"her)4A!#ho$* $e %+st (et a seco!" serva!t* beca+se at S&%'a #o+ $&'' be at the hote'* a!" I"o!2t th&!, Ro!!#2s 0a'"eo ) ) )4 She 'ove" p'a!s)4;er# $e''* #o+ (et a!other serva!t* a!" I2'' ,eep A!to!# $&th %e) I a% +se" to h&s +!appet&.&!($a#s) He $&'' see %e thro+(h the Hot eather)4

4I "o!2t be'&eve &! the Hot eather) Peop'e '&,e Ma9or Ca''e!"ar $ho a'$a#s ta', abo+t &t&t2s&! the hope of %a,&!( o!e fee' &!exper&e!ce" a!" s%a''* '&,e the&r ever'ast&!(* 2I2ve bee! t$e!t##ears &! th&s co+!tr#)24I be'&eve &! the Hot eather* b+t !ever "&" I s+ppose &t $o+'" bott'e %e +p as &t $&'')4 /or o$&!( to the sa(e 'e&s+re'&!ess of Ro!!# a!" A"e'a* the# co+'" !ot be %arr&e" t&'' Ma#* a!"co!se1+e!t'#Mrs) Moore co+'" !ot ret+r! to E!('a!" &%%e"&ate'# after the $e""&!(* $h&ch $as$hat she ha" hope" to "o) 0# Ma# a barr&er of f&re $o+'" have fa''e! across I!"&a a!" the a"9o&!&!(sea* a!" she $o+'" have to re%a&! perche" +p &! the H&%a'a#as $a&t&!( for the $or'" to(et coo'er)4I $o!2t be bott'e" +p*4 a!!o+!ce" the (&r') 4I2ve !o pat&e!ce $&th these $o%e! here $ho

'eave the&r h+sba!"s (r&''&!( &! the p'a&!s) Mrs) Mc0r#"e has!2t stoppe" "o$! o!ce s&!ce she%arr&e"- she 'eaves her 1+&te &!te''&(e!t h+sba!" a'o!e ha'f the #ear* a!" the!2s s+rpr&se" she2so+t of to+ch $&th h&%)44She has ch&'"re!* #o+ see)44Oh #es* that2s tr+e*4 sa&" M&ss Q+este"* "&sco!certe")4It &s the ch&'"re! $ho are the f&rst co!s&"erat&o!) U!t&' the# are (ro$! +p* a!" %arr&e" off)he! that happe!s o!e has a(a&! the r&(ht to '&ve for o!ese'f&! the p'a&!s or the h&''s* ass+&ts)44Oh #es* #o+2re perfect'# r&(ht) I !ever tho+(ht &t o+t)44If o!e has !ot beco%e too st+p&" a!" o'")4 She ha!"e" her e%pt# c+p to the serva!t)4M# &"ea !o$ &s that %# co+s&!s sha'' f&!" %e a serva!t &! S&%'a* at a'' eve!ts to see %ethro+(h the $e""&!(* after $h&ch Ro!!# %ea!s to reor(a!&.e h&s staff e!t&re'#) He "oes &t ver#$e'' for a bache'orst&''* $he! he &s %arr&e" !o "o+bt var&o+s cha!(es $&'' have to be %a"eh&so'" serva!ts $o!2t $a!t to ta,e the&r or"ers fro% %e* a!" I "o!2t b'a%e the%)4Mrs) Moore p+she" +p the sh+tters a!" 'oo,e" o+t) She ha" bro+(ht Ro!!# a!" A"e'a to(ether

b# the&r %+t+a' $&sh* b+t rea''# she co+'" !ot a"v&se the% f+rther) She fe't &!creas&!('#Bv&s&o! or !&(ht%are6 that* tho+(h peop'e are &%porta!t* the re'at&o!s bet$ee! the% are !ot*a!" that &! part&c+'ar too %+ch f+ss has bee! %a"e over %arr&a(e- ce!t+r&es of car!a' e%brace%e!t*#et %a! &s !o !earer to +!"ersta!"&!( %a!) A!" to"a# she fe't th&s $&th s+ch forcethat &t see%e" &tse'f a re'at&o!sh&p* &tse'f a perso! $ho $as tr#&!( to ta,e ho'" of her ha!")4A!#th&!( to be see! of the h&''s64

4O!'# var&o+s sha"es of the "ar,)44e ca!2t be far fro% the p'ace $here %# h#e!a $as)4 She peere" &!to the t&%e'ess t$&'&(ht)The tra&! crosse" a !+''ah) 4Po%per* po%per* po%per*4 $as the so+!" that the $hee's %a"e asthe# tr+!"'e" over the br&"(e* %ov&!( ver# s'o$'#) A h+!"re" #ar"s o! ca%e a seco!" !+''ah*the! a th&r"* s+((est&!( the !e&(hbo+rhoo" of h&(her (ro+!") 4Perhaps th&s &s %&!e- a!#ho$*the roa" r+!s para''e' $&th the ra&'$a#)4 Her acc&"e!t $as a p'easa!t %e%or#- she fe't &! her "r#* ho!est $a# that &t ha" (&ve! her a (oo" sha,e +p* a!" ta+(ht her Ro!!#2s tr+e $orth)The! she $e!t bac, to her p'a!s- p'a!s ha" bee! a pass&o! $&th her fro% (&r'hoo") No$ a!"the! she pa&" tr&b+te to the prese!t* sa&" ho$ fr&e!"'# a!" &!te''&(e!t A.&. $as* ate a (+ava*co+'"!2t eat a fr&e" s$eet* pract&se" her Ur"+ o! the serva!t- b+t her tho+(hts ever veere" tothe %a!a(eab'e f+t+re* a!" to the A!('oI!"&a! '&fe she ha" "ec&"e" to e!"+re) A!" as she appra&se"

&t $&th &ts a"9+!cts of T+rto!s a!" 0+rto!s* the tra&! acco%pa!&e" her se!te!ces* 4po%per* po%per*4 the tra&! ha'f as'eep* (o&!( !o$here &! part&c+'ar a!" $&th !o passe!(er of &%porta!ce&! a!# of &ts carr&a(es* the bra!ch'&!e tra&!* 'ost o! a 'o$ e%ba!,%e!t bet$ee! "+''



f&e'"s) Its %essa(efor &t ha" o!eavo&"e" her $e''e1+&ppe" %&!") /ar a$a# beh&!" her* $&th ashr&e, that %ea!t b+s&!ess* r+she" the Ma&'* co!!ect&!( +p &%porta!t to$!s s+ch as Ca'c+ttaa!" 3ahore* $here &!terest&!( eve!ts occ+r a!" perso!a'&t&es are "eve'ope") She +!"erstoo"that) U!fort+!ate'#* I!"&a has fe$ &%porta!t to$!s) I!"&a &s the co+!tr#* f&e'"s* f&e'"s* the! h&''s*

9+!('e* h&''s* a!" %ore f&e'"s) The bra!ch '&!e stops* the roa" &s o!'# pract&cab'e for cars to a po&!t* the b+''oc,carts '+%ber "o$! the s&"e trac,s* paths fra# o+t &!to the c+'t&vat&o!* a!"

"&sappear !ear a sp'ash of re" pa&!t) Ho$ ca! the %&!" ta,e ho'" of s+ch a co+!tr#6 Ge!erat&o!sof &!va"ers have tr&e"* b+t the# re%a&! &! ex&'e) The &%porta!t to$!s the# b+&'" are o!'# retreats*the&r 1+arre's the %a'a&se of %e! $ho ca!!ot f&!" the&r $a# ho%e) I!"&a ,!o$s of the&r tro+b'e) She ,!o$s of the $ho'e $or'"2s tro+b'e* to &ts +tter%ost "epth) She ca''s 4Co%e4thro+(h her h+!"re" %o+ths* thro+(h ob9ects r&"&c+'o+s a!" a+(+st) 0+t co%e to $hat6 Shehas !ever "ef&!e") She &s !ot a pro%&se* o!'# a! appea')4I $&'' fetch #o+ fro% S&%'a $he! &t2s coo' e!o+(h) I $&'' +!bott'e #o+ &! fact*4 co!t&!+e" there'&ab'e (&r') 4e the! see so%e of the Mo(+' st+ffho$ appa''&!( &f $e 'et #o+ %&ss the Ta95a!" the! I $&'' see #o+ off at 0o%ba#) 7o+r 'ast ('&%pse of th&s co+!tr# rea''# sha'' be&!terest&!()4

0+t Mrs) Moore ha" fa''e! as'eep* exha+ste" b# the ear'# start) She $as &! rather 'o$hea'th* a!" o+(ht !ot to have atte%pte" the expe"&t&o!* b+t ha" p+''e" herse'f to(ether &! casethe p'eas+re of the others sho+'" s+ffer) Her "rea%s $ere of the sa%e text+re* b+t there &t $asher other ch&'"re! $ho $ere $a!t&!( so%eth&!(* Ste''a a!" Ra'ph* a!" she $as exp'a&!&!( tothe% that she co+'" !ot be &! t$o fa%&'&es at o!ce) he! she a$o,e* A"e'a ha" cease" to p'a!*a!" 'ea!t o+t of a $&!"o$* sa#&!(* 4The#2re rather $o!"erf+')4Asto!&sh&!( eve! fro% the r&se of the c&v&' stat&o!* here the Marabar $ere (o"s to $ho%earth &s a (host) 8a$a Do5 $as !earest) It shot +p &! a s&!('e s'ab* o! $hose s+%%&t o!e roc, $as po&se"&f a %ass so (reat ca! be ca''e" o!e roc,) 0eh&!" &t* rec+%be!t* $ere the h&''s thatco!ta&!e" the other caves* &so'ate" each fro% h&s !e&(hbo+r b# broa" cha!!e's of the p'a&!) Theasse%b'a(e* te! &! a''* sh&fte" a '&tt'e as the tra&! crept past the%* as &f observ&!( &ts arr&va')4I2'" !ot have %&sse" th&s for a!#th&!(*4 sa&" the (&r'* exa((erat&!( her e!th+s&as%) 43oo,*the s+!2s r&s&!( th&s2'' be abso'+te'# %a(!&f&ce!tco%e 1+&c,'#'oo,) I $o+'"!2t have %&sse"th&s for a!#th&!() e sho+'" !ever have see! &t &f $e2" st+c, to the T+rto!s a!" the&r eter!a'e'epha!ts)4As she spo,e* the s,# to the 'eft t+r!e" a!(r# ora!(e) Co'o+r throbbe" a!" %o+!te" beh&!"a patter! of trees* (re$ &! &!te!s&t#* $as #et br&(hter* &!cre"&b'# br&(hter* stra&!e" fro% $&tho+ta(a&!st the ('obe of the a&r) The# a$a&te" the %&rac'e) 0+t at the s+pre%e %o%e!t* $he! !&(htsho+'" have "&e" a!" "a# '&ve"* !oth&!( occ+rre") It $as as &f v&rt+e ha" fa&'e" &! the ce'est&a'fo+!t) The h+es &! the east "eca#e"* the h&''s see%e" "&%%er tho+(h &! fact better '&t* a!" a

profo+!" "&sappo&!t%e!t e!tere" $&th the %or!&!( bree.e) h#* $he! the cha%ber $as prepare"*

"&" the br&"e(roo% !ot e!ter $&th tr+%pets a!" sha$%s* as h+%a!&t# expects6 The s+!rose $&tho+t sp'e!"o+r) He $as prese!t'# observe" tra&'&!( #e''o$&sh beh&!" the trees* or a(a&!st &!s&p&" s,#* a!" to+ch&!( the bo"&es a'rea"# at $or, &! the f&e'"s)4Ah* that %+st be the fa'se "a$!&s!2t &t ca+se" b# "+st &! the +pper 'a#ers of the at%ospherethat co+'"!2t fa'' "o$! "+r&!( the !&(ht6 I th&!, Mr) Mc0r#"e sa&" so) e''* I %+st a"%&tthat E!('a!" has &t as re(ar"s s+!r&ses) Do #o+ re%e%ber Gras%ere644Ah* "earest Gras%ere54 Its '&tt'e 'a,es a!" %o+!ta&!s $ere be'ove" b# the% a'') Ro%a!t&c#et %a!a(eab'e* &t spra!( fro% a ,&!"'&er p'a!et) Here a! +!t&"# p'a&! stretche" to the ,!ees of the Marabar)4Goo" %or!&!(* (oo" %or!&!(* p+t o! #o+r top&s*4 sho+te" A.&. fro% farther "o$! the tra&!)4P+t o! #o+r top&s at o!ce* the ear'# s+! &s h&(h'# "a!(ero+s for hea"s) I spea, as a "octor)4

4Goo" %or!&!(* (oo" %or!&!(* p+t o! #o+r o$!)44Not for %# th&c, hea"*4 he 'a+(he"* ba!(&!( &t a!" ho'"&!( +p pa"s of h&s ha&r)4N&ce creat+re he &s*4 %+r%+re" A"e'a)





farther s&"e of a $aterco+rse* a!" sa&"* 4A s!a,e54 The v&''a(ers a(ree"* a!" A.&. exp'a&!e":#es* a b'ac, cobra* ver# ve!o%o+s* $ho ha" reare" h&%se'f +p to $atch the pass&!( of the e'epha!t)0+t $he! she 'oo,e" thro+(h Ro!!#2s f&e'"('asses* she fo+!" &t $as!2t a s!a,e* b+t the$&there" a!" t$&ste" st+%p of a to""#pa'%) So she sa&"* 4It &s!2t a s!a,e)4 The v&''a(ersco!tra"&cte"her) She ha" p+t the $or" &!to the&r %&!"s* a!" the# ref+se" to aba!"o! &t) A.&. a"%&tte"

that &t 'oo,e" '&,e a tree thro+(h the ('asses* b+t &!s&ste" that &t $as a b'ac, cobra rea''#*a!" &%prov&se" so%e r+bb&sh abo+t protect&ve %&%&cr#) Noth&!( $as exp'a&!e"* a!" #et there$as !o ro%a!ce) /&'%s of heat* ra"&ate" fro% the 8a$a Do' prec&p&ces* &!crease" the co!f+s&o!)The# ca%e at &rre(+'ar &!terva's a!" %ove" capr&c&o+s'#) A patch of f&e'" $o+'" 9+%p as &f &t $as

be&!( fr&e"* a!" the! '&e 1+&et) As the# "re$ c'oser the ra"&at&o! stoppe")The e'epha!t $a',e" stra&(ht at the 8a$a Do' as &f she $o+'" ,!oc, for a"%&ss&o! $&th her forehea"* the! s$erve"* a!" fo''o$e" a path ro+!" &ts base) The sto!es p'+!(e" stra&(ht &!tothe earth* '&,e c'&ffs &!to the sea* a!" $h&'e M&ss Q+este" $as re%ar,&!( o! th&s* a!" sa#&!( that&t $as str&,&!(* the p'a&! 1+&et'# "&sappeare"* pee'e" off* so to spea,* a!" !oth&!( $as to besee! o! e&ther s&"e b+t the (ra!&te* ver# "ea" a!" 1+&et) The s,# "o%&!ate" as +s+a'* b+tsee%e" +!hea'th&'# !ear* a"her&!( '&,e a ce&'&!( to the s+%%&ts of the prec&p&ces) It $as as &f

the co!te!ts of the corr&"or ha" !ever bee! cha!(e") Occ+p&e" b# h&s o$! %+!&f&ce!ce* A.&.!ot&ce" !oth&!() H&s (+ests !ot&ce" a '&tt'e) The# "&" !ot fee' that &t $as a! attract&ve p'ace or 1+&te $orth v&s&t&!(* a!" $&she" &t co+'" have t+r!e" &!to so%e Moha%%e"a! ob9ect* s+ch as a%os1+e* $h&ch the&r host $o+'" have apprec&ate" a!" exp'a&!e") H&s &(!ora!ce beca%e ev&"e!t*a!" $as rea''# rather a "ra$bac,) I! sp&te of h&s (a#* co!f&"e!t ta',* he ha" !o !ot&o!ho$ to treat th&s part&c+'ar aspect of I!"&a- he $as 'ost &! &t $&tho+t Professor Go"bo'e* '&,ethe%se'ves)The corr&"or !arro$e"* the! $&"e!e" &!to a sort of tra#) Here* %ore or 'ess* $as the&r (oa')A r+&!e" ta!, he'" a '&tt'e $ater $h&ch $o+'" "o for the a!&%a's* a!" c'ose above the %+" $as

p+!che" a b'ac, ho'ethe f&rst of the caves) Three h&''s e!c&rc'e" the tra#) T$o of the% p+%pe"o+t heat b+s&'#* b+t the th&r" $as &! sha"o$* a!" here the# ca%pe")4A horr&"* st+ff# p'ace rea''#*4 %+r%+re" Mrs) Moore to herse'f)4Ho$ 1+&c, #o+r serva!ts are54 M&ss Q+este" exc'a&%e") /or a c'oth ha" a'rea"# bee! 'a&"*$&th a vase of art&f&c&a' f'o$ers &! &ts ce!tre* a!" Mah%o+" A'&2s b+t'er offere" the% poache"e((s a!" tea for the seco!" t&%e)4I tho+(ht $e $o+'" eat th&s before o+r caves* a!" brea,fast after)4Is!2t th&s brea,fast644Th&s brea,fast6 D&" #o+ th&!, I sho+'" treat #o+ so stra!(e'#64 He ha" bee! $ar!e" thatE!('&sh peop'e !ever stop eat&!(* a!" that he ha" better !o+r&sh the% ever# t$o ho+rs +!t&' aso'&" %ea' $as rea"#)4Ho$ ver# $e'' &t &s a'' arra!(e")4

4That #o+ sha'' te'' %e $he! I ret+r! to Cha!"rapore) hatever "&s(races I br&!( +po! %#se'f*#o+ re%a&! %# (+ests)4 He spo,e (rave'# !o$) The# $ere "epe!"e!t o! h&% for a fe$ho+rs* a!" he fe't (ratef+' to the% for p'ac&!( the%se'ves &! s+ch a pos&t&o!) A'' $as $e'' so far-the e'epha!t he'" a fresh c+t bo+(h to her '&ps* the to!(a shafts st+c, +p &!to the a&r* the,&tche!bo# pee'e" potatoes* Hassa! sho+te"* a!" Moha%%e" 3at&f stoo" as he o+(ht* $&th a

pee'e" s$&tch &! h&s ha!") The expe"&t&o! $as a s+ccess* a!" &t $as I!"&a!- a! obsc+re #o+!(%a! ha" bee! a''o$e" to sho$ co+rtes# to v&s&tors fro% a!other co+!tr#* $h&ch &s $hat a'' I!"&a!s'o!( to "o eve! c#!&cs '&,e Mah%o+" A'&b+t the# !ever have the cha!ce) Hosp&ta'&t# ha"

bee! ach&eve"* the# $ere 4h&s4 (+ests- h&s ho!o+r $as &!vo've" &! the&r happ&!ess* a!" a!#"&sco%fortthe# e!"+re" $o+'" tear h&s o$! so+')

3&,e %ost Or&e!ta's* A.&. overrate" hosp&ta'&t#* %&sta,&!( &t for &!t&%ac#* a!" !ot see&!( that&t &s ta&!te" $&th the se!se of possess&o!) It $as o!'# $he! Mrs) Moore or /&e'"&!( $as !ear h&%that he sa$ f+rther* a!" ,!e$ that &t &s %ore b'esse" to rece&ve tha! to (&ve) These t$o ha"



stra!(e a!" bea+t&f+' effects o! h&%the# $ere h&s fr&e!"s* h&s for ever* a!" he the&rs for ever-he 'ove" the% so %+ch that (&v&!( a!" rece&v&!( beca%e o!e) He 'ove" the% eve! better tha!the Ha%&"+''ah2s beca+se he ha" s+r%o+!te" obstac'es to %eet the%* a!" th&s st&%+'ates a(e!ero+s %&!") The&r &%a(es re%a&!e" so%e$here &! h&s so+' +p to h&s "#&!( "a#* per%a!e!ta""&t&o!s) He 'oo,e" at her !o$ as she sat o! a "ec,cha&r* s&pp&!( h&s tea* a!" ha" for a %o%e!ta 9o# that he'" the see"s of &ts o$! "eca#* for &t $o+'" 'ea" h&% to th&!,* 4Oh* $hat %ore

ca! I "o for her64 a!" so bac, to the "+'' ro+!" of hosp&ta'&t#) The b'ac, b+''ets of h&s e#es f&''e"$&th soft express&ve '&(ht* a!" he sa&"* 4Do #o+ ever re%e%ber o+r %os1+e* Mrs) Moore644I "o) I "o*4 she sa&"* s+""e!'# v&ta' a!" #o+!()4A!" ho$ ro+(h a!" r+"e I $as* a!" ho$ (oo" #o+ $ere)44A!" ho$ happ# $e both $ere)44/r&e!"sh&ps 'ast 'o!(est that be(&! '&,e that* I th&!,) Sha'' I ever e!terta&! #o+r other ch&'"re!644Do #o+ ,!o$ abo+t the others6 She $&'' !ever ta', abo+t the% to %e*4 sa&" M&ss Q+este"*+!&!te!t&o!a''# brea,&!( a spe'')4Ra'ph a!" Ste''a* #es* I ,!o$ ever#th&!( abo+t the%) 0+t $e %+st !ot for(et to v&s&t o+r caves) O!e of the "rea%s of %# '&fe &s acco%p'&she" &! hav&!( #o+ both here as %# (+ests) 7o+ca!!ot &%a(&!e ho$ #o+ have ho!o+re" %e) I fee' '&,e the E%peror 0ab+r)4

4h# '&,e h&%64 she e!1+&re"* r&s&!()40eca+se %# a!cestors ca%e "o$! $&th h&% fro% Af(ha!&sta!) The# 9o&!e" h&% at Herat)He a'so ha" ofte! !o %ore e'epha!ts tha! o!e* !o!e so%et&%es* b+t he !ever cease" sho$&!(hosp&ta'&t#) he! he fo+(ht or h+!te" or ra! a$a#* he $o+'" a'$a#s stop for a t&%e a%o!( h&''s*

9+st '&,e +s- he $o+'" !ever 'et (o of hosp&ta'&t# a!" p'eas+re* a!" &f there $as o!'# a '&tt'e foo"*he $o+'" have &t arra!(e" !&ce'#* a!" &f o!'# o!e %+s&ca' &!str+%e!t* he $o+'" co%pe' &t to p'a#a bea+t&f+' t+!e) I ta,e h&% as %# &"ea') He &s the poor (e!t'e%a!* a!" he beca%e a (reat,&!()44I tho+(ht a!other E%peror &s #o+r favo+r&teI for(et the !a%e#o+ %e!t&o!e" h&% at Mr)/&e'"&!(2s: $hat %# boo, ca''s A+ra!(.ebe)44A'a%(&r6 Oh #es* he $as of co+rse the %ore p&o+s) 0+t 0ab+r!ever &! h&s $ho'e '&fe "&"he betra# a fr&e!"* so I ca! o!'# th&!, of h&% th&s %or!&!() A!" #o+ ,!o$ ho$ he "&e"6 He 'a&""o$! h&s '&fe for h&s so!) A "eath far %ore "&ff&c+'t tha! batt'e) The# $ere ca+(ht &! the heat)The# sho+'" have (o!e bac, to 8ab+' for the ba" $eather* b+t co+'" !ot for reaso!s of state*a!" at A(ra H+%a#+! fe'' s&c,) 0ab+r $a',e" ro+!" the be" three t&%es* a!" sa&"* 2I have bor!e&t a$a#*2 a!" he "&" bear &t a$a#- the fever 'eft h&s so! a!" ca%e to h&% &!stea"* a!" he "&e")That &s $h# I prefer 0ab+r to A'a%(&r) I o+(ht !ot to "o so* b+t I "o) Ho$ever* I %+st!2t "e'a##o+) I see #o+ are rea"# to start)44Not at a''*4 she sa&"* s&tt&!( "o$! b# Mrs) Moore a(a&!) 4e e!9o# ta', '&,e th&s ver# %+ch)4/or at 'ast he $as ta',&!( abo+t $hat he ,!e$ a!" fe't* ta',&!( as he ha" &! /&e'"&!(2s (ar"e!ho+se-he $as a(a&! the Or&e!ta' (+&"e $ho% the# apprec&ate")

4I a'$a#s e!9o# co!vers&!( abo+t the Mo(+'s) It &s the ch&ef p'eas+re I ,!o$) 7o+ see* thosef&rst s&x e%perors $ere a'' %ost $o!"erf+' %e!* a!" as soo! as o!e of the% &s %e!t&o!e"* !o%atter $h&ch* I for(et ever#th&!( e'se &! the $or'" except the other f&ve) 7o+ co+'" !ot f&!" s&xs+ch ,&!(s &! a'' the co+!tr&es of the earth* !ot* I %ea!* co%&!( o!e after the otherfather*so!)44Te'' +s so%eth&!( abo+t A,bar)44Ah* #o+ have hear" the !a%e of A,bar) Goo") Ha%&"+''ah$ho% #o+ sha'' %eet$&'' te''#o+ that A,bar &s the (reatest of a'') I sa#* 27es* A,bar &s ver# $o!"erf+'* b+t ha'f a H&!"+- he$as !ot a tr+e Mos'e%*2 $h&ch %a,es Ha%&"+''ah cr#* 2No %ore $as 0ab+r* he "ra!, $&!e)2 0+t0ab+r a'$a#s repe!te" after$ar"s* $h&ch %a,es the e!t&re "&ffere!ce* a!" A,bar !ever repe!te"of the !e$ re'&(&o! he &!ve!te" &!stea" of the Ho'# 8ora!)4

40+t $as!2t A,bar2s !e$ re'&(&o! ver# f&!e6 It $as to e%brace the $ho'e of I!"&a)44M&ss Q+este"* f&!e b+t foo'&sh) 7o+ ,eep #o+r re'&(&o!* I %&!e) That &s the best) Noth&!(e%braces the $ho'e of I!"&a* !oth&!(* !oth&!(* a!" that $as A,bar2s %&sta,e)4



4Oh* "o #o+ fee' that* Dr) A.&.64 she sa&" tho+(htf+''#) 4I hope #o+2re !ot r&(ht) There $&''have to be so%eth&!( +!&versa' &! th&s co+!tr#I "o!2t sa# re'&(&o!* for I2% !ot re'&(&o+s* h+tso%eth&!(* or ho$ e'se are barr&ers to be bro,e! "o$!64She $as o!'# reco%%e!"&!( the +!&versa' brotherhoo" he so%et&%es "rea%e" of* b+t assoo! as &t $as p+t &!to prose &t beca%e +!tr+e)4Ta,e %# o$! case*4 she co!t&!+e"&t $as &!"ee" her o$! case that ha" a!&%ate" her) 4 I

"o!2t ,!o$ $hether #o+ happe! to have hear"* b+t I2% (o&!( to %arr# Mr) Heas'op)44O! $h&ch %# heart&est co!(rat+'at&o!s)44Mrs) Moore* %a# I p+t o+r "&ff&c+'t# to Dr) A.&.I %ea! o+r A!('oI!"&a! o!e644It &s #o+r "&ff&c+'t#* !ot %&!e* %# "ear)44Ab* that2s tr+e) e''* b# %arr#&!( Mr) Heas'op* I sha'' beco%e $hat &s ,!o$! as a! A!('oI!"&a!)4He he'" +p h&s ha!" &! protest) 4I%poss&b'e) Ta,e bac, s+ch a terr&b'e re%ar,)440+t I sha''5 &t2s &!ev&tab'e) I ca!2t avo&" the 'abe') hat I "o hope to avo&" &s the %e!ta'&t#)o%e! '&,e4 She stoppe"* !ot 1+&te '&,&!( to %e!t&o! !a%es- she $o+'" bo'"'# have sa&"4Mrs) T+rto! a!" Mrs) Ca''e!"ar4 a fort!&(ht a(o) 4So%e $o%e! are so$e''* +!(e!ero+s a!"s!obb# abo+t I!"&a!s* a!" > sho+'" fee' too asha%e" for $or"s &f I t+r!e" '&,e the%* b+ta!"

here2s %# "&ff&c+'t#there2s !oth&!( spec&a' abo+t %e* !oth&!( spec&a''# (oo" or stro!(* $h&ch$&'' he'p %e to res&st %# e!v&ro!%e!t a!" avo&" beco%&!( '&,e the%) I2ve %ost 'a%e!tab'e "efects)That2s $h# I $a!t A,bar2s 2+!&versa' re'&(&o!2 or the e1+&va'e!t to ,eep %e "ece!t a!"se!s&b'e) Do #o+ see $hat I %ea!64Her re%ar,s p'ease" h&%* b+t h&s %&!" sh+t +p t&(ht beca+se she ha" a''+"e" to her %arr&a(e)He $as !ot (o&!( to be %&xe" +p &! that s&"e of th&!(s) 47o+ are certa&! to be happ# $&tha!# re'at&ve of Mrs) Moore2s*4 he sa&" $&th a for%a' bo$)4Oh* %# happ&!essthat2s 1+&te a!other prob'e%) I $a!t to co!s+'t #o+ abo+t th&s A!('oI!"&a! "&ff&c+'t#) Ca! #o+ (&ve %e a!# a"v&ce6447o+ are abso'+te'# +!'&,e the others* I ass+re #o+) 7o+ $&'' !ever be r+"e to %# peop'e)44I a% to'" $e a'' (et r+"e after a #ear)44The! #o+ are to'" a '&e*4 he f'ashe"* for she ha" spo,e! the tr+th a!" &t to+che" h&% o!the ra$- &t $as &tse'f a! &!s+'t &! these part&c+'ar c&rc+%sta!ces) He recovere" h&%se'f at o!cea!" 'a+(he"* b+t her error bro,e +p the&r co!versat&o!the&r c&v&'&.at&o! &t ha" a'%ost bee!$h&ch scattere" '&,e the peta's of a "esert f'o$er* a!" 'eft the% &! the %&""'e of the h&''s) 4Co%ea'o!(*4 he sa&"* ho'"&!( o+t a ha!" to each) The# (ot +p a '&tt'e re'+cta!t'#* a!" a""resse"the%se'ves to s&(htsee&!()The f&rst cave $as to'erab'# co!ve!&e!t) The# s,&rte" the p+""'e of $ater* a!" the! c'&%be"+p over so%e +!attract&ve sto!es* the s+! crash&!( o! the&r bac,s) 0e!"&!( the&r hea"s* the#"&sappeare" o!e b# o!e &!to the &!ter&or of the h&''s) The s%a'' b'ac, ho'e (ape" $here the&r var&e" for%s a!" co'o+rs ha" %o%e!tar&'# f+!ct&o!e") The# $ere s+c,e" &! '&,e $ater "o$! a

"ra&!) 0'a!" a!" ba'" rose the prec&p&ces- b'a!" a!" ('+t&!o+s the s,# that co!!ecte" the prec&p&ces-so'&" a!" $h&te* a 0rah%&!# ,&te f'appe" bet$ee! the roc,s $&th a c'+%s&!ess thatsee%e" &!te!t&o!a') 0efore %a!* $&th h&s &tch for the see%'#* ha" bee! bor!* the p'a!et %+sthave 'oo,e" th+s) The ,&te f'appe" a$a#) ) ) ) 0efore b&r"s* perhaps) ) ) ) A!" the! the ho'e

be'che" a!" h+%a!&t# ret+r!e")A Marabar cave ha" bee! horr&" as far as Mrs Moore $as co!cer!e"* for she ha" !ear'#fa&!te" &! &t* a!" ha" so%e "&ff&c+'t# &! preve!t&!( herse'f fro% sa#&!( so as soo! as she (ot&!to the a&r a(a&!) It $as !at+ra' e!o+(h: she ha" a'$a#s s+ffere" fro% fa&!t!ess* a!" the caveha" beco%e too f+''* beca+se a'' the&r ret&!+e fo''o$e" the%) Cra%%e" $&th v&''a(ers a!" serva!ts*the c&rc+'ar cha%ber be(a! to s%e'') She 'ost A.&. a!" A"e'a &! the "ar,* "&"!2t ,!o$$ho to+che" her* co+'"!2t breathe* a!" so%e v&'e !a,e" th&!( str+c, her face a!" sett'e" o! her

%o+th '&,e a pa") She tr&e" to re(a&! the e!tra!ce t+!!e'* b+t a! &!f'+x of v&''a(ers s$ept her bac,) She h&t her hea") /or a! &!sta!t she $e!t %a"* h&tt&!( a!" (asp&!( '&,e a fa!at&c) /or !oto!'# "&" the cr+sh a!" ste!ch a'ar% her- there $as a'so a terr&f#&!( echo)



Professor Go"bo'e ha" !ever %e!t&o!e" a! echo- &t !ever &%presse" h&%* perhaps) Thereare so%e ex1+&s&te echoes &! I!"&a- there &s the $h&sper ro+!" the "o%e at 0&9ap+r- there arethe 'o!(* so'&" se!te!ces that vo#a(e thro+(h the a&r at Ma!"+* a!" ret+r! +!bro,e! to the&r creator) The echo &! a Marabar cave &s !ot '&,e these* &t &s e!t&re'# "evo&" of "&st&!ct&o!) hatever &s sa&"* the sa%e %o!oto!o+s !o&se rep'&es* a!" 1+&vers +p a!" "o$! the $a''s +!t&' &t &sabsorbe" &!to the roof) 40o+r!4 &s the so+!" as far as the h+%a! a'phabet ca! express &t* or

4bo+o+r!*4 or 4o+bo+%*4+tter'# "+'') Hope* po'&te!ess* the b'o$&!( of a !ose* the s1+ea, of a boot* a'' pro"+ce 4bo+r!)4 Eve! the str&,&!( of a %atch starts a '&tt'e $or% co&'&!(* $h&ch &stoo s%a'' to co%p'ete a c&rc'e b+t &s eter!a''# $atchf+') A!" &f severa' peop'e ta', at o!ce* a!over'app&!( ho$'&!( !o&se be(&!s* echoes (e!erate echoes* a!" the cave &s st+ffe" $&th a s!a,eco%pose" of s%a'' s!a,es* $h&ch $r&the &!"epe!"e!t'#)After Mrs) Moore a'' the others po+re" o+t) She ha" (&ve! the s&(!a' for the ref'+x) A.&. a!"A"e'a both e%er(e" s%&'&!( a!" she "&" !ot $a!t h&% to th&!, h&s treat $as a fa&'+re* so s%&'e"too) As each perso! e%er(e" she 'oo,e" for a v&''a&!* b+t !o!e $as there* a!" she rea'&.e" thatshe ha" bee! a%o!( the %&'"est &!"&v&"+a's* $hose o!'# "es&re $as to ho!o+r her* a!" that the!a,e" pa" $as a poor '&tt'e bab#* astr&"e &ts %other2s h&p) Noth&!( ev&' ha" bee! &! the cave* b+tshe ha" !ot e!9o#e" herse'f- !o* she ha" !ot e!9o#e" herse'f* a!" she "ec&"e" !ot to v&s&t a

seco!" o!e)4D&" #o+ see the ref'ect&o! of h&s %atchrather prett#64 as,e" A"e'a)4I for(et ) ) )440+t he sa#s th&s &s!2t a (oo" cave* the best are o! the 8a$a Do')44I "o!2t th&!, I sha'' (o o! to there) I "&s'&,e c'&%b&!()44;er# $e''* 'et2s s&t "o$! a(a&! &! the sha"e +!t&' brea,fast2s rea"#)44Ah* b+t that2'' "&sappo&!t h&% so- he has ta,e! s+ch tro+b'e) 7o+ sho+'" (o o!- #o+ "o!2t%&!")44Perhaps I o+(ht to*4 sa&" the (&r'* &!"&ffere!t to $hat she "&"* b+t "es&ro+s of be&!( a%&ab'e)The serva!ts* etc)* $ere scra%b'&!( bac, to the ca%p* p+rs+e" b# (rave ce!s+res fro% Moha%%e"3at&f) A.&. ca%e to he'p the (+ests over the roc,s) He $as at the s+%%&t of h&s po$ers*v&(oro+s a!" h+%b'e* too s+re of h&%se'f to rese!t cr&t&c&s%* a!" he $as s&!cere'# p'ease"$he! he hear" the# $ere a'ter&!( h&s p'a!s) 4Certa&!'#* M&ss Q+este"* so #o+ a!" I $&'' (o to(ether*a!" 'eave Mrs) Moore here* a!" $e $&'' !ot be 'o!(* #et $e $&'' !ot h+rr#* beca+se $e,!o$ that $&'' be her $&sh)44Q+&te r&(ht) I2% sorr# !ot to co%e too* b+t I2% a poor $a',er)44Dear Mrs) Moore* $hat "oes a!#th&!( %atter so 'o!( as #o+ are %# (+ests6 I a% ver# ('a"#o+ are !ot co%&!(* $h&ch so+!"s stra!(e* b+t #o+ are treat&!( %e $&th tr+e fra!,!ess* as afr&e!")447es* I a% #o+r fr&e!"*4 she sa&"* 'a#&!( her ha!" o! h&s s'eeve* a!" th&!,&!(* "esp&te her fat&(+e* ho$ ver# char%&!(* ho$ ver# (oo"* he $as* a!" ho$ "eep'# she "es&re" h&s happ&!ess)

4So %a# I %a,e a!other s+((est&o!6 Do!2t 'et so %a!# peop'e co%e $&th #o+ th&s t&%e) I th&!, #o+ %a# f&!" &t %ore co!ve!&e!t)44Exact'#* exact'#*4 he cr&e"* a!"* r+sh&!( to the other extre%e* forba"e a'' except o!e (+&"eto acco%pa!# M&ss Q+este" a!" h&% to the 8a$a Do') 4Is that a'' r&(ht64 he e!1+&re")4Q+&te r&(ht* !o$ e!9o# #o+rse'ves* a!" $he! #o+ co%e bac, te'' %e a'' abo+t &t)4 A!" shesa!, &!to the "ec,cha&r)If the# reache" the b&( poc,et of caves* the# $o+'" be a$a# !ear'# a! ho+r) She too, o+ther $r&t&!(pa"* a!" be(a!* 4Dear Ste''a* Dear Ra'ph*4 the! stoppe"* a!" 'oo,e" at the 1+eer va''e# a!" the&r feeb'e &!vas&o! of &t) Eve! the e'epha!t ha" beco%e a !obo"#) Her e#e rosefro% &t to the e!tra!ce t+!!e') No* she "&" !ot $&sh to repeat that exper&e!ce) The %ore shetho+(ht over &t* the %ore "&sa(reeab'e a!" fr&(hte!&!( &t beca%e) She %&!"e" &t %+ch %ore

!o$ tha! at the t&%e) The cr+sh a!" the s%e''s she co+'" for(et* b+t the echo be(a! &! so%e&!"escr&bab'e $a# to +!"er%&!e her ho'" o! '&fe) Co%&!( at a %o%e!t $he! she cha!ce" to befat&(+e"* &t ha" %a!a(e" to %+r%+r* 4Pathos* p&et#* co+ra(ethe# ex&st* b+t are &"e!t&ca'* a!"



so &s f&'th) Ever#th&!( ex&sts* !oth&!( has va'+e)4 If o!e ha" spo,e! v&'e!ess &! that p'ace* or 1+ote" 'oft# poetr#* the co%%e!t $o+'" have bee! the sa%e4 o+bo+r!)4 If o!e ha" spo,e!$&th the to!(+es of a!(e's a!" p'ea"e" for a'' the +!happ&!ess a!" %&s+!"ersta!"&!( &! the$or'"* past* prese!t* a!" to co%e* for a'' the %&ser# %e! %+st +!"er(o $hatever the&r op&!&o!a!" pos&t&o!* a!" ho$ever %+ch the# "o"(e or b'+ff&t $o+'" a%o+!t to the sa%e* the serpe!t$o+'" "esce!" a!" ret+r! to the ce&'&!() Dev&'s are of the North* a!" poe%s ca! be $r&tte!

abo+t the%* b+t !o o!e co+'" ro%a!t&c&.e the Marabar beca+se &t robbe" &!f&!&t# a!" eter!&t# of the&r vast!ess* the o!'# 1+a'&t# that acco%%o"ates the% to %a!,&!")She tr&e" to (o o! $&th her 'etter* re%&!"&!( herse'f that she $as o!'# a! e'"er'# $o%a!$ho ha" (ot +p too ear'# &! the %or!&!( a!" 9o+r!e#e" too far* that the "espa&r creep&!( over her $as %ere'# her "espa&r* her perso!a' $ea,!ess* a!" that eve! &f she (ot a s+!stro,e a!"$e!t %a" the rest of the $or'" $o+'" (o o!) 0+t s+""e!'#* at the e"(e of her %&!"* Re'&(&o!appeare"* poor '&tt'e ta',at&ve Chr&st&a!&t#* a!" she ,!e$ that a'' &ts "&v&!e $or"s fro% 43et there

be 3&(ht4 to 4It &s f&!&she"4 o!'# a%o+!te" to 4bo+r!)4 The! she $as terr&f&e" over a! area'ar(er tha! +s+a'- the +!&verse* !ever co%prehe!s&b'e to her &!te''ect* offere" !o repose to her so+'* the %oo" of the 'ast t$o %o!ths too, "ef&!&te for% at 'ast* a!" she rea'&.e" that she "&"!2t$a!t to $r&te to her ch&'"re!* "&"!2t $a!t to co%%+!&cate $&th a!#o!e* !ot eve! $&th Go") She

sat %ot&o!'ess $&th horror* a!"* $he! o'" Moha%%e" 3at&f ca%e +p to her* tho+(ht he $o+'"!ot&ce a "&ffere!ce) /or a t&%e she tho+(ht* 4I a% (o&!( to be &''*4 to co%fort herse'f* the! shes+rre!"ere" to the v&s&o!) She 'ost a'' &!terest* eve! &! A.&.* a!" the affect&o!ate a!" s&!cere$or"s that she ha" spo,e! to h&% see%e" !o 'o!(er hers b+t the a&r2s)CHAPTER ;M&ss Q+este" a!" A.&. a!" a (+&"e co!t&!+e" the s'&(ht'# te"&o+s expe"&t&o!) The# "&" !otta', %+ch* for the s+! $as (ett&!( h&(h) The a&r fe't '&,e a $ar% bath &!to $h&ch hotter $ater &str&c,'&!( co!sta!t'#* the te%perat+re rose a!" rose* the bo+'"ers sa&"* 4I a% a'&ve*4 the s%a''sto!es a!s$ere"* 4I a% a'%ost a'&ve)4 0et$ee! the ch&!,s 'a# the ashes of '&tt'e p'a!ts) The#%ea!t to c'&%b to the roc,&!(sto!e o! the s+%%&t* b+t &t $as too far* a!" the# co!te!te"the%se'ves $&th the b&( (ro+p of caves) <E! ro+te< for these* the# e!co+!tere" severa' &so'ate"caves* $h&ch the (+&"e pers+a"e" the% to v&s&t* b+t rea''# there $as !oth&!( to see- the# '&t a%atch* a"%&re" &ts ref'ect&o! &! the po'&sh* teste" the echo a!" ca%e o+t a(a&!) A.&. $as 4prett#s+re the# sho+'" co%e o! so%e &!terest&!( o'" carv&!(s soo!*4 b+t o!'# %ea!t he $&she" there$ere so%e carv&!(s) H&s "eeper tho+(hts $ere abo+t the brea,fast) S#%pto%s of "&sor(a!&.at&o!ha" appeare" as he 'eft the ca%p) He ra! over the %e!+: a! E!('&sh brea,fast* porr&"(ea!" %+tto! chops* b+t so%e I!"&a! "&shes to ca+se co!versat&o!* a!" pa! after$ar"s) He ha"!ever '&,e" M&ss Q+este" as %+ch as Mrs) Moore* a!" ha" '&tt'e to sa# to her* 'ess tha! ever !o$ that she $o+'" %arr# a 0r&t&sh off&c&a')

Nor ha" A"e'a %+ch to sa# to h&%) If h&s %&!" $as $&th the brea,fast* hers $as %a&!'# $&thher %arr&a(e) S&%'a !ext $ee,* (et r&" of A!to!#* a v&e$ of Th&bet* t&reso%e $e""&!( be''s*

A(ra &! October* see Mrs) Moore co%fortab'# off fro% 0o%ba#the process&o! passe" beforeher a(a&!* b'+rre" b# the heat* a!" the! she t+r!e" to the %ore ser&o+s b+s&!ess of her '&fe atCha!"rapore) There $ere rea' "&ff&c+'t&es hereRo!!#2s '&%&tat&o!s a!" her o$!b+t she e!9o#e"fac&!( "&ff&c+'t&es* a!" "ec&"e" that &f she co+'" co!tro' her peev&sh!ess Ba'$a#s her $ea,

po&!t* a!" !e&ther ra&' a(a&!st A!('oI!"&a !or s+cc+%b to &t* the&r %arr&e" '&fe o+(ht to behapp# a!" prof&tab'e) She %+st!2t be too theoret&ca'- she $o+'" "ea' $&th each prob'e% as &tca%e +p* a!" tr+st to Ro!!#2s co%%o! se!se a!" her o$!) 3+c,&'#* each ha" ab+!"a!ce of co%%o! se!se a!" (oo" $&'')0+t as she to&'e" over a roc, that rese%b'e" a! &!verte" sa+cer* she tho+(ht* 4hat abo+t'ove64 The roc, $as !&c,e" b# a "o+b'e ro$ of footho'"s* a!" so%eho$ the 1+est&o! $as s+((este"

b# the%) here ha" she see! footho'"s before6 Oh #es* the# $ere the patter! trace" &!

the "+st b# the $hee's of the Na$ab 0aha"+r2s car) She a!" Ro!!#!o* the# "&" !ot 'ove eachother)4Do I ta,e #o+ too fast64 e!1+&re" A.&.* for she ha" pa+se"* a "o+btf+' express&o! o! her



face) The "&scover# ha" co%e so s+""e!'# that she fe't '&,e a %o+!ta&!eer $hose rope ha" bro,e!) Not to 'ove the %a! o!e2s (o&!( to %arr#5 Not to f&!" &t o+t t&'' th&s %o%e!t5 Not eve! tohave as,e" o!ese'f the 1+est&o! +!t&' !o$5 So%eth&!( e'se to th&!, o+t) ;exe" rather tha! appa''e"*she stoo" st&''* her e#es o! the spar,'&!( roc,) There $as estee% a!" a!&%a' co!tact at"+s,* b+t the e%ot&o! that '&!,s the% $as abse!t) O+(ht she to brea, her e!(a(e%e!t off6She $as &!c'&!e" to th&!, !ot&t $o+'" ca+se so %+ch tro+b'e to others- bes&"es* she $as!2t

co!v&!ce" that 'ove &s !ecessar# to a s+ccessf+' +!&o!) If 'ove &s ever#th&!(* fe$ %arr&a(es$o+'" s+rv&ve the ho!e#%oo!) 4No* I2% a'' r&(ht* tha!,s*4 she sa&"* a!"* her e%ot&o!s $e'' +!"er co!tro'* res+%e" the c'&%b* tho+(h she fe't a b&t "ashe") A.&. he'" her ha!"* the (+&"e a"here"to the s+rface '&,e a '&.ar" a!" sca%pere" abo+t as &f (over!e" b# a perso!a' ce!tre of (rav&t#)4Are #o+ %arr&e"* Dr) A.&.64 she as,e"* stopp&!( a(a&!* a!" fro$!&!()47es* &!"ee"* "o co%e a!" see %# $&fe 4for he fe't &t %ore art&st&c to have h&s $&fe a'&ve for a %o%e!t)4Tha!, #o+*4 she sa&" abse!t'#)4She &s !ot &! Cha!"rapore 9+st !o$)44A!" have #o+ ch&'"re!64

47es* &!"ee"* three*4 he rep'&e" &! f&r%er to!es)4Are the# a (reat p'eas+re to #o+644h#* !at+ra''#* I a"ore the%*4 he 'a+(he")4I s+ppose so)4 hat a ha!"so%e '&tt'e Or&e!ta' he $as* a!" !o "o+bt h&s $&fe a!" ch&'"re!$ere bea+t&f+' too* for peop'e +s+a''# (et $hat the# a'rea"# possess) She "&" !ot a"%&re h&%$&th a!# perso!a' $ar%th* for there $as !oth&!( of the va(ra!t &! her b'oo"* b+t she (+esse"he %&(ht attract $o%e! of h&s o$! race a!" ra!,* a!" she re(rette" that !e&ther she !or Ro!!#ha" ph#s&ca' char%) It "oes %a,e a "&ffere!ce &! a re'at&o!sh&pbea+t#* th&c, ha&r* a f&!e s,&!)Probab'# th&s %a! ha" severa' $&vesMoha%%e"a!s a'$a#s &!s&st o! the&r f+'' fo+r* accor"&!(to Mrs) T+rto!) A!" hav&!( !o o!e e'se to spea, to o! that eter!a' roc,* she (ave re&! to thes+b9ect of %arr&a(e a!" sa&" &! her ho!est* "ece!t* &!1+&s&t&ve $a#: 4Have #o+ o!e $&fe or %oretha! o!e64The 1+est&o! shoc,e" the #o+!( %a! ver# %+ch) It cha''e!(e" a !e$ co!v&ct&o! of h&sco%%+!&t#* a!" !e$ co!v&ct&o!s are %ore se!s&t&ve tha! o'") If she ha" sa&"* 4Do #o+ $orsh&po!e (o" or severa'64 he $o+'" !ot have ob9ecte") 0+t to as, a! e"+cate" I!"&a! Mos'e% ho$%a!# $&ves he hasappa''&!(* h&"eo+s5 He $as &! tro+b'e ho$ to co!cea' h&s co!f+s&o!) 4O!e*o!e &! %# o$! part&c+'ar case*4 he sp+ttere"* a!" 'et (o of her ha!") Q+&te a !+%ber of caves$ere at the top of the trac,* a!" th&!,&!(* 4Da%! the E!('&sh eve! at the&r best*4 he p'+!(e"&!to o!e of the% to recover h&s ba'a!ce) She fo''o$e" at her 'e&s+re* 1+&te +!co!sc&o+s that sheha" sa&" the $ro!( th&!(* a!" !ot see&!( h&%* she a'so $e!t &!to a cave* th&!,&!( $&th ha'f her %&!" 4s&(htsee&!( bores %e*4 a!" $o!"er&!( $&th the other ha'f abo+t %arr&a(e)

CHAPTER ;IHe $a&te" &! h&s cave a %&!+te* a!" '&t a c&(arette* so that he co+'" re%ar, o! re9o&!&!( her*4I bo'te" &! to (et o+t of the "ra+(ht*4 or so%eth&!( of the sort) he! he ret+r!e"* he fo+!"the (+&"e* a'o!e* $&th h&s hea" o! o!e s&"e) He ha" hear" a !o&se* he sa&"* a!" the! A.&. hear"&t too: the !o&se of a %otorcar) The# $ere !o$ o! the o+ter sho+'"er of the 8a$a Do'* a!" b#scra%b'&!( t$e!t# #ar"s the# (ot a ('&%pse of the p'a&!) A car $as co%&!( to$ar"s the h&''s"o$! the Cha!"rapore roa") 0+t the# co+'" !ot (et a (oo" v&e$ of &t* beca+se the prec&p&to+s

bast&o! c+rve" at the top* so that the base $as !ot eas&'# see! a!" the car "&sappeare" as &tca%e !earer) No "o+bt &t $o+'" stop a'%ost exact'# be!eath the%* at the p'ace $here the

p+,,a roa" "e(e!erate" &!to a path* a!" the e'epha!t ha" t+r!e" to s&"'e &!to the h&''s)He ra! bac, to te'' the stra!(e !e$s to h&s (+est)

The (+&"e exp'a&!e" that she ha" (o!e &!to a cave)4h&ch cave64He &!"&cate" the (ro+p va(+e'#)



47o+ sho+'" have ,ept her &! s&(ht* &t $as #o+r "+t#*4 sa&" A.&. severe'#) 4Here are t$e'vecaves at 'east) Ho$ a% I to ,!o$ $h&ch co!ta&!s %# (+est6 h&ch &s the cave I $as &! %#se'f64The sa%e va(+e (est+re) A!" A.&.* 'oo,&!( a(a&!* co+'" !ot eve! be s+re he ha" ret+r!e"to the sa%e (ro+p) Caves appeare" &! ever# "&rect&o!&t see%e" the&r or&(&!a' spa$!&!( p'acea!" the or&f&ces $ere a'$a#s the sa%e s&.e) He tho+(ht* 4Merc&f+' Heave!s* M&ss Q+este" &s

'ost*4 the! p+''e" h&%se'f to(ether* a!" be(a! to 'oo, for her ca'%'#)4Sho+t54 he co%%a!"e")he! the# ha" "o!e th&s for a$h&'e* the (+&"e exp'a&!e" that to sho+t &s +se'ess* beca+se aMarabar cave ca! hear !o so+!" b+t &ts o$!) A.&. $&pe" h&s hea"* a!" s$eat be(a! to strea%&!s&"e h&s c'othes) The p'ace $as so co!f+s&!(- &t $as part'# a terrace* part'# a .&(.a(* a!" f+''of (rooves that 'e" th&s $a# a!" that '&,e s!a,etrac,s) He tr&e" to (o &!to ever# o!e* b+t he!ever ,!e$ $here he ha" starte") Caves (ot beh&!" caves or co!fab+'ate" &! pa&rs* a!" so%e$ere at the e!tra!ce of a (+''#)4Co%e here54 he ca''e" (e!t'#* a!" $he! the (+&"e $as &! reach* he str+c, h&% &! the facefor a p+!&sh%e!t) The %a! f'e"* a!" he $as 'eft a'o!e) He tho+(ht* 4Th&s &s the e!" of %# career*%# (+est &s 'ost)4 A!" the! he "&scovere" the s&%p'e a!" s+ff&c&e!t exp'a!at&o! of the %#ster#)

M&ss Q+este" $as!2t 'ost) She ha" 9o&!e" the peop'e &! the carfr&e!"s of hers* !o "o+bt*Mr) Heas'op perhaps) He ha" a s+""e! ('&%pse of her* far "o$! the (+''#o!'# a ('&%pse* b+tthere she $as 1+&te p'a&!* fra%e" bet$ee! roc,s* a!" spea,&!( to a!other 'a"#) He $as so re'&eve"that he "&" !ot th&!, her co!"+ct o"") Acc+sto%e" to s+""e! cha!(es of p'a!* he s+ppose"that she ha" r+! "o$! the 8a$a Do5 &%p+'s&ve'#* &! the hope of a '&tt'e "r&ve) He starte"

bac, a'o!e to$ar"s h&s ca%p* a!" a'%ost at o!ce ca+(ht s&(ht of so%eth&!( $h&ch $o+'" have"&s1+&ete" h&% ver# %+ch a %o%e!t before: M&ss Q+este"2s f&e'" ('asses) The# $ere '#&!( atthe ver(e of a cave* ha'f$a# "o$! a! e!tra!ce t+!!e') He tr&e" to ha!( the% over h&s sho+'"er*

b+t the 'eather strap ha" bro,e!* so he p+t the% &!to h&s poc,et &!stea") he! he ha"(o!e a fe$ steps* he tho+(ht she %&(ht have "roppe" so%eth&!( e'se* so he $e!t bac, to 'oo,)0+t the prev&o+s "&ff&c+'t# rec+rre": he co+'"!2t &"e!t&f# the cave) Do$! &! the p'a&! he hear"the car start&!(- ho$ever* he co+'"!2t catch a seco!" ('&%pse of that) So he scra%b'e" "o$!the va''e#face of the h&'' to$ar"s Mrs) Moore* a!" here he $as %ore s+ccessf+': the co'o+r a!"co!f+s&o! of h&s '&tt'e ca%p soo! appeare"* a!" &! the %&"st of &t he sa$ a! E!('&sh%a!2s top&*a!" be!eath &toh* 9o# 5s%&'e" !ot Mr) Heas'op* b+t /&e'"'+()4/&e'"&!(5 Oh* I have so $a!te" #o+54 he cr&e"* "ropp&!( the 4Mr)4 for the f&rst t&%e)A!" h&s fr&e!" ra! to %eet h&%* a'' so p'easa!t a!" 9o''#* !o "&(!&t#* sho+t&!( exp'a!at&o!sa!" apo'o(&es abo+t the tra&!) /&e'"&!( ha" co%e &! the !e$'# arr&ve" carM&ss Dere,2s carthat other 'a"# $as M&ss Dere,) Chatter* chatter* a'' the serva!ts 'eav&!( the&r coo,&!( to '&ste!)Exce''e!t M&ss Dere,5 She ha" %et /&e'"&!( b# cha!ce at the post off&ce* sa&"* 4h# have!2t #o+(o!e to the Marabar64 hear" ho$ he %&sse" the tra&!* offere" to r+! h&% there a!" the!) A!other

!&ce E!('&sh 'a"#) here $as she6 3eft $&th car a!" cha+ffe+r $h&'e /&e'"&!( fo+!" ca%p)Car co+'"!2t (et +p !o* of co+rse !oth+!"re"s of peop'e %+st (o "o$! to escort M&ss Dere, a!" sho$ her the $a#) The e'epha!t &! perso!) ) ) )4A.&.* ca! I have a "r&!,644Certa&!'# !ot)4 He f'e$ to (et o!e)4Mr) /&e'"&!(5 4 ca''e" Mrs) Moore* fro% her patch of sha"e- the# ha" !ot spo,e! #et* beca+seh&s arr&va' ha" co&!c&"e" $&th the torre!t fro% the h&'')4Goo" %or!&!( a(a&!54 he cr&e"* re'&eve" to f&!" a'' $e'')4Mr) /&e'"&!(* have #o+ see! M&ss Q+este"6440+t I2ve o!'# 9+st arr&ve") here &s she644I "o !ot ,!o$)4

4A.&.5 here have #o+ p+t M&ss Q+este" to64A.&.* $ho $as ret+r!&!( $&th a "r&!, &! h&s ha!"* ha" to th&!, for a %o%e!t) H&s heart $asf+'' of !e$ happ&!ess) The p&c!&c* after a !ast# shoc, or t$o* ha" "eve'ope" &!to so%eth&!( be#o!"



h&s "rea%s* for /&e'"&!( ha" !ot o!'# co%e* b+t bro+(ht a! +!&!v&te" (+est) 4Oh* she2s a''r&(ht*4 he sa&"- 4she $e!t "o$! to see M&ss Dere,) e''* here2s '+c,5 Ch&!ch&!544Here2s '+c,* b+t ch&!ch&! I "o ref+se*4 'a+(he" /&e'"&!(* $ho "eteste" the phrase) 4 Here2sto I!"&a544Here2s '+c,* a!" here2s to E!('a!"54M&ss Dere,2s cha+ffe+r stoppe" the cava'ca"e $h&ch $as start&!( to escort h&s %&stress +p*

a!" &!for%e" &t that she ha" (o!e bac, $&th the other #o+!( 'a"# to Cha!"rapore- she ha"se!t h&% to sa# so) She $as "r&v&!( herse'f)4Oh #es* that2s 1+&te '&,e'#*4 sa&" A.&.) 4I ,!e$ the#2" (o!e for a sp&!)44Cha!"rapore6 The %a!2s %a"e a %&sta,e*4 /&e'"&!( exc'a&%e")4Oh !o* $h#64 He $as "&sappo&!te"* b+t %a"e '&(ht of &t- !o "o+bt the t$o #o+!( 'a"&es$ere (reat fr&e!"s) He $o+'" prefer to (&ve brea,fast to a'' fo+r- st&''* (+ests %+st "o as the#$&sh* or the# beco%e pr&so!ers) He $e!t a$a# cheerf+''# to &!spect the porr&"(e a!" the &ce)4hat2s happe!e"64 as,e" /&e'"&!(* $ho fe't at o!ce that so%eth&!( ha" (o!e 1+eer) A'' the$a# o+t M&ss Dere, ha" chattere" abo+t the p&c!&c* ca''e" &t a! +!expecte" treat* a!" sa&" thatshe preferre" I!"&a!s $ho "&"!2t &!v&te her to the&r e!terta&!%e!ts to those $ho "&" &t) Mrs)Moore sat s$&!(&!( her foot* a!" appeare" s+',# a!" st+p&") She sa&": 4 M&ss Dere, &s %ost

+!sat&sfactor#a!" rest'ess* a'$a#s &! a h+rr#* a'$a#s $a!t&!( so%eth&!( !e$- she $&'' "o a!#th&!(&! the $or'" except (o bac, to the I!"&a! 'a"# $ho pa#s her)4/&e'"&!(* $ho "&"!2t "&s'&,e M&ss Dere,* rep'&e": 4She $as!2t &! a h+rr# $he! I 'eft her) There$as !o 1+est&o! of ret+r!&!( to Cha!"rapore) It 'oo,s to %e as &f M&ss Q+este"2s &! the h+rr#)44A"e'a 6she2s !ever bee! &! a h+rr# &! her '&fe*4 sa&" the o'" 'a"# sharp'#)4I sa# &t2'' prove to be M&ss Q+este"2s $&sh* &! fact I ,!o$ &t &s*4 pers&ste" the schoo'%aster)He $as a!!o#e"ch&ef'# $&th h&%se'f) He ha" be(+! b# %&ss&!( a tra&!a s&! he $as !ever (+&'t# ofa!" !o$ that he "&" arr&ve &t $as to +pset A.&.2 arra!(e%e!ts for the seco!" t&%e) He$a!te" so%eo!e to share the b'a%e* a!" fro$!e" at Mrs) Moore rather %a(&ster&a''#) 4A.&. &s achar%&!( fe''o$*4 he a!!o+!ce")4I ,!o$*4 she a!s$ere"* $&th a #a$!)4He has ta,e! e!"'ess tro+b'e to %a,e a s+ccess of o+r p&c!&c)4The# ,!e$ o!e a!other ver# '&tt'e* a!" fe't rather a$,$ar" at be&!( "ra$! to(ether b# a!I!"&a!) The rac&a' prob'e% ca! ta,e s+bt'e for%s) I! the&r case &t ha" &!"+ce" a sort of 9ea'o+s#*a %+t+a' s+sp&c&o!) He tr&e" to (oa" her e!th+s&as%- she scarce'# spo,e) A.&. fetche" the% to

brea,fast)4It &s 1+&te !at+ra' abo+t M&ss Q+este"*4 he re%ar,e"* for he ha" bee! $or,&!( the &!c&"e!ta '&tt'e &! h&s %&!"* to (et r&" of &ts ro+(h!esses) 4e $ere hav&!( a! &!terest&!( ta', $&th o+r (+&"e* the! the car $as see!* so she "ec&"e" to (o "o$! to her fr&e!")4 I!c+rab'# &!acc+rate*he a'rea"# tho+(ht that th&s $as $hat ha" occ+rre") He $as &!acc+rate beca+se he $as se!s&t&ve)

He "&" !ot '&,e to re%e%ber M&ss Q+este"2s re%ar, abo+t po'#(a%#* beca+se &t $as +!$orth#of a (+est* so he p+t &t fro% h&s %&!"* a!" $&th &t the ,!o$'e"(e that he ha" bo'te" &!toa cave to (et a$a# fro% her) He $as &!acc+rate beca+se he "es&re" to ho!o+r her* a!"facts

be&!( e!ta!('e"he ha" to arra!(e the% &! her v&c&!&t#* as o!e t&"&es the (ro+!" after extract&!(a $ee") 0efore brea,fast $as over* he ha" to'" a (oo" %a!# '&es) 4She ra! to her fr&e!"* Ito %&!e*4 he $e!t o!* s%&'&!() 4A!" !o$ I a% $&th %# fr&e!"s a!" the# are $&th %e a!" eachother* $h&ch &s happ&!ess)43ov&!( the% both* he expecte" the% to 'ove each other) The# "&"!2t $a!t to) /&e'"&!(tho+(ht $&th host&'&t#* 4I ,!e$ these $o%e! $o+'" %a,e tro+b'e*4 a!" Mrs) Moore tho+(ht*4Th&s %a!* hav&!( %&sse" the tra&!* tr&es to b'a%e +s4- b+t her tho+(hts $ere feeb'e- s&!ce her fa&!t!ess &! the cave she $as s+!, &! apath# a!" c#!&c&s%) The $o!"erf+' I!"&a of her ope!&!(

$ee,s* $&th &ts coo' !&(hts a!" acceptab'e h&!ts of &!f&!&t#* ha" va!&she")/&e'"&!( ra! +p to see o!e cave) He $as!2t &%presse") The! the# (ot o! the e'epha!t a!"the p&c!&c be(a! to +!$&!" o+t of the corr&"or a!" escape" +!"er the prec&p&ce to$ar"s the



ra&'$a# stat&o!* p+rs+e" b# stabs of hot a&r) The# ca%e to the p'ace $here he ha" 1+&tte" thecar) A "&sa(reeab'e tho+(ht !o$ str+c, h&%* a!" he sa&": 4A.&.* exact'# $here a!" ho$ "&" #o+'eave M&ss Q+este"644Up there)4 He &!"&cate" the 8a$a Do' cheerf+''#)40+t ho$4 A (+''#* or rather a crease* sho$e" a%o!( the roc,s at th&s p'ace- &t $as sc+rf#$&th cact+ses) 4I s+ppose the (+&"e he'pe" her)4

4Oh* rather* %ost he'pf+')44Is there a path off the top644M&''&o!s of paths* %# "ear fe''o$)4/&e'"&!( co+'" see !oth&!( b+t the crease) Ever#$here e'se the ('ar&!( (ra!&te p'+!(e" &!tothe earth)40+t #o+ sa$ the% (et "o$! safe6447es* #es* she a!" M&ss Dere,* a!" (o off &! the car)44The! the (+&"e ca%e bac, to #o+644Exact'#) Got a c&(arette644I hope she $as!2t &''*4 p+rs+e" the E!('&sh%a!) The crease co!t&!+e" as a !+''ah across the

p'a&!* the $ater "ra&!&!( off th&s $a# to$ar"s the Ga!(es)

4She $o+'" have $a!te" %e* &f she $as &''* to atte!" her)447es* that so+!"s se!se)44I see #o+2re $orr#&!(* 'et2s ta', of other th&!(s*4 he sa&" ,&!"'#) 4M&ss Q+este" $as a'$a#sto "o $hat she $&she"* &t $as o+r arra!(e%e!t) I see #o+ are $orr#&!( o! %# acco+!t* b+trea''# I "o!2t %&!"* I !ever !ot&ce tr&f'es)44I "o $orr# o! #o+r acco+!t) I co!s&"er the# have bee! &%po'&te54 sa&" /&e'"&!(* 'o$er&!( h&svo&ce) 4She ha" !o r&(ht to "ash a$a# fro% #o+r part#* a!" M&ss Dere, ha" !o r&(ht to abether)4So to+ch# as a r+'e* A.&. $as +!assa&'ab'e) The $&!(s that +p'&fte" h&% "&" !ot fa'ter* beca+sehe $as a Mo(+' e%peror $ho ha" "o!e h&s "+t#) Perche" o! h&s e'epha!t* he $atche"the Marabar H&''s rece"e* a!" sa$ a(a&!* as prov&!ces of h&s ,&!("o%* the (r&% +!t&"# p'a&!* thefra!t&c a!" feeb'e %ove%e!ts of the b+c,ets* the $h&te shr&!es* the sha''o$ (raves* the s+aves,#* the s!a,e that 'oo,e" '&,e a tree) He ha" (&ve! h&s (+ests as (oo" a t&%e as he co+'"* a!"&f the# ca%e 'ate or 'eft ear'# that $as !ot h&s affa&r) Mrs) Moore s'ept* s$a#&!( a(a&!st the ro"sof the ho$"ah* Moha%%e" 3at&f e%brace" her $&th eff&c&e!c# a!" respect* a!" b# h&s o$! s&"esat /&e'"&!(* $ho% he be(a! to th&!, of as 4C#r&')44A.&.* have #o+ f&(+re" o+t $hat th&s p&c!&c $&'' cost #o+644Sh5 %# "ear chap* "o!2t %e!t&o! that part) H+!"re"s a!" h+!"re"s of r+pees) The co%p'ete"acco+!t $&'' be too a$f+'- %# fr&e!"s2 serva!ts have robbe" %e r&(ht a!" 'eft* a!" as for a! e'epha!t* she appare!t'# eats (o'") I ca! tr+st #o+ !ot to repeat th&s) A!" M)3) p'ease e%p'o#&!&t&a's* he '&ste!s&s far the $orst of a'')4

4I to'" #o+ he2s !o (oo")44He &s p'e!t# of (oo" for h&%se'f- h&s "&sho!est# $&'' r+&! %e)44A.&.* ho$ %o!stro+s544I a% "e'&(hte" $&th h&% rea''#* he has %a"e %# (+ests co%fortab'e- bes&"es* &t &s %# "+t#to e%p'o# h&%* he &s %# co+s&!) If %o!e# (oes* %o!e# co%es) If %o!e# sta#s* "eath co%es)D&" #o+ ever hear that +sef+' Ur"+ proverb6 Probab'# !ot* for I have 9+st &!ve!te" &t)44M# proverbs are: A pe!!# save" &s a pe!!# ear!e"- A st&tch &! t&%e saves !&!e- 3oo, before#o+ 'eap- a!" the 0r&t&sh E%p&re rests o! the%) 7o+ $&'' !ever ,&c, +s o+t* #o+ ,!o$* +!t&' #o+cease e%p'o#&!( M)3)2s a!" s+ch)44Oh* ,&c, #o+ o+t6 h# sho+'" I tro+b'e over that "&rt# 9ob6 3eave &t to the po'&t&c&a!s) ) ) )

No* $he! I $as a st+"e!t I (ot exc&te" over #o+r "a%!e" co+!tr#%e!* certa&!'#- b+t &f the#2''

'et %e (et o! $&th %# profess&o! a!" !ot be too r+"e to %e off&c&a''#* I rea''# "o!2t as, for %ore)440+t #o+ "o- #o+ ta,e the% to a p&c!&c)4



4Th&s p&c!&c &s !oth&!( to "o $&th E!('&sh or I!"&a!- &t &s a! expe"&t&o! of fr&e!"s)4So the cava'ca"e e!"e"* part'# p'easa!t* part'# !ot- the 0rah%a! coo, $as p&c,e" +p* thetra&! arr&ve"* p+sh&!( &ts b+r!&!( throat over the p'a&!* a!" the t$e!t&eth ce!t+r# too, over fro% the s&xtee!th) Mrs) Moore e!tere" her carr&a(e* the three %e! $e!t to the&rs* a"9+ste" thesh+tters* t+r!e" o! the e'ectr&c fa! a!" tr&e" to (et so%e s'eep) I! the t$&'&(ht* a'' rese%b'e"corpses* a!" the tra&! &tse'f see%e" "ea" tho+(h &t %ove"a coff&! fro% the sc&e!t&f&c !orth

$h&ch tro+b'e" the sce!er# fo+r t&%es a "a#) As &t 'eft the Marabars* the&r !ast# '&tt'e cos%os"&sappeare"* a!" (ave p'ace to the Marabars see! fro% a "&sta!ce* f&!&te a!" rather ro%a!t&c)The tra&! ha'te" o!ce +!"er a p+%p* to "re!ch the stoc, of coa' &! &ts te!"er) The! &t ca+(hts&(ht of the %a&! '&!e &! the "&sta!ce* too, co+ra(e* a!" b+%pe" for$ar"* ro+!"e" the c&v&' stat&o!*s+r%o+!te" the 'eve'cross&!( Bthe ra&'s $ere scorch&!( !o$* a!" c'a!,e" to a sta!"st&'')Cha!"rapore* Cha!"rapore5 The expe"&t&o! $as over)A!" as &t e!"e"* as the# sat +p &! the ('oo% a!" prepare" to e!ter or"&!ar# '&fe* s+""e!'#the 'o!( "ra$! stra!(e!ess of the %or!&!( s!appe") Mr) Ha1* the I!spector of Po'&ce* f'+!(ope! the "oor of the&r carr&a(e a!" sa&" &! shr&'' to!es: 4Dr) A.&.* &t &s %# h&(h'# pa&!f+' "+t# toarrest #o+)44H+''o* so%e %&sta,e*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* at o!ce ta,&!( char(e of the s&t+at&o!)

4S&r* the# are %# &!str+ct&o!s) I ,!o$ !oth&!()44O! $hat char(e "o #o+ arrest h&%644I a% +!"er &!str+ct&o!s !ot to sa#)44Do!2t a!s$er %e '&,e that) Pro"+ce #o+r $arra!t)44S&r* exc+se %e* !o $arra!t &s re1+&re" +!"er these part&c+'ar c&rc+%sta!ces) Refer to Mr)Mc0r#"e)44;er# $e''* so $e $&'') Co%e a'o!(* A.&.* o'" %a!- !oth&!( to f+ss abo+t* so%e b'+!"er)44Dr) A.&.* $&'' #o+ ,&!"'# co%e 6a c'ose" co!ve#a!ce sta!"s &! rea"&!ess)4The #o+!( %a! sobbe"h&s f&rst so+!"a!" tr&e" to escape o+t of the oppos&te "oor o! tothe '&!e)4That $&'' co%pe' %e to +se force*4 Mr) Ha1 $a&'e")4Oh* for Go"2s sa,e4 cr&e" /&e'"&!(* h&s o$! !erves brea,&!( +!"er the co!ta(&o!* a!"

p+''e" h&% bac, before a sca!"a' starte"* a!" shoo, h&% '&,e a bab#) A seco!" 'ater* a!" he$o+'" have bee! o+t* $h&st'es b'o$&!(* a %a!h+!t) ) ) ) 4Dear fe''o$* $e2re co%&!( to Mc0r#"eto(ether* a!" e!1+&re $hat2s (o!e $ro!(he2s a "ece!t fe''o$* &t2s a'' +!&!te!t&o!a' ) ) ) he2''apo'o(&.e) Never* !ever act the cr&%&!a')44M# ch&'"re! a!" %# !a%e54 he (aspe"* h&s $&!(s bro,e!)4Noth&!( of the sort) P+t #o+r hat stra&(ht a!" ta,e %# ar%) I2'' see #o+ thro+(h)44Ah* tha!, Go"* he co%es*4 the I!spector exc'a&%e")The# e%er(e" &!to the %&""a# heat* ar% &! ar%) The stat&o! $as seeth&!() Passe!(ers a!"

porters r+she" o+t of ever# recess* %a!# Gover!%e!t serva!ts* %ore po'&ce) Ro!!# escorte"

Mrs) Moore) Moha%%e" 3at&f be(a! $a&'&!() A!" before the# co+'" %a,e the&r $a# thro+(h thechaos* /&e'"&!( $as ca''e" off b# the a+thor&tat&ve to!es of Mr) T+rto!* a!" A.&. $e!t o! to pr&so! a'o!e)CHAPTER ;IIThe Co''ector ha" $atche" the arrest fro% the &!ter&or of the $a&t&!(roo%* a!" thro$&!(ope! &ts perforate" "oors of .&!c* he $as !o$ revea'e" '&,e a (o" &! a shr&!e) he! /&e'"&!(e!tere" the "oors c'appe" to* a!" $ere (+ar"e" b# a serva!t* $h&'e a p+!,ah* to %ar, the&%porta!ceof the %o%e!t* f'appe" "&rt# pett&coats over the&r hea"s) The Co''ector co+'" !otspea, at f&rst) H&s face $as $h&te* fa!at&ca'* a!" rather bea+t&f+'the express&o! that a'' E!('&shfaces $ere to $ear at Cha!"rapore for %a!# "a#s) A'$a#s brave a!" +!se'f&sh* he $as !o$

f+se" b# so%e $h&te a!" (e!ero+s heat- he $o+'" have ,&''e" h&%se'f* obv&o+s'#* &f he ha"tho+(ht &t r&(ht to "o so) He spo,e at 'ast) 4The $orst th&!( &! %# $ho'e career has happe!e"*4he sa&") 4M&ss Q+este" has bee! &!s+'te" &! o!e of the Marabar caves)4



4Oh !o* oh !o* !o*4 (aspe" the other* fee'&!( s&c,&sh)4She escape"b# Go"2s (race)44Oh !o* !o* b+t !ot A.&. ) ) ) !ot A.&. ) ) )4He !o""e")4Abso'+te'# &%poss&b'e* (rotes1+e)44I ca''e" #o+ to preserve #o+ fro% the o"&+% that $o+'" attach to #o+ &f #o+ $ere see!

acco%pa!#&!(h&% to the Po'&ce Stat&o!*4 sa&" T+rto!* pa#&!( !o atte!t&o! to h&s protest* &!"ee"scarce'# hear&!( &t)He repeate" 4Oh !o*4 '&,e a foo') He co+'"!2t fra%e other $or"s) He fe't that a %ass of %a"!ess ha" ar&se! a!" tr&e" to over$he'% the% a''- &t ha" to be shove" bac, &!to &ts p&tso%eho$* a!" he "&"!2t ,!o$ ho$ to "o &t* beca+se he "&" !ot +!"ersta!" %a"!ess: he ha"a'$a#s (o!e abo+t se!s&b'# a!" 1+&et'# +!t&' a "&ff&c+'t# ca%e r&(ht) 4ho 'o"(es th&s &!fa%o+schar(e64 he as,e"* p+''&!( h&%se'f to(ether)4M&ss Dere, a!"the v&ct&% herse'f) ) ) )4 He !ear'# bro,e "o$!* +!ab'e to repeat the (&r'2s!a%e)4M&ss Q+este" herse'f "ef&!&te'# acc+ses h&% of4

He !o""e" a!" t+r!e" h&s face a$a#)4The! she2s %a")44I ca!!ot pass that 'ast re%ar,*4 sa&" the Co''ector* $a,&!( +p to the ,!o$'e"(e that the#"&ffere"* a!" tre%b'&!( $&th f+r#) 47o+ $&'' $&th"ra$ &t &!sta!t'#) It &s the t#pe of re%ar, #o+have per%&tte" #o+rse'f to %a,e ever s&!ce #o+ ca%e to Cha!"rapore)44I2% excess&ve'# sorr#* s&r- I certa&!'# $&th"ra$ &t +!co!"&t&o!a''#)4 /or the %a! $as ha'f %a"h&%se'f)4Pra#* Mr) /&e'"&!(* $hat &!"+ce" #o+ to spea, to %e &! s+ch a to!e644The !e$s (ave %e a ver# (reat shoc,* so I %+st as, #o+ to for(&ve %e) I ca!!ot be'&evethat Dr) A.&. &s (+&'t#)4He s'a%%e" h&s ha!" o! the tab'e) 4Thatthat &s a repet&t&o! of #o+r &!s+'t &! a! a((ravate"for%)44If I %a# ve!t+re to sa# so* !o*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* a'so (o&!( $h&te* b+t st&c,&!( to h&s po&!t) 4I%a,e !o ref'ect&o! o! the (oo" fa&th of the t$o 'a"&es* b+t the char(e the# are br&!(&!( a(a&!stA.&. rests +po! so%e %&sta,e* a!" f&ve %&!+tes $&'' c'ear &t +p) The %a!2s %a!!er &s perfect'#!at+ra'- bes&"es* I ,!o$ h&% to be &!capab'e of &!fa%#)44It "oes &!"ee" rest +po! a %&sta,e*4 ca%e the th&!* b&t&!( vo&ce of the other) 4It "oes &!"ee")I have ha" t$e!t#f&ve #ears2 exper&e!ce of th&s co+!tr# 4he pa+se"* a!" 4t$e!t#f&ve#ears4 see%e" to f&'' the $a&t&!(roo% $&th the&r sta'e!ess a!" +!(e!eros&t#4 a!" "+r&!( thoset$e!t#f&ve #ears I have !ever ,!o$! a!#th&!( b+t "&saster res+'t $he! E!('&sh peop'e a!" I!"&a!satte%pt to be &!t&%ate soc&a''#) I!terco+rse* #es) Co+rtes#* b# a'' %ea!s) I!t&%ac#!ever*

!ever) The $ho'e $e&(ht of %# a+thor&t# &s a(a&!st &t) I have bee! &! char(e at Cha!"rapore for s&x #ears* a!" &f ever#th&!( has (o!e s%ooth'#* &f there has bee! %+t+a' respect a!" estee%* &t&s beca+se both peop'es ,ept to th&s s&%p'e r+'e) Ne$cor!ers set o+r tra"&t&o!s as&"e* a!" &! a!&!sta!t $hat #o+ see happe!s* the $or, of #ears &s +!"o!e a!" the (oo" !a%e of %# D&str&ctr+&!e" for a (e!erat&o!) IIca!2t see the e!" of th&s "a#2s $or,* Mr) /&e'"&!() 7o+* $ho are&%b+e" $&th %o"er! &"eas!o "o+bt #o+ ca!) I $&sh I ha" !ever '&ve" to see &ts be(&!!&!(* I,!o$ that) It &s the e!" of %e) That a 'a"#* that a #o+!( 'a"# e!(a(e" to %# %ost va'+e"s+bor"&!atethat shea! E!('&sh (&r' fresh fro% E!('a!"that I sho+'" have '&ve"4I!vo've" &! h&s o$! e%ot&o!s* he bro,e "o$!) hat he ha" sa&" $as both "&(!&f&e" a!" pathet&c*

b+t ha" &t a!#th&!( to "o $&th A.&.6 Noth&!( at a''* &f /&e'"&!( $as r&(ht) It &s &%poss&b'eto re(ar" a tra(e"# fro% t$o po&!ts of v&e$* a!" $hereas T+rto! ha" "ec&"e" to ave!(e the

(&r'* he hope" to save the %a!) He $a!te" to (et a$a# a!" ta', to Mc0r#"e* $ho ha" a'$a#s bee! fr&e!"'# to h&%* $as o! the $ho'e se!s&b'e* a!" co+'"* a!#ho$* be tr+ste" to ,eep coo')4I ca%e "o$! part&c+'ar'# o! #o+r acco+!t$h&'e poor Heas'op (ot h&s %other a$a#) I re(ar"e"



&t as the %ost fr&e!"'# th&!( I co+'" "o) I %ea!t to te'' #o+ that there $&'' be a! &!for%a'%eet&!( at the c'+b th&s eve!&!( to "&sc+ss the s&t+at&o!* b+t I a% "o+btf+' $hether #o+ $&''care to co%e) 7o+r v&s&ts there are a'$a#s &!fre1+e!t)44I sha'' certa&!'# co%e* s&r* a!" I a% %ost (ratef+' to #o+ for a'' the tro+b'e #o+ have ta,e!over %e) Ma# I ve!t+re to as,$here M&ss Q+este" &s)4He rep'&e" $&th a (est+re- she $as &'')

4orse a!" $orse* appa''&!(*4 he sa&" fee'&!('#)0+t the Co''ector 'oo,e" at h&% ster!'#* beca+se he $as ,eep&!( h&s hea") He ha" !ot (o!e%a" at the phrase 4a! E!('&sh (&r' fresh fro% E!('a!"*4 he ha" !ot ra''&e" to the ba!!er of race)He $as st&'' after facts* tho+(h the her" ha" "ec&"e" o! e%ot&o!) Noth&!( e!ra(es A!('oI!"&a%ore tha! the 'a!ter! of reaso! &f &t &s exh&b&te" for o!e %o%e!t after &ts ext&!ct&o! &s "ecree")A'' over Cha!"rapore that "a# the E+ropea!s $ere p+tt&!( as&"e the&r !or%a' perso!a'&t&es a!"s&!,&!( the%se'ves &! the&r co%%+!&t#) P&t#* $rath* hero&s%* f&''e" the%* b+t the po$er of p+tt&!(t$o a!" t$o to(ether $as a!!&h&'ate")Ter%&!at&!( the &!terv&e$* the Co''ector $a',e" o! to the p'atfor%) The co!f+s&o! there $asrevo't&!() A ch+prass& of Ro!!#2s ha" bee! to'" to br&!( +p so%e tr&f'es be'o!(&!( to the 'a"&es*a!" $as appropr&at&!( for h&%se'f var&o+s art&c'es to $h&ch he ha" !o r&(hthe $as a ca%p fo''o$er

of the a!(r# E!('&sh) Moha%%e" 3at&f %a"e !o atte%pt to res&st h&%) Hassa! f'+!( off h&s t+rba!* a!" $ept) A'' the co%forts that ha" bee! prov&"e" so '&bera''# $ere ro''e" abo+t a!"$aste" &! the s+!) The Co''ector too, &! the s&t+at&o! at a ('a!ce* a!" h&s se!se of 9+st&ce f+!ct&o!e"tho+(h he $as &!sa!e $&th ra(e) He spo,e the !ecessar# $or"* a!" the 'oot&!( stoppe")The! he "rove off to h&s b+!(a'o$ a!" (ave re&! to h&s pass&o!s a(a&!) he! he sa$ the coo'&esas'eep &! the "&tches or the shop,eepers r&s&!( to sa'+te h&% o! the&r '&tt'e p'atfor%s* he sa&"to h&%se'f: 4 I ,!o$ $hat #o+2re '&,e at 'ast- #o+ sha'' pa# for th&s* #o+ sha'' s1+ea')4CHAPTER ;IIIMr) Mc0r#"e* the D&str&ct S+per&!te!"e!t of Po'&ce* $as the %ost ref'ect&ve a!" best e"+cate"of the Cha!"rapore off&c&a's) He ha" rea" a!" tho+(ht a (oo" "ea'* a!"* o$&!( to aso%e$hat +!happ# %arr&a(e* ha" evo've" a co%p'ete ph&'osoph# of '&fe) There $as %+ch of the c#!&c abc+t h&%* b+t !oth&!( of the b+''#- he !ever 'ost h&s te%per or (re$ ro+(h* a!" herece&ve" A.&. $&th co+rtes#* $as a'%ost reass+r&!() 4I have to "eta&! #o+ +!t&' #o+ (et ba&'*4 hesa&"* 4b+t !o "o+bt #o+r fr&e!"s $&'' be app'#&!( for &t* a!" of co+rse the# $&'' be a''o$e" to v&s&t#o+* +!"er re(+'at&o!s) I a% (&ve! certa&! &!for%at&o!* a!" have to act o! &tI2% !ot #o+r

9+"(e)4 A.&. $as 'e" off $eep&!() Mr) Mc0r#"e $as shoc,e" at h&s "o$!fa''* b+t !o I!"&a! ever s+rpr&se" h&%* beca+se he ha" a theor# abo+t c'&%at&c .o!es) The theor# ra!: 4A'' +!fort+!ate!at&ves are cr&%&!a's at heart* for the s&%p'e reaso! that the# '&ve so+th of 'at&t+"e F=) The# are!ot to b'a%e* the# have !ot a "o(2s cha!ce$e sho+'" be '&,e the% &f $e sett'e" here)4 0or! at8arach&* he see%e" to co!tra"&ct h&s theor#* a!" $o+'" so%et&%es a"%&t as %+ch $&th a sa"*1+&et s%&'e)

4A!other of the% fo+!" o+t*4 he tho+(ht* as he set to $or, to "raft h&s state%e!t to theMa(&strate)He $as &!terr+pte" b# the arr&va' of /&e'"&!()He &%parte" a'' he ,!e$ $&tho+t reservat&o!s) M&ss Dere, ha" herse'f "r&ve! &! the M+",+'car abo+t a! ho+r a(o* she a!" M&ss Q+este" both &! a terr&b'e state) The# ha" (o!e stra&(ht toh&s b+!(a'o$ $here he happe!e" to be* a!" there a!" the! he ha" ta,e! "o$! the char(e a!"arra!(e" for the arrest at the ra&'$a# stat&o!)4hat &s the char(e* prec&se'#644That he fo''o$e" her &!to the cave a!" %a"e &!s+'t&!( a"va!ces) She h&t at h&% $&th her f&e'"('asses- he p+''e" at the% a!" the strap bro,e* a!" that &s ho$ she (ot a$a#) he! $esearche" h&% 9+st !o$* the# $ere &! h&s poc,et)4

4Oh !o* oh !o* !o- &t2'' be c'eare" +p &! f&ve %&!+tes*4 he cr&e" a(a&!)4Have a 'oo, at the%)4The strap ha" bee! !e$'# bro,e!* the e#ep&ece $as 9a%%e") The 'o(&c of ev&"e!ce sa&"



4G+&'t#)44D&" she sa# a!# %ore644There $as a! echo that appears to have fr&(hte!e" her) D&" #o+ (o &!to those caves644I sa$ o!e of the%) There $as a! echo) D&" &t (et o! her !erves644I co+'"!2t $orr# her over%+ch $&th 1+est&o!s) She2'' have p'e!t# to (o thro+(h &! the$&t!essbox) The# "o!2t bear th&!,&!( abo+t* these !ext $ee,s) I $&sh the Marabar H&''s a!" a''

the# co!ta&! $ere at the botto% of the sea) Eve!&!( after eve!&!( o!e sa$ the% fro% the c'+b*a!" the# $ere 9+st a har%'ess !a%e) ) ) 7es* $e start a'rea"#)4 /or a v&s&t&!( car" $as bro+(ht- ;a,&' Mah%o+" A'&* 'e(a' a"v&ser to the pr&so!er* as,e" to be a''o$e" to see h&%)Mc0r#"e s&(!e"* (ave per%&ss&o!* a!" co!t&!+e": 4I hear" so%e %ore fro% M&ss Dere, she &sa! o'" fr&e!" of +s both a!" ta',s free'#- $e'' her acco+!t &s that #o+ $e!t off to 'ocate theca%p* a!" a'%ost at o!ce she hear" sto!es fa''&!( o! the 8a$a Do' a!" sa$ M&ss Q+este" r+!!&!(stra&(ht "o$! the face of a prec&p&ce) e'') She c'&%be" +p a sort of (+''# to her* a!" fo+!"her pract&ca''# "o!e forher he'%et off44as a (+&"e !ot $&th her64 &!terr+pte" /&e'"&!()4No) She ha" (ot a%o!( so%e cact+ses) M&ss Dere, save" her '&fe co%&!( 9+st the!she$as be(&!!&!( to f'&!( herse'f abo+t) She he'pe" her "o$! to the car) M&ss Q+este" co+'"!2t

sta!" the I!"&a! "r&ver* cr&e"* 28eep h&% a$a# 2a!" &t $as that that p+t o+r fr&e!" o! the trac, of $hat ha" happe!e") The# %a"e stra&(ht for o+r b+!(a'o$* a!" are there !o$) That2s thestor# as far as I ,!o$ &t #et) She se!t the "r&ver to 9o&! #o+) I th&!, she behave" $&th (reatse!se)44I s+ppose there2s !o poss&b&'&t# of %# see&!( M&ss Q+este"64 he as,e" s+""e!'#)4I har"'# th&!, that $o+'" "o) S+re'#)44I $as afra&" #o+2'" sa# that) I sho+'" ver# %+ch '&,e to)44She &s &! !o state to see a!#o!e) 0es&"es* #o+ "o!2t ,!o$ her $e'')44Har"'# at a'') ) ) ) 0+t #o+ see I be'&eve she2s +!"er so%e h&"eo+s "e'+s&o!* a!" that that$retche" bo# &s &!!oce!t)4The po'&ce%a! starte" &! s+rpr&se* a!" a sha"o$ passe" over h&s face* for he co+'" !ot bear h&s "&spos&t&o!s to be +pset) 4I ha" !o &"ea that $as &! #o+r %&!"*4 he sa&"* a!" 'oo,e" for s+pportat the s&(!e" "epos&t&o!* $h&ch 'a# before h&%)4Those f&e'"('asses +pset %e for a %&!+te* b+t I2ve tho+(ht s&!ce: &t2s &%poss&b'e that* hav&!(atte%pte" to assa+'t her* he $o+'" p+t her ('asses &!to h&s poc,et)44Q+&te poss&b'e* I2% afra&"- $he! a! I!"&a! (oes ba"* he (oes !ot o!'# ver# ba"* b+t ver#1+eer)4I "o!2t fo''o$)44Ho$ sho+'" #o+6 he! #o+ th&!, of cr&%e #o+ th&!, of E!('&sh cr&%e) The ps#cho'o(# here&s "&ffere!t) I "are sa# #o+2'' te'' %e !ext that he $as 1+&te !or%a' $he! he ca%e "o$! fro%the h&'' to (reet #o+) No reaso! he sho+'" !ot be) Rea" a!# of the M+t&!# recor"s- $h&ch* rather

tha! the 0ha(ava" G&ta* sho+'" be #o+r 0&b'e &! th&s co+!tr#) Tho+(h I2% !ot s+re that the o!ea!" the other are !ot c'ose'# co!!ecte") A% I !ot be&!( beast'#6 0+t* #o+ see* /&e'"&!(* as I2vesa&" to #o+ o!ce before* #o+2re a schoo'%aster* a!" co!se1+e!t'# #o+ co%e across these peop'eat the&r best) That2s $hat p+ts #o+ $ro!() The# ca! be char%&!( as bo#s) 0+t I ,!o$ the% asthe# rea''# are* after the# have "eve'ope" &!to %e!) 3oo, at th&s* for &!sta!ce)4 He he'" +p A.&.2

poc,etcase) 4I a% (o&!( thro+(h the co!te!ts) The# are !ot e"&f#&!() Here &s a 'etter fro% afr&e!" $ho appare!t'# ,eeps a brothe')44I "o!2t $a!t to hear h&s pr&vate 'etters)44It2'' have to be 1+ote" &! Co+rt* as bear&!( o! h&s %ora's) He $as f&x&!( +p to see $o%e!at Ca'c+tta)44 Oh* that2'' "o* that2'' "o)4

5 Mc0r#"e stoppe"* !ave'# p+..'e") It $as obv&o+s to h&% that a!# t$o sah&bs o+(ht to poo'a'' the# ,!e$ abo+t a!# I!"&a!* a!" he co+'" !ot th&!, $here the ob9ect&o! ca%e &!)4I "are sa# #o+ have the r&(ht to thro$ sto!es at a #o+!( %a! for "o&!( that* b+t I have!2t)



I "&" the sa%e at h&s a(e)4So ha" the S+per&!te!"e!t of Po'&ce* b+t he co!s&"ere" that the co!versat&o! ha" ta,e! at+r! that $as +!"es&rab'e) He "&" !ot '&,e /&e'"&!(2s !ext re%ar, e&ther)4M&ss Q+este" rea''# ca!!ot be see!6 7o+ "o ,!o$ that for a certa&!t#6447o+ have !ever exp'a&!e" to %e $hat2s &! #o+r %&!" here) h# o! earth "o #o+ $a!t tosee her64

4O! the off cha!ce of her reca!t&!( before #o+ se!" &! that report a!" he2s co%%&tte" for tr&a'* a!" the $ho'e th&!( (oes t= b'a.es) O'" %a!* "o!2t ar(+e abo+t th&s* b+t "o of 7o+r (oo"!ess 9+st r&!( +p #o+r $&fe or M&ss Dere, a!" e!1+&re) It2'' cost #o+ !oth&!()44It2s !o +se r&!(&!( +p the%*4 he rep'&e"* stretch&!( o+t for the te'epho!e) 4Ca''e!"ar sett'esa 1+est&o! '&,e that* of co+rse) 7o+ have!2t (raspe" that she2s ser&o+s'# &'')44He2s s+re to ref+se* &t2s a'' he ex&sts for*4 sa&" the other "esperate'#)The expecte" a!s$er ca%e bac,: the Ma9or $o+'" !ot hear of the pat&e!t be&!( tro+b'e")4I o!'# $a!te" to as, her $hether she &s certa&!* "ea" certa&!* that &t $as A.&. $ho fo''o$e"her &!to the cave)44Poss&b'# %# $&fe %&(ht as, her that %+ch)440+t <I< $a!te" to as, her) I $a!t so%eo!e $ho be'&eves &! h&% to as, her)4

4hat "&ffere!ce "oes that %a,e644She &s a%o!( peop'e $ho "&sbe'&eve &! I!"&a!s)44e''* she te''s her o$! stor#* "oes!2t she644I ,!o$ b+t she te''s &t to #o+)4Mc0r#"e ra&se" h&s e#ebro$s* %+r%+r&!(: 4A b&t too f&!esp+!) A!#ho$* Ca''e!"ar $o!2t hear of #o+ see&!( her) I2% sorr# to sa# he (ave a ba" acco+!t 9+st !o$) He sa#s that she &s b# !o%ea!s o+t of "a!(er)4The# $ere s&'e!t) A!other car" $as bro+(ht &!to the off&ceHa%&"+''ah2s The oppos&te ar%#$as (ather&!()4I %+st p+t th&s report thro+(h !o$* /&e'"&!()44I $&sh #o+ $o+'"!2t)44Ho$ ca! I !ot644I fee' that th&!(s are rather +!sat&sfactor# as $e'' as %ost "&sastro+s) e are hea"&!( for a%ost a$f+' s%ash) I ca! see #o+r pr&so!er* I s+ppose)4He hes&tate") 4H&s o$! peop'e see% &! to+ch $&th h&% a'' r&(ht)44e''* $he! he2s "o!e $&th the%)44I $o+'"!2t ,eep #o+ $a&t&!(- (oo" heave!s* #o+ ta,e prece"e!ce of a!# I!"&a! v&s&tor* of co+rse) I %ea!t $hat2s the (oo") h# %&x #o+rse'f +p $&th p&tch644I sa# he2s &!!oce!t44I!!oce!ce or (+&'t* $h# %&x #o+rse'f +p6 hat2s the (oo"644Oh* (oo"* (oo"*4 he cr&e"* fee'&!( that ever# earth $as be&!( stoppe") 4O!e2s (ot to

breathe occas&o!a''#* at 'east I have) I %a#!2t see her* a!" !o$ I %a#!2t see h&%) I pro%&se"h&% to co%e +p here $&th h&% to #o+* b+t T+rto! ca''e" %e off before I co+'" (et t$o steps)44Sort of a''$h&te th&!( the 0+rra Sah&b $o+'" "o*4 he %+ttere" se!t&%e!ta''#) A!" tr#&!( !otto so+!" patro!&.&!(* he stretche" h&s ha!" over the tab'e* a!" sa&": 4e sha'' a'' have to ha!(to(ether* o'" %a!* I2% afra&") I2% #o+r 9+!&or &! #ears* I ,!o$* b+t ver# %+ch #o+r se!&or &!serv&ce- #o+ "o!2t happe! to ,!o$ th&s po&so!o+s co+!tr# as $e'' as I "o* a!" #o+ %+st ta,e &tfro% %e that the (e!era' s&t+at&o! &s (o&!( to be !ast# at Cha!"rapore "+r&!( the !ext fe$$ee,s* ver# !ast# &!"ee")44So I have 9+st to'" #o+)440+t at a t&%e '&,e th&s there2s !o roo% for$e''perso!a' v&e$s) The %a! $ho "oes!2t toethe '&!e &s 'ost)4

4I see $hat #o+ %ea!)44No* #o+ "o!2t see e!t&re'#) He !ot o!'# 'oses h&%se'f* he $ea,e!s h&s fr&e!"s) If #o+ 'eavethe '&!e* #o+ 'eave a (ap &! the '&!e) These 9ac,a's 4he po&!te" at the 'a$#ers2 car"s4 are



'oo,&!( $&th a'' the&r e#es for a (ap)44Ca! I v&s&t A.&.64 $as h&s a!s$er)4No)4 No$ that he ,!e$ of T+rto!2s att&t+"e* the po'&ce%a! ha" !o "o+bts) 47o+ %a# seeh&% o! a %a(&strate2s or"er* b+t o! %# o$! respo!s&b&'&t# I "o!2t fee' 9+st&f&e") It %&(ht 'ea" to%ore co%p'&cat&o!s)4/&e'"&!( pa+se"* ref'ect&!( that &f he ha" bee! e&ther te! #ears #o+!(er or te! #ears 'o!(er

&! I!"&a* he $o+'" have respo!"e" to Mc0r#"e2s appea') The b&t bet$ee! h&s teeth* he the!sa&"* 4To $ho% "o I app'# for a! or"er644C&t# Ma(&strate)44That so+!"s co%fortab'e5447es* o!e ca!2t ver# $e'' $orr# poor Heas'op)4More 4ev&"e!ce4 appeare" at th&s %o%e!tthe tab'e"ra$er fro% A.&.2 b+!(a'o$* bor!e $&thtr&+%ph &! a corpora'2s ar%s)4Photo(raphs of $o%e!) Ah544That2s h&s $&fe*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* $&!c&!()4Ho$ "o #o+ ,!o$ that644He to'" %e)4

Mc0r#"e (ave a fa&!t* &!cre"+'o+s s%&'e* a!" starte" r+%%a(&!( &! the "ra$er) H&s face beca%e&!1+&s&t&ve a!" s'&(ht'# best&a') 4&fe &!"ee"* I ,!o$ those $&ves54 he $as th&!,&!() A'o+"he sa&": 4e''* #o+ %+st trot off !o$* o'" %a!* a!" the 3or" he'p +s* the 3or" he'p +s a'') ) ) )4As &f h&s pra#er ha" bee! hear"* there $as a s+""e! rac,et#"ac,et o! a te%p'e be'')CHAPTER IHa%&"+''ah $as the !ext sta(e) He $as $a&t&!( o+ts&"e the S+per&!te!"e!t2s off&ce* a!"spra!( +p respectf+''# $he! he sa$ /&e'"&!() To the E!('&sh%a!2s pass&o!ate 4It2s a'' a %&sta,e*4he a!s$ere"* 4Ah* ah* has so%e ev&"e!ce co%e644It $&'' co%e*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* ho'"&!( h&s ha!")4Ah* #es* Mr) /&e'"&!(- b+t $he! o!ce a! I!"&a! has bee! arreste"* $e "o !ot ,!o$ $here &t$&'' stop)4 H&s %a!!er $as "efere!t&a') 47o+ are ver# (oo" to (reet %e &! th&s p+b'&c fash&o!* Iapprec&ate &t- b+t* Mr) /&e'"&!(* !oth&!( co!v&!ces a %a(&strate except ev&"e!ce) D&" Mr)Mc0r#"e %a,e a!# re%ar, $he! %# car" ca%e &!6 Do #o+ th&!, %# app'&cat&o! a!!o#e" h&%*$&'' pre9+"&ce h&% a(a&!st %# fr&e!" at a''6 If so* I $&'' ('a"'# ret&re)44He2s !ot a!!o#e"* a!" &f he $as* $hat "oes &t %atter644Ah* &t2s a'' ver# $e'' for #o+ to spea, '&,e that* b+t $e have to '&ve &! th&s co+!tr#)4The 'ea"&!( barr&ster of Cha!"rapore* $&th the "&(!&f&e" %a!!er a!" Ca%br&"(e "e(ree* ha"

bee! ratt'e") He too 'ove" A.&.* a!" ,!e$ he $as ca'+%!&ate"- b+t fa&th "&" !ot r+'e h&s heart*a!" he prate" of 4po'&c#4 a!" 4ev&"e!ce4 &! a $a# that sa""e!e" the E!('&sh%a!) /&e'"&!(* too*ha" h&s a!x&et&eshe "&"!2t '&,e the f&e'"('asses or the "&screpa!c# over the (+&"eb+t he re'e(ate"the% to the e"(e of h&s %&!"* a!" forba"e the% to &!fect &ts core) A.&. $as &!!oce!t* a!"

a'' act&o! %+st be base" o! that* a!" the peop'e $ho sa&" he $as (+&'t# $ere $ro!(* a!" &t $ashope'ess to tr# to prop&t&ate the%) At the %o%e!t $he! he $as thro$&!( &! h&s 'ot $&th I!"&a!s*he rea'&.e" the prof+!"&t# of the (+'f that "&v&"e" h&% fro% the%) The# a'$a#s "o so%eth&!("&sappo&!t&!() A.&. ha" tr&e" to r+! a$a# fro% the po'&ce* Moha%%e" 3at&f ha" !ot chec,e" the

p&'fer&!() A!" !o$ Ha%&"+''ah 5&!stea" of ra(&!( a!" "e!o+!c&!(* he te%por&.e") Are I!"&a!sco$ar"s6 No* b+t the# are ba" starters a!" occas&o!a''# 9&b) /ear &s ever#$here- the 0r&t&sh Ra9rests o! &t- the respect a!" co+rtes# /&e'"&!( h&%se'f e!9o#e" $ere +!co!sc&o+s acts of prop&t&at&o!)He to'" Ha%&"+''ah to cheer +p* a'' $o+'" e!" $e''- a!" Ha% &"+''ah "&" cheer +p* a!" beca%e

p+(!ac&o+s a!" se!s&b'e) Mc0r#"e2s re%ar,* 4If #o+ 'eave the '&!e* #o+ 'eave a (ap &! the'&!e*4 $as be&!( &''+strate")4/&rst a!" fore%ost* the 1+est&o! of ba&' ) ) )4

App'&cat&o! %+st be %a"e th&s after!oo!) /&e'"&!( $a!te" to sta!" s+ret#) Ha%&"+''ahtho+(ht the Na$ab 0aha"+r sho+'" be approache")4h# "ra( &! h&%* tho+(h64



To "ra( &! ever#o!e $as prec&se'# the barrster2s a&%) He the! s+((este" that the 'a$#er &!char(e of the case $o+'" be a H&!"+- the "efe!ce $o+'" the! %a,e a $&"er appea') He %e!t&o!e"o!e or t$o !a%es%e! fro% a "&sta!ce $ho $o+'" !ot be &!t&%&"ate" b# 'oca'co!"&t&o!sa!" sa&" he sho+'" prefer A%r&trao* a Ca'c+tta barr&ster* $ho ha" a h&(h rep+tat&o!

profess&o!a''# a!" perso!a''#* b+t $ho $as !otor&o+s'# a!t&0r&t&sh)/&e'"&!( "e%+rre"- th&s see%e" to h&% (o&!( to the other extre%e) A.&. %+st be c'eare"*

b+t $&th a %&!&%+% of rac&a' hatre") A%r&trao $as 'oathe" at the c'+b) H&s rete!t&o! $o+'" bere(ar"e" as a po'&t&ca' cha''e!(e)4Oh !o* $e %+st h&t $&th a'' o+r stre!(th) he! I sa$ %# fr&e!"2s pr&vate papers carr&e" &!

9+st !o$ &! t&'e ar%s of a "&rt# po'&ce%a!* I sa&" to %#se'f* 2A%r&trao &s the %a! to c'ear +pth&s)24There $as a '+(+br&o+s pa+se) T&'e te%p'e be'' co!t&!+e" to 9a!('e harsh'#) The &!ter%&!ab'ea!" "&sastro+s "a# ha" scarce'# reache" &ts after!oo!) Co!t&!+&!( the&r $or,* the $hee's of Do%&!&o! !o$ pro pe''e" a %esse!(er o! a horse fro% the S+per&!te!"e!t to the Ma(&strate$&th a! off&c&a' report of arrest) 4Do!2t co%p'&cate* 'et the car"s p'a# the%se'ves*4 e!treate"/&e'"&!(* as he $atche" the %a! "&sappear &!to "+st) 4e2re bo+!" to $&!* there2s !oth&!( e'se$e ca! "o) She $&'' !ever be ab'e to s+bsta!t&ate the char(e)4

Th&s co%forte" Ha%&"+''ah* $ho re%ar,e" $&th co%p'ete s&!cer&t#* 4At a cr&s&s* the E!('&share rea''# +!e1+a''e")44Goo"b#e* the!* %# "ear Ha%&"+''ah B$e %+st "rop the 2Mr)2 !o$) G&ve A.&. %# 'ove $he!#o+ see h&%* a!" te'' h&% to ,eep ca'%* ca'%* ca'%) I sha'' (o bac, to the Co''e(e !o$) If #o+$a!t %e* r&!( %e +p- &f #o+ "o!2t* "o!2t* for I sha'' be ver# b+s#)44Goo"b#e* %# "ear /&e'"&!(* a!" #o+ act+a''# are o! o+r s&"e a(a&!st #o+r o$! peop'e6447es) Def&!&te'#)4He re(rette" ta,&!( s&"es) To s'&!, thro+(h I!"&a +!'abe''e" $as h&s a&%) He!cefor$ar" he$o+'" be ca''e" 4a!t&0r&t&sh*4 4se"&t&o+s 4ter%s that bore" h&%* a!" "&%&!&she" h&s +t&'&t#) Heforesa$ that bes&"es be&!( a tra(e"#* there $o+'" be a %+""'e- a'rea"# he sa$ severa' t&reso%e'&tt'e ,!ots* a!" each t&%e h&s e#e ret+r!e" to the%* the# $ere 'ar(er) 0or! &! free"o%* he$as !ot afra&" of the %+""'e* b+t he reco(!&.e" &ts ex&ste!ce)Th&s sect&o! of the "a# co!c'+"e" &! a 1+eer va(+e ta', $&th Professor Go"bo'e) The &!ter%&!ab'eaffa&r of the R+sse''2s ;&per $as a(a&! &! 1+est&o!) So%e $ee,s before* o!e of the %astersat the Co''e(e* a! +!pop+'ar Pars&* ha" fo+!" a R+sse''2s ;&per !os&!( ro+!" h&s c'assroo%)Perhaps &t ha" cra$'e" &! of &tse'f* b+t perhaps &t ha" !ot* a!" the staff st&'' co!t&!+e" to &!terv&e$the&r Pr&!c&pa' abo+t &t* a!" to ta,e +p h&s t&%e $&th the&r theor&es) The rept&'e &s so po&so!o+sthat he "&" !ot '&,e to c+t the% short* a!" th&s the# ,!e$) Th+s $he! h&s %&!" $as

b+rst&!( $&th other tro+b'es a!" he $as "ebat&!( $hether he sho+'" co%pose a 'etter of appea'to M&ss Q+este"* he $as ob'&(e" to '&ste! to a speech $h&ch 'ac,e" both bas&s a!" co!c'+s&o!*a!" f'oate" thro+(h a&r) At the e!" of &t Go"bo'e sa&"* 4Ma# I !o$ ta,e %# 'eave6 4 a'$a#s a!

&!"&cat&o! that he ha" !ot co%e to h&s po&!t #et) 4No$ I ta,e %# 'eave* I %+st te'' #o+ ho$ ('a"I a% to hear that after a'' #o+ s+ccee"e" &! reach&!( the Marabar) I feare" %# +!p+!ct+a'&t#ha" preve!te" #o+* b+t #o+ $e!t Ba far p'easa!ter %etho" &! M&ss Dere,2s car) I hope theexpe"&t&o!$as a s+ccessf+' o!e)44The !e$s has !ot reache" #o+ #et* I ca! see)44Oh #es)44No- there has bee! a terr&b'e catastrophe abo+t A.&.)44Oh #es) That &s a'' ro+!" the Co''e(e)44e''* the expe"&t&o! $here that occ+rs ca! scarce'# be ca''e" a s+ccessf+' o!e*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(*$&th a! a%a.e" stare)

4I ca!!ot sa#) I $as !ot prese!t)4He stare" a(a&!a %ost +se'ess operat&o!* for !o e#e co+'" see $hat 'a# at the botto% of the 0rah%a!2s %&!"* a!" #et he ha" a %&!" a!" a heart too* a!" a'' h&s fr&e!"s tr+ste" h&%*



$&tho+t ,!o$&!( $h#) 4I a% %ost fr&(htf+''# c+t +p*4 he sa&")4So I sa$ at o!ce o! e!ter&!( #o+r off&ce) I %+st !ot "eta&! #o+* b+t I have a s%a'' pr&vate"&ff&c+'t# o! $h&ch I $a!t #o+r he'p- I a% 'eav&!( #o+r serv&ce short'#* as #o+ ,!o$)447es* a'as54A!" a% ret+r!&!( to %# b&rthp'ace &! Ce!tra' I!"&a to ta,e char(e of e"+cat&o! there) I$a!t to start a H&(h Schoo' there o! so+!" E!('&sh '&!es* that sha'' be as '&,e Gover!%e!t Co''e(e

as poss&b'e)44e''64 he s&(he"* tr#&!( to ta,e a! &!terest)4At prese!t there &s o!'# ver!ac+'ar e"+cat&o! at Ma+) I sha'' fee' &t %# "+t# to cha!(e a''that) I sha'' a"v&se H&s H&(h!ess to sa!ct&o! at 'east a H&(h Schoo' &! the Cap&ta'* a!" &f poss&b'ea!other &! each par(a!a)4/&e'"&!( s+!, h&s hea" o! h&s ar%s- rea''#* I!"&a!s $ere so%et&%es +!bearab'e)4The po&!tthe po&!t o! $h&ch I "es&re #o+r he'p &s th&s: $hat !a%e sho+'" be (&ve! to theschoo'644A !a%e6 A !a%e for a schoo'64 he sa&"* fee'&!( s&c,&sh s+""e!'#* as he ha" "o!e &! the$a&t&!(roo%)47es* a !a%e* a s+&tab'e t&t'e* b# $h&ch &t ca! be ca''e"* b# $h&ch &t %a# be (e!era''#

,!o$!)44Rea''#I have !o !a%es for schoo's &! %# hea") I ca! th&!, of !oth&!( b+t o+r poor A.&.)Have #o+ (raspe" that at the prese!t %o%e!t he &s &! pr&so!644Oh #es) Oh !o* I "o !ot expect a! a!s$er to %# 1+est&o! !o$) I o!'# %ea!t that $he! #o+are at 'e&s+re* #o+ %&(ht th&!, the %atter over* a!" s+((est t$o or three a'ter!at&ve t&t'es for schoo's) I ha" tho+(ht of the 2Mr) /&e'"&!( H&(h Schoo'*2 b+t fa&'&!( that* the 28&!(E%peror Geor(e the /&fth)244Go"bo'e54The o'" fe''o$ p+t h&s ha!"s to(ether* a!" 'oo,e" s'# a!" char%&!()4Is A.&. &!!oce!t or (+&'t#644That &s for the Co+rt to "ec&"e) The ver"&ct $&'' be &! str&ct accor"a!ce $&th the ev&"e!ce* I%a,e !o "o+bt)447es* #es* b+t #o+r perso!a' op&!&o!) Here2s a %a! $e both '&,e* (e!era''# estee%e"- he'&ves here 1+&et'# "o&!( h&s $or,) e''* $hat2s o!e to %a,e of &t6 o+'" he or $o+'" he !ot "os+ch a th&!(644Ah* that &s rather a "&ffere!t 1+est&o! fro% #o+r prev&o+s o!e* a!" a'so %ore "&ff&c+'t: I%ea! "&ff&c+'t &! o+r ph&'osoph#) Dr) A.&. &s a %ost $orth# #o+!( %a!* I have a (reat re(ar" for h&%- b+t I th&!, #o+ are as,&!( %e $hether t&'e &!"&v&"+a' ca! co%%&t (oo" act&o!s or ev&' act&o!s*a!" that &s rather "&ff&c+'t for +s)4 He spo,e $&tho+t e%ot&o! a!" &! short tr&pp&!( s#''ab'es)4I as, #o+: "&" he "o &t or !ot6 Is that p'a&!6 I ,!o$ he "&"!2t* a!" fro% that I start) I %ea!to (et at the tr+e exp'a!at&o! &! a co+p'e of "a#s) M# 'ast !ot&o! &s that &t2s the (+&"e $ho $e!t

ro+!" $&th the%) Ma'&ce o! M&ss Q+este"2s part&t co+'"!2t be that* tho+(h Ha%&"+''ah th&!,sso) She has certa&!'# ha" so%e appa''&!( exper&e!ce) 0+t #o+ te'' %e* oh !obeca+se (oo" a!"ev&' are the sa%e)44No* !ot exact'#* p'ease* accor"&!( to o+r ph&'osoph#) 0eca+se !oth&!( ca! be perfor%e" &!&so'at&o!) A'' perfor% a (oo" act&o!* $he! o!e &s perfor%e"* a!" $he! a! ev&' act&o! &s perfor%e"*a'' perfor% &t) To &''+strate %# %ea!&!(* 'et %e ta,e the case &! po&!t as a! exa%p'e)4I a% &!for%e" that a! ev&' act&o! $as perfor%e" &! the Marabar H&''s* a!" that a h&(h'# estee%e"E!('&sh 'a"# &s !o$ ser&o+s'# &'' &! co!se1+e!ce) M# a!s$er to that &s th&s: that act&o!$as perfor%e" b# Dr) A.&.)4 He stoppe" a!" s+c,e" &! h&s th&! chee,s) 4It $as perfor%e" b# the(+&"e)4 He stoppe" a(a&!) 4It $as perfor%e" b# #o+)4 No$ he ha" a! a&r of "ar&!( a!" of co#!ess)4It $as perfor%e" b# %e)4 He 'oo,e" sh#'# "o$! the s'eeve of h&s o$! coat) 4A!" b# %#

st+"e!ts) It $as eve! perfor%e" b# the 'a"# herse'f) he! ev&' occ+rs* &t expresses the $ho'e of the +!&verse) S&%&'ar'# $he! (oo" occ+rs)44A!" s&%&'ar'# $he! s+ffer&!( occ+rs* a!" so o! a!" so forth* a!" ever#th&!( &s a!#th&!( a!"



!oth&!( so%eth&!(*4 he %+ttere" &! h&s &rr&tat&o!* for he !ee"e" the so'&" (ro+!")4Exc+se %e* #o+ are !o$ a(a&! cha!(&!( the bas&s of o+r "&sc+ss&o!) e $ere "&sc+ss&!((oo" a!" ev&') S+ffer&!( &s %ere'# a %atter for the &!"&v&"+a') If a #o+!( 'a"# has s+!stro,e*that &s a %atter of !o s&(!&f&ca!ce to the +!&verse) Oh !o* !ot at a'') Oh !o* !ot the 'east) It &sa! &so'ate" %atter* &t o!'# co!cer!s herse'f) If she tho+(ht her hea" "&" !ot ache* she $o+'" !ot

be &''* a!" that $o+'" e!" &t) 0+t &t &s far other$&se &! the case of (oo" a!" ev&') The# are !ot

$hat $e th&!, the%* the# are $hat the# are* a!" each of +s has co!tr&b+te" to both)447o+2re preach&!( that ev&' a!" (oo" are the sa%e)44Oh !o* exc+se %e o!ce a(a&!) Goo" a!" ev&' are "&ffere!t* as the&r !a%es &%p'#) 0+t* &! %#o$! h+%b'e op&!&o!* the# are both of the% aspects of %# 3or") He &s prese!t &! the o!e* abse!t&! the other* a!" the "&ffere!ce bet$ee! prese!ce a!" abse!ce &s (reat* as (reat as %#feeb'e %&!" ca! (rasp) 7et abse!ce &%p'&es prese!ce* abse!ce &s !ot !o!ex&ste!ce* a!" $e aretherefore e!t&t'e" to repeat* 2Co%e* co%e* co%e* co%e)24 A!" &! the sa%e breath* as &f to ca!ce'a!# bea+t# h&s $or"s %&(ht have co!ta&!e"* he a""e"* 40+t "&" #o+ have t&%e to v&s&t a!# of the &!terest&!( Marabar a!t&1+&t&es64/&e'"&!( $as s&'e!t* tr#&!( to %e"&tate a!" rest h&s bra&!)4D&" #o+ !ot eve! see the ta!, b# the +s+a' ca%p&!( (ro+!"64 he !a((e")

47es* #es*4 he a!s$ere" "&stracte"'#* $a!"er&!( over ha'f a "o.e! th&!(s at o!ce)4That &s (oo"* the! #o+ sa$ the Ta!, of the Da((er)4 A!" he re'ate" a 'e(e!" $h&ch %&(hthave bee! acceptab'e &f he ha" to'" &t at the teapart# a fort!&(ht a(o) It co!cer!e" a H&!"+Ra9ah $ho ha" s'a&! h&s o$! s&ster2s so!* a!" the "a((er $&th $h&ch he perfor%e" the "ee"re%a&!e" c'a%pe" to h&s ha!" +!t&' &! the co+rse of #ears he ca%e to the Marabar H&''s* $herehe $as th&rst# a!" $a!te" to "r&!, b+t sa$ a th&rst# co$ a!" or"ere" the $ater to be offere" toher f&rst* $h&ch* $he! "o!e* 4"a((er fe'' fro% h&s ha!"* a!" to co%%e%orate %&rac'e he b+&'tTa!,)4 Professor Go"bo'e2s co!versat&o!s fre1+e!t'# c+'%&!ate" &! a co$) /&e'"&!( rece&ve" th&so!e &! ('oo%# s&'e!ce)I! the after!oo! he obta&!e" a per%&t a!" sa$ A.&.* b+t fo+!" h&% +!approachab'e thro+(h%&ser#) 47o+ "eserte" %e*4 $as the o!'# cohere!t re%ar,) He $e!t a$a# to $r&te h&s 'etter toM&ss Q+este") Eve! &f &t reache" her* &t $o+'" "o !o (oo"* a!" probab'# the Mc0r#"es $o+'"$&thho'" &t) M&ss Q+este" "&" p+'' h&% +p short) She $as s+ch a "r#* se!s&b'e (&r'* a!" 1+&te$&tho+t %a'&ce: the 'ast perso! &! Cha!"rapore $ro!(f+''# to acc+se a! I!"&a!)CHAPTER A'tho+(h M&ss Q+este" ha" !ot %a"e herse'f pop+'ar $&th the E!('&sh* she bro+(ht o+t a''that $as f&!e &! the&r character) /or a fe$ ho+rs a! exa'te" e%ot&o! (+she" forth* $h&ch the$o%e! fe't eve! %ore ,ee!'# tha! the %e!* &f !ot for so 'o!() 4hat ca! $e "o for o+r s&ster64$as the o!'# tho+(ht of Mes"a%es Ca''e!"ar a!" 3es'e#* as the# "rove thro+(h the pe't&!( heatto e!1+&re) Mrs) T+rto! $as the o!'# v&s&tor a"%&tte" to the s&c,roo%) She ca%e o+t e!!ob'e"

b# a! +!se'f&sh sorro$) 4She &s %# o$! "ar'&!( (&r'*4 $ere the $or"s she spo,e* a!" the!*

re%e%ber&!(that she ha" ca''e" her 4!ot p+,,a4 a!" rese!te" her e!(a(e%e!t to #o+!(Heas'op* she be(a! to cr#) No o!e ha" ever see! the Co''ector2s $&fe cr#) Capab'e of tears#es*

b+t a'$a#s reserv&!( the% for so%e a"e1+ate occas&o!* a!" !o$ &t ha" co%e) Ah* $h# ha"the# !ot a'' bee! ,&!"er to the stra!(er* %ore pat&e!t* (&ve! her !ot o!'# hosp&ta'&t# b+t the&r hearts6 The te!"er core of the heart that &s so se'"o% +se"the# e%p'o#e" &t for a '&tt'e* +!"er the st&%+'+s of re%orse) If a'' &s over Bas Ma9or Ca''e!"ar &%p'&e"* $e''* a'' &s over* a!" !oth&!(ca! be "o!e* b+t the# reta&!e" so%e respo!s&b&'&t# &! her (r&evo+s $ro!( that the# co+'"!2t "ef&!e)If she $as!2t o!e of the%* the# o+(ht to have %a"e her o!e* a!" the# co+'" !ever "o that!o$* she ha" passe" be#o!" the&r &!v&tat&o!) 4h# "o!2t o!e th&!, %ore of other peop'e64s&(he" p'eas+re'ov&!( M&ss Dere,) These re(rets o!'# 'aste" &! the&r p+re for% for a fe$ ho+rs)

0efore s+!set* other co!s&"erat&o!s a"+'terate" the%* a!" the se!se of (+&'t Bso stra!(e'# co!!ecte"$&th o+r f&rst s&(ht of a!# s+ffer&!( ha" be(+! to $ear a$a#)Peop'e "rove &!to the c'+b $&th st+"&o+s ca'%the 9o(trot of co+!tr# (e!t'efo', bet$ee!



(ree! he"(ero$s* for the !at&ves %+st !ot s+spect that the# $ere a(&tate") The# excha!(e"the +s+a' "r&!,s* b+t ever#th&!( taste" "&ffere!t* a!" the! the# 'oo,e" o+t at the pa'&sa"e of cact+ses stabb&!( the p+rp'e throat of the s,#- the# rea'&.e" that the# $ere tho+sa!"s of %&'esfro% a!# sce!er# that the# +!"erstoo") The c'+b $as f+''er tha! +s+a'* a!" severa' pare!ts ha"

bro+(ht the&r ch&'"re! &!to the roo%s reserve" for a"+'ts* $h&ch (ave the a&r of the Res&"e!c# at3+c,!o$) O!e #o+!( %othera bra&!'ess b+t %ost bea+t&f+' (&r'sat o! a 'o$ otto%a! &! the

s%o,&!(roo% $&th her bab# &! her ar%s- her h+sba!" $as a$a# &! the "&str&ct* a!" she "are"!ot ret+r! to her b+!(a'o$ &! case the 4!&((ers attac,e")4 The $&fe of a s%a'' ra&'$a# off&c&a'*she $as (e!era''# s!+bbe"- b+t th&s eve!&!(* $&th her ab+!"a!t f&(+re a!" %asses of cor!(o'"ha&r* she s#%bo'&.e" a'' that &s $orth f&(ht&!( a!" "#&!( for- %ore per%a!e!t a s#%bo'* perhaps*tha! poor A"e'a) 4Do!2t $orr#* Mrs) 0'a,&sto!* those "r+%s are o!'# Moh+rra%*4 the %e!$o+'" te'' her) 4The! the#2ve starte"*4 she %oa!e"* c'asp&!( the &!fa!t a!" rather $&sh&!( he$o+'" !ot b'o$ b+bb'es "o$! h&s ch&! at s+ch a %o%e!t as th&s) 4No* of co+rse !ot* a!" a!#ho$*the#2re !ot co%&!( to the c'+b)4 4A!" the#2re !ot co%&!( to the 0+rra Sah&b2s b+!(a'o$e&ther* %# "ear* a!" that2s $here #o+ a!" #o+r bab#2'' s'eep to!&(ht*4 a!s$ere" Mrs) T+rto!*to$er&!( b# her s&"e '&,e Pa''as Athe!e* a!" "eter%&!&!( &! the f+t+re !ot to be s+ch a s!ob)5 The Co''ector c'appe" h&s ha!"s for s&'e!ce) He $as %+ch ca'%er tha! $he! he ha" f'o$!

o+t at /&e'"&!() He $as &!"ee" a'$a#s ca'%er $he! he a""resse" severa' peop'e tha! &! a <tteatte<) 4I $a!t to ta', spec&a''# to the 'a"&es*4 he sa&") 4 Not the 'east ca+se for a'ar%) 8eepcoo'* ,eep coo') Do!2t (o o+t %ore tha! #o+ ca! he'p* "o!2t (o &!to the c&t#* "o!2t ta', before#o+r serva!ts) That2s a'')44Harr#* &s there a!# !e$s fro% the c&t#64 as,e" h&s $&fe* sta!"&!( at so%e "&sta!ce fro%h&%* a!" a'so ass+%&!( her p+b'&c safet# vo&ce) The rest $ere s&'e!t "+r&!( the a+(+st co''o1+#)4Ever#th&!( abso'+te'# !or%a')44I ha" (athere" as %+ch) Those "r+%s are %ere'# Moh+rra%* of co+rse)4Mere'# the preparat&o! for &tthe Process&o! &s !ot t&'' !ext $ee,)44Q+&te so* !ot t&'' Mo!"a#)44Mr) Mc0r#"e2s "o$! there "&s(+&se" as a Ho'# Ma!*4 sa&" Mrs) Ca''e!"ar)4That2s exact'# the sort of th&!( that %+st !ot be sa&"*4 he re%ar,e"* po&!t&!( at her) 4Mrs)Ca''e!"ar* be %ore caref+' tha! that* p'ease* &! these t&%es)44I ) ) ) $e''* I ) ) )4 She $as !ot offe!"e"* h&s sever&t# %a"e her fee' safe)4A!# %ore 1+est&o!s6 Necessar# 1+est&o!s)44Is the$here &s he4 Mrs) 3es'e# 1+avere")4?a&') 0a&' has bee! ref+se")4/&e'"&!( spo,e !ext) He $a!te" to ,!o$ $hether there $as a! off&c&a' b+''et&! abo+t M&ssQ+este"2s hea'th* or $hether the (rave reports $ere "+e to (oss&p) H&s 1+est&o! pro"+ce" a

ba" effect* part'# beca+se he ha" pro!o+!ce" her !a%e- she* '&,e A.&.* $as a'$a#s referre" to b# a per&phras&s)

4I hope Ca''e!"ar %a# be ab'e to 'et +s ,!o$ ho$ th&!(s are (o&!( before 'o!()44I fa&' to see ho$ that 'ast 1+est&o! ca! be ter%e" a !ecessar# 1+est&o!*4 sa&" Mrs) T+rto!)4&'' a'' 'a"&es 'eave the s%o,&!(roo% !o$* p'ease64 he cr&e"* c'app&!( h&s ha!"s a(a&!)4A!" re%e%ber $hat I have sa&") e 'oo, to #o+ to he'p +s thro+(h a "&ff&c+'t t&%e* a!" #o+ca! he'p +s b# behav&!( as &f ever#th&!( &s !or%a') It &s a'' I as,) Ca! I re'# o! #o+6447es* &!"ee"* 0+rra Sah&b*4 the# chor+se" o+t of pea,e"* a!x&o+s faces) The# %ove" o+t*s+b"+e" #et e'ate"* Mrs) 0'a,&sto! &! the&r %&"st '&,e a sacre" f'a%e) H&s s&%p'e $or"s ha"re%&!"e"the% that the# $ere a! o+tpost of E%p&re) 0# the s&"e of the&r co%pass&o!ate 'ove for A"e'a a!other se!t&%e!t spra!( +p $h&ch $as to stra!('e &t &! the 'o!( r+!) Its f&rst s&(!s $ere

prosa&c a!" s%a'') Mrs) T+rto! %a"e her 'o+"* har" 9o,es at br&"(e* Mrs) 3es'e# be(a! to ,!&t a

co%forter)he! the s%o,&!(roo% $as c'ear* the Co''ector sat o! the e"(e of a tab'e* so that he co+'""o%&!ate $&tho+t for%a'&t#) H&s %&!" $h&r'e" $&th co!tra"&ctor# &%p+'ses) He $a!te" to ave!(e



M&ss Q+este" a!" p+!&sh /&e'"&!(* $h&'e re%a&!&!( scr+p+'o+s'# fa&r) He $a!te" to f'o( ever#!at&ve that he sa$* b+t to "o !oth&!( that $o+'" 'ea" to a r&ot or to the !ecess&t# for %&'&tar#&!terve!t&o!) The "rea" of hav&!( to ca'' &! the troops $as v&v&" to h&%- so'"&ers p+t o!e th&!(stra&(ht* b+t 'eave a "o.e! others croo,e"* a!" the# 'ove to h+%&'&ate the c&v&'&a! a"%&!&strat&o!)O!e so'"&er $as &! the roo% th&s eve!&!(a stra# s+ba'ter! fro% a G+r,ha re(&%e!t- he$as a '&tt'e "r+!,* a!" re(ar"e" h&s prese!ce as prov&"e!t&a') The Co''ector s&(he") There

see%e" !oth&!( for &t b+t the o'" $ear# b+s&!ess of co%pro%&se a!" %o"erat&o!) He 'o!(e" for the (oo" o'" "a#s $he! a! E!('&sh%a! co+'" sat&sf# h&s o$! ho!o+r a!" !o 1+est&o!s as,e"after$ar"s) Poor #o+!( Heas'op ha" ta,e! a step &! th&s "&rect&o!* b# ref+s&!( ba&'* b+t the Co''ector co+'"!2t fee' th&s $as $&se of poor #o+!( Heas'op) Not o!'# $o+'" the Na$ab 0aha"+r a!" others be a!(r#* b+t the Gover!%e!t of I!"&a &tse'f a'so $atchesa!" beh&!" &t &s that ca+c+sof cra!,s a!" crave!s* the 0r&t&sh Par'&a%e!t) He ha" co!sta!t'# to re%&!" h&%se'f that* &!the e#es of t&'e 'a$* A.&. $as !ot #et (+&'t#* a!" the effort fat&(+e" h&%)The others* 'ess respo!s&b'e* co+'" behave !at+ra''#) The# ha" starte" spea,&!( of 4$o%e!a!" ch&'"re! 4 that phrase that exe%pts the %a'e fro% sa!&t# $he! &t has bee! repeate" a fe$t&%es) Each fe't that a'' he 'ove" best &! t&'e $or'" $as at sta,e* "e%a!"e" reve!(e* a!" $asf&''e" $&th a !ot +!p'eas&!( ('o$* &! $h&ch the ch&''# a!" ha'f,!o$! feat+res of M&ss Q+este"

va!&she"* a!" $ere rep'ace" b# a'' that &s s$eetest a!" $ar%est &! the pr&vate '&fe) 40+t &t2s the$o%e! a!" ch&'"re!*4 the# repeate"* a!" the Co''ector ,!e$ he o+(ht to stop the% &!tox&cat&!(the%se'ves* b+t he ha"!2t the heart) 4The# o+(ht to be co%pe''e" to (&ve hosta(es*4 etc) Ma!#of the sa&" $o%e! a!" ch&'"re! $ere 'eav&!( for the H&'' Stat&o! &! a fe$ "a#s* a!" the s+((est&o!$as %a"e that the# sho+'" be pac,e" off at o!ce &! a spec&a' tra&!)4<A!"< a 9o''# s+((est&o!*4 the s+ba'ter! cr&e") 4The ar%#2s (ot to co%e &! soo!er or 'ater)BA spec&a' tra&! $as &! h&s %&!" &!separab'e fro% troops) Th&s $o+'" !ever have happe!e" &f 0arabas H&'' $as +!"er %&'&tar# co!tro') Stat&o! a b+!ch of G+r,has at the e!tra!ce of the cave$as a'' that $as $a!te")44Mrs) 0'a,&sto! $as sa#&!( &f o!'# there $ere a fe$ To%%&es*4 re%ar,e" so%eo!e)4E!('&sh !o (oo"*4 he cr&e"* (ett&!( h&s 'o#a't&es %&xe") 4Nat&ve troops for th&s co+!tr#) G&ve%e the sport&!( t#pe of !at&ve* (&ve %e G+r,has* (&ve %e Ra9p+ts* (&ve %e ?ats* (&ve %e theP+!9ab&* (&ve %e S&,hs* (&ve %e Marathas* 0h&'s* Afr&"&s a!" Patha!s* a!" rea''# &f &t co%es tothat* I "o!2t %&!" &f #o+ (&ve %e the sc+%s of the ba.aars) Proper'# 'e"* %&!") I2" 'ea" the%a!#$here4The Co''ector !o""e" at h&% p'easa!t'#* a!" sa&" to h&s o$! peop'e: 4Do!2t start carr#&!(ar%s abo+t) I $a!t ever#th&!( to (o o! prec&se'# as +s+a'* +!t&' there2s ca+se for the co!trar#)Get the $o%e!fo', off to the h&''s* b+t "o &t 1+&et'#* a!" for Heave!2s sa,e !o %ore ta', of spec&a'tra&!s) Never %&!" $hat #o+ th&!, or fee') Poss&b'# I have fee'&!(s too) O!e &so'ate" I!"&a!has atte%pte"&s char(e" $&th a! atte%pte" cr&%e)4 He f'&ppe" h&s forehea" har" $&th h&sf&!(er!a&'* a!" the# a'' rea'&.e" that he fe't as "eep'# as the# "&"* a!" the# 'ove" h&%* a!"

"eter%&!e"!ot to &!crease h&s "&ff&c+'t&es) 4Act +po! that fact +!t&' there are %ore facts*4 he co!c'+"e")4Ass+%e ever# I!"&a! &s a! a!(e')4The# %+r%+re"* 4R&(ht #o+ are* 0+rra Sah&b) ) ) A!(e's) ) ) ) Exact'#) ) ) )4 /ro% the s+ba'ter!:4Exact'# $hat I sa&") The !at&ve2s a'' r&(ht &f #o+ (et h&% a'o!e) 3es'e#5 3es'e#5 7o+ re%e%ber the o!e I ha" a ,!oc, $&th o! #o+r Ma&"a! 'ast %o!th) e''* he $as a'' r&(ht) A!# !at&ve$ho p'a#s po'o &s a'' r&(ht) hat #o+2ve (ot to sta%p o! &s these e"+cate" c'asses* a!"*%&!"* I "o ,!o$ $hat I2% ta',&!( abo+t th&s t&%e)4The s%o,&!(roo% "oor ope!e"* a!" 'et &! a fe%&!&!e b+..) Mrs) T+rto! ca''e" o+t* 4She2s

better*4 a!" fro% both sect&o!s of the co%%+!&t# a s&(h of 9o# a!" re'&ef rose) The C&v&' S+r(eo!*$ho ha" bro+(ht the (oo" !e$s* ca%e &!) H&s c+%bro+s* past# face 'oo,e" &''te%pere")

He s+rve#e" the co%pa!#* sa$ /&e'"&!( cro+che" be'o$ h&% o! a! otto%a!* a!" sa&"* 4H2%54Ever#o!e be(a! press&!( h&% for "eta&'s) 4No o!e2s o+t of "a!(er &! th&s co+!tr# as 'o!( as the#have a te%perat+re*4 $as h&s a!s$er) He appeare" to rese!t h&s pat&e!t2s recover#* a!" !o o!e



$ho ,!e$ the o'" Ma9or a!" h&s $a#s $as s+rpr&se" at th&s)4S1+at "o$!* Ca''e!"arte'' +s a'' abo+t &t)44Ta,e %e so%e t&%e to "o that)44Ho$2s the o'" 'a"#644Te%perat+re)44M# $&fe hear" she $as s&!,&!()4

4So she %a# be) I (+ara!tee !oth&!() I rea''# ca!2t be p'a(+e" $&th 1+est&o!s* 3es'e#)44Sorr#* o'" %a!)44Heas'op2s 9+st beh&!" %e)4At the !a%e of Heas'op a f&!e a!" bea+t&f+' express&o! $as re!e$e" o! ever# face) M&ssQ+este" $as o!'# a v&ct&%* b+t #o+!( Heas'op $as a %art#r- he $as the rec&p&e!t of a'' the ev&'&!te!"e" a(a&!st the% b# the co+!tr# the# ha" tr&e" to serve- he $as bear&!( the sah&b2s cross)A!" the# frette" beca+se the# co+'" "o !oth&!( for h&% &! ret+r!- the# fe't so crave! s&tt&!( o!soft!ess a!" atte!"&!( the co+rse of the 'a$)4I $&sh to Go" I ha"!2t (&ve! %# 9e$e' of a! ass&sta!t 'eave) I2'" c+t %# to!(+e o+t f&rst) Tofee' I2% respo!s&b'e* that2s $hat h&ts %e) To ref+se* a!" the! (&ve &! +!"er press+re) That &s$hat I "&"* %# so!s* that &s $hat I "&")4

/&e'"&!( too, h&s p&pe fro% h&s %o+th a!" 'oo,e" at &t tho+(htf+''#) Th&!,&!( h&% afra&"* theother $e!t o!: 4I +!"erstoo" a! E!('&sh%a! $as to acco%pa!# the expe"&t&o!) That &s $h# I(ave &!)44No o!e b'a%es #o+* %# "ear Ca''e!"ar*4 sa&" the Co''ector* 'oo,&!( "o$!) 4e are a'' to

b'a%e &! the se!se that $e o+(ht to have see! the expe"&t&o! $as &!s+ff&c&e!t'# (+ara!tee"*a!" stoppe" &t) I ,!e$ abo+t &t %#se'f- $e 'e!t o+r car th&s %or!&!( to ta,e the 'a"&es to thestat&o!) e are a'' &%p'&cate" &! that se!se* b+t !ot a! ato% of b'a%e attaches to #o+ perso!a''#)44I "o!2t fee' that) I $&sh I co+'") Respo!s&b&'&t# &s a ver# a$f+' th&!(* a!" I2ve !o +se for the%a! $ho sh&r,s &t)4 H&s e#es $ere "&recte" o! /&e'"&!() Those $ho ,!e$ that /&e'"&!( ha"+!"erta,e!to acco%pa!# a!" %&sse" the ear'# tra&! $ere sorr# for h&%- &t $as $hat &s to be expecte"$he! a %a! %&xes h&%se'f +p $&th !at&ves- a'$a#s e!"s &! so%e &!"&(!&t#) The Co''ector*$ho ,!e$ %ore* ,ept s&'e!t* for the off&c&a' &! h&% st&'' hope" that /&e'"&!( $o+'" toe the '&!e)The co!versat&o! t+r!e" to $o%e! a!" ch&'"re! a(a&!* a!" +!"er &ts cover Ma9or Ca''e!"ar (otho'" of the s+ba'ter!* a!" set h&% o! to ba&t the schoo'%aster) Prete!"&!( to be %ore "r+!, tha! he rea''# $as* he be(a! to %a,e se%&offe!s&ve re%ar,s)4Hear" abo+t M&ss Q+este"2s serva!t64 re&!force" the Ma9or)4No* $hat abo+t h&%644Heas'op $ar!e" M&ss Q+este"2s serva!t 'ast !&(ht !ever to 'ose s&(ht of her) Pr&so!er (otho'" of th&s a!" %a!a(e" to 'eave h&% beh&!") 0r&be" h&%) Heas'op has 9+st fo+!" o+t the$ho'e stor#* $&th !a%es a!" s+%sa $e'',!o$! p&%p to those peop'e (ave the %o!e#*

Moha%%e"3at&f b# !a%e) So %+ch for the serva!t) hat abo+t the E!('&sh%a!o+r fr&e!" here6Ho$ "&" the# (et r&" of h&%6 Mo!e# a(a&!)4/&e'"&!( rose to h&s feet* s+pporte" b# %+r%+rs a!" exc'a%at&o!s* for !o o!e #et s+specte"h&s &!te(r&t#)4Oh* I2% be&!( %&s+!"erstoo"* apo'o(&es*4 sa&" the Ma9or offe!s&ve'#) 4I "&"!2t %ea! the#

br&be" Mr) /&e'"&!()44The! $hat "o #o+ %ea!644The# pa&" the other I!"&a! to %a,e #o+ 'ateGo"bo'e) He $as sa#&!( h&s pra#ers) I ,!o$those pra#ers544That2s r&"&c+'o+s ) ) )4 He sat "o$! a(a&!* tre%b'&!( $&th ra(e- perso! after perso! $as be&!(

"ra((e" &!to the %+")Hav&!( shot th&s bo't* the Ma9or prepare" the !ext) 4Heas'op a'so fo+!" o+t so%eth&!( fro%h&s %other) A.&. pa&" a her" of !at&ves to s+ffocate her &! a cave) That $as the e!" of her* or



$o+'" have bee! o!'# she (ot o+t) N&ce'# p'a!!e"* $as!2t &t6 Neat) The! he co+'" (o o! $&ththe (&r') He a!" she a!" a (+&"e* prov&"e" b# the sa%e Moha%%e" 3at&f) G+&"e !o$ ca!2t befo+!") Prett#)4 H&s vo&ce bro,e &!to a roar) 4It2s !ot the t&%e for s&tt&!( "o$!) It2s the t&%e for act&o!) Ca'' &! the troops a!" c'ear the ba.aars)4The Ma9or2s o+tb+rsts $ere a'$a#s "&sco+!te"* b+t he %a"e ever#o!e +!eas# o! th&s occas&o!)The cr&%e $as eve! $orse tha! the# ha" s+ppose"the +!spea,ab'e '&%&t of c#!&c&s%*

+!to+che" s&!ce >J) /&e'"&!( for(ot h&s a!(er o! poor o'" Go"bo'e2s beha'f* a!" beca%etho+(htf+'- the ev&' $as propa(at&!( &! ever# "&rect&o!* &t see%e" to have a! ex&ste!ce of &tso$!* apart fro% a!#th&!( that $as "o!e or sa&" b# &!"&v&"+a's* a!" he +!"erstoo" better $h#

both A.&. a!" Ha%&"+''ah ha" bee! &!c'&!e" to '&e "o$! a!" "&e) H&s a"versar# sa$ that he $as&! tro+b'e* a!" !o$ ve!t+re" to sa#* 4I s+p pose !oth&!( that2s sa&" &!s&"e the c'+b $&'' (o o+ts&"ethe c'+b64 $&!,&!( the $h&'e at 3es'e#)4h# sho+'" &t64 respo!"e" 3es'e#)4Oh* !oth&!() I o!'# hear" a r+%o+r that a certa&! %e%ber here prese!t has bee! see&!(the pr&so!er th&s after!oo!) 7o+ ca!2t r+! $&th the hare a!" h+!t $&th the ho+!"s* at 'east !ot&! th&s co+!tr#)44Does a!#o!e here prese!t $a!t to64

/&e'"&!( $as "eter%&!e" !ot to be "ra$! a(a&!) He ha" so%eth&!( to sa#* b+t &t sho+'" beat h&s o$! %o%e!t) The attac, fa&'e" to %at+re* beca+se the Co''ector "&" !ot s+pport &t) Atte!t&o!sh&fte" fro% h&% for a t&%e) The! the b+.. of $o%e! bro,e o+t a(a&!) The "oor ha" bee!ope!e" b# Ro!!#)The #o+!( %a! 'oo,e" exha+ste" a!" tra(&c* a'so (e!t'er tha! +s+a') He a'$a#s sho$e""efere!ce to h&s s+per&ors* b+t !o$ &t ca%e stra&(ht fro% h&s heart) He see%e" to appea' for the&r protect&o! &! the &!s+'t that ha" befa''e! h&%* a!" the#* &! &!st&!ct&ve ho%a(e* rose to the&r feet) 0+t ever# h+%a! act &! the East &s ta&!te" $&th off&c&a'&s%* a!" $h&'e ho!o+r&!( h&% the#co!"e%!e" A.&. a!" I!"&a) /&e'"&!( rea'&.e" th&s* a!" he re%a&!e" seate") It $as a! +!(rac&o+s*a ca""&sh th&!( to "o* perhaps a! +!so+!" th&!( to "o* b+t he fe't he ha" bee! pass&ve'o!( e!o+(h* a!" that he %&(ht be "ra$! &!to the $ro!( c+rre!t &f he "&" !ot %a,e a sta!")Ro!!#* $ho ha" !ot see! h&%* sa&" &! h+s,# to!es* 4Oh* p'ease p'ease a'' s&t "o$!* I o!'#$a!t to '&ste! $hat has bee! "ec&"e")44Heas'op* I2% te''&!( the% I2% a(a&!st a!# sho$ of force*4 sa&" the Co''ector apo'o(et&ca''#)4I "o!2t ,!o$ $hether #o+ $&'' fee' as I "o* b+t that &s ho$ I a% s&t+ate") he! the ver"&ct &sobta&!e"* &t $&'' be a!other !rttter)447o+ are s+re to ,!o$ best- I have !o exper&e!ce* 0+rra Sah&b)44Ho$ &s #o+r %other* o'" bo#6440etter* tha!, #o+) I $&sh ever#o!e $o+'" s&t "o$!)44So%e have !ever (ot +p*4 the #o+!( so'"&er sa&")4A!" the Ma9or br&!(s +s a! exce''e!t report of M&ss Q+este"*4 T+rto! $e!t o!)

4I "o* I "o* I2% sat&sf&e")447o+ tho+(ht ba"'# of her ear'&er* "&" #o+ !ot* Ma9or6 That2s $h# I ref+se" ba&')4Ca''e!"ar 'a+(he" $&th fr&e!"'# &!$ar"!ess* a!" sa&"* 4Heas'op* Heas'op* !ext t&%e ba&'2s$a!te"* r&!( +p the o'" "octor before (&v&!( &t- h&s sho+'"ers are broa"* a!"* spea,&!( &! thestr&ctest co!f&"e!ce* "o!2t ta,e the o'" "octor2s op&!&o! too ser&o+s'#) He2s a b'&ther&!( &"&ot* $eca! a'$a#s 'eave &t at that* b+t he2'' "o the '&tt'e he ca! to$ar"s ,eep&!( &! 1+o" the4 He

bro,e off $&th affecte" po'&te!ess) 4Oh* b+t he has o!e of h&s fr&e!"s here)4The s+ba'ter! ca''e"* 4Sta!" +p* #o+ s$&!e)44Mr) /&e'"&!(* $hat has preve!te" #o+ fro% sta!"&!( +p64 sa&" the Co''ector* e!ter&!( thefra# at 'ast) It $as the attac, for $h&ch /&e'"&!( ha" $a&te"* a!" to $h&ch he %+st rep'#)4Ma# I %a,e a state%e!t* s&r64

4Certa&!'#)4Seaso!e" a!" se'fco!ta&!e"* "evo&" of the fervo+rs of !at&o!a'&t# or #o+th* the schoo'%aster "&" $hat $as for h&% a co%parat&ve'# eas# th&!() He stoo" +p a!" sa&"* 4I be'&eve Dr) A.&. to



be &!!oce!t)447o+ have a r&(ht to ho'" that op&!&o! &f #o+ choose* b+t pra# &s that a!# reaso! $h# #o+sho+'" &!s+'t Mr) Heas'op644Ma# I co!c'+"e %# state%e!t64Certa&!'#)224I a% $a&t&!( for the ver"&ct of the co+rts) If he &s (t2&'t# I res&(! fro% %# serv&ce* a!" 'eave

I!"&a) I res&(! fro% the c'+b !o$)4Hear* hear5 4 sa&" vo&ces* !ot e!t&re'# host&'e* for the# '&,e" the fe''o$ for spea,&!( o+t)47o+ have !ot a!s$ere" %# 1+est&o!) h# "&" #o+ !ot sta!" $he! Mr) Heas'op e!tere"644&th a'' "efere!ce* s&r* I a% !ot here to a!s$er 1+est&o!s* b+t to %a,e a perso!a' state%e!t*a!" I have co!c'+"e" &t)44Ma# I as, $hether #o+ have ta,e! over char(e of th&s D&str&ct64/&e'"&!( %ove" to$ar"s the "oor)4O!e %o%e!t* Mr) /&e'"&!() 7o+ are !ot to (o #et* p'ease) 0efore #o+ 'eave the c'+b* fro%$h&ch #o+ "o ver# $e'' to res&(!* #o+ $&'' express so%e "etestat&o! of the cr&%e* a!" #o+ $&''apo'o(&.e to Mr) Heas'op)44Are #o+ spea,&!( to %e off&c&a''#* s&r64

The Co''ector* $ho !ever spo,e other$&se* $as so &!f+r&ate" that he 'ost h&s hea") He cr&e"*43eave th&s roo% at o!ce* a!" I "eep'# re(ret that I "e%ea!e" %#se'f to %eet #o+ at the stat&o!)7o+ have s+!, to the 'eve' of #o+r assoc&ates- #o+ are $ea,* $ea,* that &s $hat &s $ro!($&th #o+44I $a!t to 'eave the roo%* b+t ca!!ot $h&'e th&s (e!t'e%a! preve!ts %e*4 sa&" /&e'"&!('&(ht'#- the s+ba'ter! ha" (ot across h&s path)43et h&% (o*4 sa&" Ro!!#* a'%ost &! tears)It $as the o!'# appea' that co+'" have save" the s&t+at&o!) hatever Heas'op $&she" %+st

be "o!e) There $as a s'&(ht sc+ff'e at the "oor* fro% $h&ch /&e'"&!( $as prope''e"* a '&tt'e %ore1+&c,'# tha! &s !at+ra'* &!to the roo% $here the 'a"&es $ere p'a#&!( car"s) 4/a!c# &f I2" fa''e! or (ot a!(r#*4 he tho+(ht) Of co+rse he $as a '&tt'e a!(r#) H&s peers ha" !ever offere" h&% v&o'e!ceor ca''e" h&% $ea, before* bes&"es Heas'op ha" heape" coa's of f&re o! h&s hea") He$&she" he ha" !ot p&c,e" the 1+arre' over poor s+ffer&!( Heas'op* $he! there $ere c'ea!er &ss+esat ha!")Ho$ever* there &t $as* "o!e* %+""'e" thro+(h* a!" to coo' h&%se'f a!" re(a&! %e!ta' ba'a!cehe $e!t o! to the +pper vera!"ah for a %o%e!t* $here the f&rst ob9ect he sa$ $as theMarabar H&''s) At th&s "&sta!ce a!" ho+r the# 'eapt &!to bea+t#- the# $ere Mo!sa'vat* a'ha''a*the to$ers of a cathe"ra'* peop'e" $&th sa&!ts a!" heroes* a!" covere" $&th f'o$ers) hat %&screa!t'+r,e" &! the%* prese!t'# to be "etecte" b# the act&v&t&es of the 'a$6 ho $as the (+&"e*a!" ha" he bee! fo+!" #et6 hat $as the 4echo4 of $h&ch the (&r' co%p'a&!e"6 He "&" !ot,!o$* b+t prese!t'# he $o+'" ,!o$) Great &s &!for%at&o!* a!" she sha'' preva&') It $as the 'ast

%o%e!t of the '&(ht* a!" as he (a.e" at the Marabar H&''s the# see%e" to %ove (rac&o+s'# to$ar"sh&% '&,e a 1+ee!* a!" the&r char% beca%e the s,#2s) At the %o%e!t the# va!&she" the#$ere ever#$here* the coo' be!e"&ct&o! of the !&(ht "esce!"e"* the stars spar,'e"* a!" the$ho'e +!&verse $as a h&'') 3ove'#* ex1+&s&te %o%e!tb+t pass&!( the E!('&sh%a! $&th averte"face a!" o! s$&ft $&!(s) He exper&e!ce" !oth&!( h&%se'f- &t $as as &f so%eo!e ha" to'" h&%there $as s+ch a %o%e!t* a!" he $as ob'&(e" to be'&eve) A!" he fe't "+b&o+s a!" "&sco!te!te"s+""e!'#* a!" $o!"ere" $hether he $as rea''# a!" tr+'# s+ccessf+' as a h+%a! be&!() After fort# #ears2 exper&e!ce* he ha" 'ear!t to %a!a(e h&s '&fe a!" %a,e the best of &t o! a"va!ce"E+ropea! '&!es* ha" "eve'ope" h&s perso!a'&t#* exp'ore" h&s '&%&tat&o!s* co!tro''e" h&s pass&o!sa!" he ha" "o!e &t a'' $&tho+t beco%&!( e&ther pe"a!t&c or $or'"'#) A cre"&tab'e ach&eve%e!t*

b+t as the %o%e!t passe"* he fe't he o+(ht to have bee! $or,&!( at so%eth&!( e'se the $ho'e

t&%e*he "&"!2t ,!o$ at $hat* !ever $o+'" ,!o$* !ever co+'" ,!o$* a!" that $as $h# he fe'tsa")CHAPTER I



D&s%&ss&!( h&s re(rets* as I!appropr&ate to the %atter &! ha!"* he acco%p'&she" the 'ast sect&o!of the "a# b# r&"&!( off to h&s !e$ a''&es) He $as ('a" that he ha" bro,e! $&th the c'+b* for he $o+'" have p&c,e" +p scraps of (oss&p there* a!" reporte" the% "o$! &! the c&t#* a!" he$as ('a" to be "e!&e" th&s opport+!&t#) He $o+'" %&ss h&s b&''&ar"s* a!" occas&o!a' te!!&s* a!"crac,s $&th Mc0r#"e* b+t rea''# that $as a''* so '&(ht "&" he trave') At the e!tra!ce of the ba.aars*a t&(er %a"e h&s horse sh#a #o+th "resse" +p as a t&(er* the bo"# str&pe" bro$! a!"

#e''o$* a %as, over the face) Moh+rra% $as $or,&!( +p) The c&t# beat a (oo" %a!# "r+%s* b+tsee%e" (oo"te%pere") He $as &!v&te" to &!spect a s%a'' ta.&aa f'&%s# a!" fr&vo'o+s erect&o!*%ore '&,e a cr&!o'&!e tha! the to%b of the (ra!"so! of the Prophet* "o!e to "eath at 8erbe'a)Exc&te" ch&'"re! $ere past&!( co'o+re" paper over &ts r&bs) The rest of the eve!&!( he spe!t $&ththe Na$ab 0aha"+r* Ha%&"+''ah* Mah%o+" A'&* a!" others of the co!fe"erac#) The ca%pa&(!$as a'so $or,&!( +p) A te'e(ra% ha" bee! se!t to the fa%o+s A%r&trao* a!" h&s accepta!cerece&ve")App'&cat&o! for ba&' $as to be re!e$e"&t co+'" !ot $e'' be $&thhe'" !o$ that M&ssQ+este" $as o+t of "a!(er) The co!fere!ce $as ser&o+s a!" se!s&b'e* b+t %arre" b# a (ro+p of &t&!era!t %+s&c&a!s* $ho $ere a''o$e" to p'a# &! the co%po+!") Each he'" a 'ar(e earthe!$are

9ar* co!ta&!&!( pebb'es* a!" 9er,e" &t +p a!" "o$! &! t&%e to a "o'ef+' cha!t) D&stracte" b# the

!o&se* he s+((este" the&r "&s%&ssa'* b+t the Na$ab 0aha"+r vetoe" &t- he sa&" that %+s&c&a!s*$ho ha" $a',e" %a!# %&'es* %&(ht br&!( (oo" '+c,)3ate at !&(ht* he ha" a! &!c'&!at&o! to te'' Professor Go"bo'e of the tact&ca' a!" %ora' error he ha" %a"e &! be&!( r+"e to Heas'op* a!" to hear $hat he $o+'" sa#) 0+t the o'" fe''o$ ha"(o!e to be" a!" s'&ppe" off +!%o'este" to h&s !e$ 9ob &! a "a# or t$o: he a'$a#s "&" possessthe ,!ac, of s'&pp&!( off)CHAPTER IIA"e'a 'a# for severa' "a#s &! the Mc0r#"es2 b+!(a'o$) She ha" bee! to+che" b# the s+!*a'so h+!"re"s of cact+s sp&!es ha" to be p&c,e" o+t of her f'esh) Ho+r after ho+r M&ss Dere, a!" Mrs) Mc0r#"e exa%&!e" her thro+(h %a(!&f#&!( ('asses* a'$a#s co%&!( o! fresh co'o!&es*t&!# ha&rs that %&(ht s!ap off a!" be "ra$! &!to the b'oo" &f the# $ere !e('ecte") She 'a# pass&ve

be!eath the&r f&!(ers* $h&ch "eve'ope" the shoc, that ha" be(+! &! the cave) H&therto sheha" !ot %+ch %&!"e" $hether she $as to+che" or !ot: her se!ses $ere ab!or%a''# &!ert a!"the o!'# co!tact she a!t&c&pate" $as that of %&!") Ever#th&!( !o$ $as tra!sferre" to the s+rfaceof her bo"#* $h&ch be(a! to ave!(e &tse'f* a!" fee" +!hea'th&'#) Peop'e see%e" ver# %+cha'&,e* except that so%e $o+'" co%e c'ose $h&'e others ,ept a$a#) 4I! space th&!(s to+ch* &!t&%e th&!(s part*4 she repeate" to herse'f $h&'e the thor!s $ere be&!( extracte"her bra&! so$ea, that she co+'" !ot "ec&"e $hether the phrase $as a ph&'osoph# or a p+!)The# $ere ,&!" to her* &!"ee" over,&!"* the %e! too respectf+'* the $o%e! too s#%pathet&c-$hereas Mrs) Moore* the o!&# v&s&tor she $a!te"* ,ept a$a#) No o!e +!"erstoo" her tro+b'e* or ,!e$ $h# she v&brate" bet$ee! har" co%%o!se!se a!" h#ster&a) She $o+'" be(&! a

speech as &f !oth&!( part&c+'ar ha" happe!e") 4 I $e!t &!to th&s "etestab'e cave*4 she $o+'" sa#"r#'#* 4a!" I re%e%ber scratch&!( the $a'' $&th %# f&!(er!a&'* to start the +s+a' echo* a!" the!as I $as sa#&!( there $as th&s sha"o$* or sort of sha"o$* "o$! the e!tra!ce t+!!e'* bott'&!(%e +p) It see%e" '&,e a! a(e* b+t I s+ppose the $ho'e th&!( ca!2t have 'aste" th&rt# seco!"srea''#) I h&t at h&% $&th the ('asses* he p+''e" %e ro+!" the cave b# the strap* &t bro,e* I escape"*that2s a'') He !ever act+a''# to+che" %e o!ce) It a'' see%s s+ch !o!se!se)4 The! her e#es $o+'" f&'' $&th tears) 4Nat+ra''# I2% +pset* b+t I sha'' (et over &t)4 A!" the! she $o+'"

brea, "o$! e!t&re'#* a!" the $o%e! $o+'" fee' she $as o!e of the%se'ves a!" cr# too* a!"%e! &! the !ext roo% %+r%+r: 4Goo" Go"* (oo" Go"54 No o!e rea'&.e" that she tho+(ht tearsv&'e* a "e(ra"at&o! %ore s+bt'e tha! a!#th&!( e!"+re" &! the Marabar* a !e(at&o! of her a"va!ce"o+t'oo, a!" the !at+ra' ho!est# of her %&!") A"e'a $as a'$a#s tr#&!( to 4th&!, the &!c&"e!t

o+t*4 a'$a#s re%&!"&!( herse'f that !o har% ha" bee! "o!e) There $as 4the shoc,*4 b+t$hat &s that6 /or a t&%e her o$! 'o(&c $o+'" co!v&!ce her* the! she $o+'" hear the echo a(a&!*$eep* "ec'are she $as +!$orth# of Ro!!#* a!" hope her assa&'a!t $o+'" (et the %ax&%+%



pe!a't#) After o!e of these bo+ts* she 'o!(e" to (o o+t &!to the ba.aars a!" as, par"o! fro%ever#o!e she %et* for she fe't &! so%e va(+e $a# that she $as 'eav&!( the $or'" $orse tha!she fo+!" &t) She fe't that &t $as her cr&%e* +!t&' the &!te''ect* rea$a,e!&!(* po&!te" o+t to her that she $as &!acc+rate here* a!" set her a(a&! +po! her ster&'e ro+!")If o!'# she co+'" have see! Mrs) Moore5 The o'" 'a"# ha" !ot bee! $e'' e&ther* a!" $as "&s&!c'&!e"to co%e o+t* Ro!!# reporte") A!" co!se1+e!t'# the echo f'o+r&she"* ra(&!( +p a!"

"o$! '&,e a !erve &! the fac+'t# of her hear&!(* a!" the !o&se &! the cave* so +!&%porta!t&!te''ect+a''#*$as pro'o!(e" over the s+rface of her '&fe) She ha" str+c, the po'&she" $a''for !oreaso!a!" before the co%%e!t ha" "&e" a$a#* he fo''o$e" her* a!" the c'&%ax $as the fa''&!(of her f&e'"('asses) The so+!" ha" spo+te" after her $he! she escape"* a!" $as (o&!( o! st&'''&,e a r&ver that (ra"+a''# f'oo"s the p'a&!) O!'# Mrs) Moore co+'" "r&ve &t bac, to &ts so+rce a!"sea' the bro,e! reservo&r) Ev&' $as 'oose ) ) ) she co+'" eve! hear &t e!ter&!( the '&ves of others)) ) ) A!" A"e'a spe!t "a#s &! th&s at%osphere of (r&ef a!" "epress&o!) Her fr&e!"s ,ept +p the&r sp&r&ts b# "e%a!"&!( ho'oca+sts of !at&ves* b+t she $as too $orr&e" a!" $ea, to "o that)5 he! the cact+s thor!s ha" a'' bee! extracte"* a!" her te%perat+re fa''e! to !or%a'*Ro!!# ca%e to fetch her a$a#) He $as $or! $&th &!"&(!at&o! a!" s+ffer&!(* a!" she $&she" she

co+'" co%fort h&%- b+t &!t&%ac# see%e" to car&cat+re &tse'f* a!" the %ore the# spo,e the %ore$retche" a!" se'fco!sc&o+s the# beca%e) Pract&ca' ta', $as the 'east pa&!f+'* a!" he a!"Mc0r#"e !o$ to'" her o!e or t$o th&!(s $h&ch the# ha" co!cea'e" fro% her "+r&!( the cr&s&s*

b# the "octor2s or"ers) She 'ear!t for the f&rst t&%e of the Moh+rra% tro+b'es) There ha" !ear'# bee! a r&ot) The 'ast "a# of the fest&va'* the (reat process&o! 'eft &ts off&c&a' ro+te* a!" tr&e" toe!ter the c&v&' stat&o!* a!" a te'epho!e ha" bee! c+t beca+se &t &!terr+pte" the a"va!ce of o!eof the 'ar(er paper to$ers) Mc0r#"e a!" h&s po'&ce ha" p+''e" the th&!( stra&(hta f&!e p&ece of $or,) The# passe" o! to a!other a!" ver# pa&! f+'K s+b9ect: the tr&a') She $o+'" have to appear &! co+rt* &"e!t&f# the pr&so!er* a!" s+b%&t to crossexa%&!at&o! b# a! I!"&a! 'a$#er)4Ca! Mrs) Moore be $&th %e64 $as a'' she sa&")4Certa&!'#* a!" I sha'' be there %#se'f*4 Ro!!# rep'&e") 4The case $o!2t co%e before %e-the#2ve ob9ecte" to %e o! perso!a' (ro+!"s) It $&'' be at Cha!"rapore$e tho+(ht at o!e t&%e&t $o+'" be tra!sferre" e'se$here)44M&ss Q+este" rea'&.es $hat a'' that %ea!s* tho+(h*4 sa&" Mc0r#"e sa"'#) 4The case $&''co%e before Das)4Das $as Ro!!#2s ass&sta!to$! brother to the Mrs) 0hattachar#a $hose carr&a(e ha"

p'a#e" the% fa'se 'ast %o!th) He $as co+rteo+s a!" &!te''&(e!t* a!" $&th the ev&"e!ce beforeh&% co+'" o!'# co%e to o!e co!c'+s&o!- b+t that he sho+'" be 9+"(e over a! E!('&sh (&r' ha"co!v+'se" the stat&o! $&th $rath* a!" so%e of the $o%e! ha" se!t a te'e(ra% abo+t &t to 3a"#Me''a!b#* the $&fe of the 3&e+te!a!tGover!or)4I %+st co%e before so%eo!e)4

4That2sthat2s the $a# to face &t) 7o+ have the p'+c,* M&ss Q+este")4 He (re$ ver# b&tter over the arra!(e%e!ts* a!" ca''e" the% 4the fr+&ts of "e%ocrac#)4 I! the o'" "a#s a! E!('&sh$o%a!$o+'" !ot have ha" to appear* !or $o+'" a!# I!"&a! have "are" to "&sc+ss her pr&vateaffa&rs) She $o+'" have %a"e her "epos&t&o!* a!" 9+"(%e!t $o+'" have fo''o$e") He apo'o(&.e"to her for the co!"&t&o! of the co+!tr#* $&th the res+'t that she (ave o!e of her s+""e!'&tt'e shoots of tears) Ro!!# $a!"ere" %&serab'# abo+t the roo% $h&'e she cr&e"* trea"&!( +po!the f'o$ers of the 8ash%&r carpet that so &!ev&tab'# covere" &t or "r+%%&!( o! the brass 0e!ares

bo$'s) 4I "o th&s 'ess ever# "a#* I sha'' soo! be 1+&te $e''*4 she sa&"* b'o$&!( her !osea!" fee'&!( h&"eo+s) 4hat I !ee" &s so%eth&!( to "o) That &s $h# I ,eep o! $&th th&s r&"&c+'o+scr#&!()44It2s !ot r&"&c+'o+s* $e th&!, #o+ $o!"erf+'*4 sa&" the po'&ce%a! ver# s&!cere'#) 2 It o!'#

bothers +s that $e ca!2t he'p #o+ %ore) 7o+r stopp&!( hereat s+ch a t&%e&s the (reatestho!o+r th&s ho+se4 He too $as overco%e $&th e%ot&o!) 40# the $a#* a 'etter ca%e here for #o+ $h&'e #o+ $ere &''*4 he co!t&!+e") 4 I ope!e" &t* $h&ch &s a stra!(e co!fess&o! to %a,e) &''



#o+ for(&ve %e6 The c&rc+%sta!ces are pec+'&ar) It &s fro% /&e'"&!()44h# sho+'" he $r&te to %e644A %ost 'a%e!tab'e th&!( has happe!e") The "efe!ce (ot ho'" of h&%)44He2s a cra!,* a cra!,*4 sa&" Ro!!# '&(ht'#)4That2s #o+r $a# of p+tt&!( &t* b+t a %a! ca! be a cra!, $&tho+t be&!( a ca") M&ss Q+este"ha" better ,!o$ ho$ he behave" to #o+) If #o+ "o!2t te'' her* so%ebo"# e'se $&'')4 He to'" her)

4He &s !o$ the %a&!sta# of the "efe!ce* I !ee"!2t a"") He &s the o!e r&(hteo+s E!('&sh%a! &! ahor"e of t#ra!ts) He rece&ves "ep+tat&o!s fro% the ba.aar* a!" the# a'' che$ bete' !+t a!"s$ear o!e a!other2s ha!"s $&th sce!t) It &s !ot eas# to e!ter &!to the %&!" of s+ch a %a!) H&sst+"e!ts are o! str&,eo+t of e!th+s&as% for h&% the# $o!2t 'ear! the&r 'esso!s) If &t $ere!2t for /&e'"&!( o!e $o+'" !ever have ha" the Moh+rra% tro+b'e) He has "o!e a ver# (rave "&sserv&ceto the $ho'e co%%+!&t#) The 'etter 'a# here a "a# or t$o* $a&t&!( t&'' #o+ $ere $e'' e!o+(h*the! the s&t+at&o! (ot so (rave that I "ec&"e" to ope! &t &! case &t $as +sef+' to +s)44Is &t64 she sa&" feeb'#)4Not at a'') He o!'# has the &%pert&!e!ce to s+((est #o+ have %a"e a %&sta,e)44o+'" that I ha"54 She ('a!ce" thro+(h the 'etter* $h&ch $as caref+' a!" for%a' &! &ts$or"&!() 4Dr) A.&. &s &!!oce!t*4 she rea") The! her vo&ce be(a! to tre%b'e a(a&!) 40+t th&!, of

h&s behav&o+r to #o+* Ro!!#) he! #o+ ha" a'rea"# to bear so %+ch for %# sa,e5 It $as shoc,&!(of h&%) M# "ear* ho$ ca! I repa# #o+6 /'o$ ca! o!e repa# $he! o!e has !oth&!( to (&ve6hat &s the +se of perso!a' re'at&o!sh&ps $he! ever#o!e br&!(s 'ess a!" 'ess to the%6 I fee' $eo+(ht a'' to (o bac, &!to the "esert for ce!t+r&es a!" tr# a!" (et (oo") I $a!t to be(&! at the

be(&!!&!() A'' the th&!(s I tho+(ht I2" 'ear!t are 9+st a h&!"ra!ce* the#2re !ot ,!o$'e"(e at a'')I2% !ot f&t for perso!a' re'at&o!sh&ps) e''* 'et2s (o* 'et2s (o) Of co+rse Mr) /&e'"&!(2s 'etter "oes!2t co+!t- he ca! th&!, a!" $r&te $hat he '&,es* o!'# he sho+'"!2t have bee! r+"e to #o+$he! #o+ ha" so %+ch to bear) That2s $hat %atters) ) ) ) I "o!2t $a!t #o+r ar%* I2% a %a(!&f&ce!t$a',er* so "o!2t to+ch %e* p'ease)4Mrs) Mc0r#"e $&she" her a! affect&o!ate (oo"b#ea $o%a! $&th $ho% she ha" !oth&!( &!co%%o! a!" $hose &!t&%ac# oppresse" her) The# $o+'" have to %eet !o$* #ear after #ear* +!t&'o!e of the&r h+sba!"s $as s+pera!!+ate") Tr+'# A!('oI!"&a ha" ca+(ht her $&th a ve!(ea!cea!" perhaps &t serve" her r&(ht for hav&!( tr&e" to ta,e +p a '&!e of her o$!) H+%b'e" #etrepe''e"* she (ave tha!,s) 4Oh* $e %+st he'p o!e a!other* $e %+st ta,e the ro+(h $&th thes%ooth*4 sa&" Mrs) Mc0r#"e) M&ss Dere, $as there too* st&'' %a,&!( 9o,es abo+t her co%&cMahara9aha!" Ra!&) Re1+&re" as a $&t!ess at the tr&a'* she ha" ref+se" to se!" bac, the M+",+'car- the# $o+'" be fr&(htf+''# s&c,) 0oth Mrs) Mc0r#"e a!" M&ss Dere, ,&sse" her* a!" ca''e" her

b# her Chr&st&a! !a%e) The! Ro!!# "rove her bac,) It $as ear'# &! the %or!&!(* for the "a#* asthe hot $eather a"va!ce"* s$e''e" '&,e a %o!ster at both e!"s* a!" 'eft 'ess a!" 'ess roo% for the %ove%e!ts of %orta's)

As the# !eare" h&s b+!(a'o$* he sa&": 4Mother2s 'oo,&!( for$ar" to see&!( #o+* b+t of co+rse she2s o'"* o!e %+st!2t for(et that) O'" peop'e !ever ta,e th&!(s as o!e expects* &! %#op&!&o!)4 He see%e" $ar!&!( her a(a&!st approach&!( "&sappo&!t%e!t* b+t she too, !o !ot&ce)Her fr&e!"sh&p $&th Mrs) Moore $as so "eep a!" rea' that she fe't s+re &t $o+'" 'ast* $hatever e'se happe!e") 4hat ca! I "o to %a,e th&!(s eas&er for #o+6 It2s #o+ $ho %atter*4 she s&(he")4Dear o'" (&r' to sa# so)44Dear o'" bo#)4 The! she cr&e": 4Ro!!#* she &s!2t &'' too64He reass+re" her- Ma9or Ca''e!c'er $as !ot "&ssat&sf&e")40+t #o+2'' f&!" her&rr&tab'e) e are a! &rr&tab'e fa%&'#) e''* #o+2'' see for #o+rse'f) No"o+bt %# o$! !erves are o+t of or"er* a!" I expecte" %ore fro% %other $he! I ca%e &! fro%the off&ce tha! she fe't ab'e to (&ve) She &s s+re to %a,e a spec&a' effort for #o+- st&''* I "o!2t

$a!t #o+r ho%eco%&!( to be a "&sappo&!t&!( o!e) Do!2t expect too %+ch)4The ho+se ca%e &! s&(ht) It $as a rep'&ca of the b+!(a'o$ she ha" 'eft) P+ff#* re"* a!" c+r&o+s'#severe* Mrs) Moore $as revea'e" +po! a sofa) She "&"!2t (et +p $he! the# e!tere"* a!"



the s+rpr&se of th&s ro+se" A"e'a fro% her o$! tro+b'es)4Here #o+ are both bac,*4 $as the o!'# (reet&!()A"e'a sat "o$! a!" too, her ha!") It $&th"re$* a!" she fe't that 9+st as others repe''e" her*so "&" she repe' Mrs) Moore)4Are #o+ a'' r&(ht6 7o+ appeare" a'' r&(ht $he! I 'eft*4 sa&" Ro!!#* tr#&!( !ot to spea, cross'#* b+t he ha" &!str+cte" her to (&ve the (&r' a p'easa!t $e'co%e* a!" he co+'" !ot b+t fee'

a!!o#e")4I a% a'' r&(ht*4 she sa&" heav&'#) 4As a %atter of fact I have bee! 'oo,&!( at %# ret+r!t&c,et) It &s &!tercha!(eab'e* so I have a %+ch 'ar(er cho&ce of boats ho%e tha! I tho+(ht)44e ca! (o &!to that 'ater* ca!2t $e644Ra'ph a!" Ste''a %a# be $a!t&!( to ,!o$ $he! I arr&ve)44There &s p'e!t# of t&%e for a'' s+ch p'a!s) Ho$ "o #o+ th&!, o+r A"e'a 'oo,s644I a% co+!t&!( o! #o+ to he'p %e thro+(h- &t &s s+ch a b'ess&!( to be $&th #o+ a(a&!* ever#o!ee'se &s a stra!(er*4 sa&" the (&r' rap&"'#)0+t Mrs) Moore sho$e" !o &!c'&!at&o! to be he'pf+') A sort of rese!t%e!t e%a!ate" fro%her) She see%e" to sa#: 4A% I to be bothere" for ever64 Her Chr&st&a! te!"er!ess ha" (o!e* or ha" "eve'ope" &!to a har"!ess* a 9+st &rr&tat&o! a(a&!st the h+%a! race- she ha" ta,e! !o &!terest

at the arrest* as,e" scarce'# a!# 1+est&o!s* a!" ha" ref+se" to 'eave her be" o! the a$f+''ast !&(ht of Moh+rra%* $he! a! attac, $as expecte" o! the b+!(a'o$)4I ,!o$ &t2s a'' !oth&!(- I %+st be se!s&b'e* I "o tr#4 A"e'a co!t&!+e"* $or,&!( a(a&! to$ar"stears) 4I sho+'"!2t %&!" &f &t ha" happe!e" a!#$here e'seat 'east I rea''# "o!2t ,!o$$here &t "&" happe!)4Ro!!# s+ppose" that he +!"erstoo" $hat she %ea!t: she co+'" !ot &"e!t&f# or "escr&be the

part&c+'ar cave* &!"ee" a'%ost ref+se" to have her %&!" c'eare" +p abo+t &t* a!" &t $as reco(!&.e"that the "efe!ce $o+'" tr# to %a,e cap&ta' o+t of th&s "+r&!( the tr&a') He reass+re" her:the Marabar caves $ere !otor&o+s'# '&,e o!e a!other- &!"ee"* &! the f+t+re the# $ere to be!+%bere" &! se1+e!ce $&th $h&te pa&!t)47es* I %ea! that* at 'east !ot exact'#- b+t there &s th&s echo that I ,eep o! hear&!()44Oh* $hat of the echo64 as,e" Mrs) Moore* pa#&!( atte!t&o! to her for the f&rst t&%e)I ca!2t (et r&" of &t)44I "o!2t s+ppose #o+ ever $&'')4Ro!!# ha" e%phas&.e" to h&s %other that A"e'a $o+'" arr&ve &! a %orb&" state* #et she $as

be&!( pos&t&ve'# %a'&c&o+s)4Mrs) Moore* $hat &s th&s echo644Do!2t #o+ ,!o$644No$hat &s &t6 oh* "o sa#5 I fe't #o+ $o+'" be ab'e to exp'a&! &t ) ) ) th&s $&'' co%fort %e so)) ) )44If #o+ "o!2t ,!o$* #o+ "o!2t ,!o$- I ca!2t te'' #o+)4

4I th&!, #o+2re rather +!,&!" !ot to sa#)4Sa#* sa#* sa#*4 sa&" the o'" 'a"# b&tter'#) 4As &f a!#th&!( ca! be sa&"5 I have spe!t %# '&fe &!sa#&!( or &! '&ste!&!( to sa#&!(s- I have '&ste!e" too %+ch) It &s t&%e I $as 'eft &! peace) Not to"&e*4 she a""e" so+r'#) 4No "o+bt #o+ expect %e to "&e* b+t $he! I have see! #o+ a!" Ro!!#%arr&e"* a!" see! the other t$o a!" $hether the# $a!t to be %arr&e"I2'' ret&re the! &!to acave of %# o$!)4 She s%&'e"* to br&!( "o$! her re%ar, &!to or"&!ar# '&fe a!" th+s a"" to &ts

b&tter!ess) 4So%e$here $here !o #o+!( peop'e $&'' co%e as,&!( 1+est&o!s a!" expect&!( a!s$ers)So%e she'f)44Q+&te so* b+t %ea!t&%e a tr&a' &s co%&!( o!*4 sa&" her so! hot'#* 4a!" the !ot&o! of %ost of +s &s that $e2" better p+'' to(ether a!" he'p o!e a!other thro+(h* &!stea" of be&!( "&sa(reeab'e)Are #o+ (o&!( to ta', '&,e that &! the $&t!essbox64

4h# sho+'" I be &! the $&t!essbox644To co!f&r% certa&! po&!ts &! o+r ev&"e!ce)44I have !oth&!( to "o $&th #o+r '+"&cro+s 'a$ co+rts*4 she sa&"* a!(r#) 4I $&'' !ot be "ra((e"



&! at a'')44I $o!2t have her "ra((e" &!* e&ther5 I $o!2t have a!# %ore tro+b'e o! %# acco+!t*4 cr&e"A"e'a* a!" a(a&! too, the ha!"* $h&ch $as a(a&! $&th"ra$!) 4Her ev&"e!ce &s !ot the 'eastesse!t&a')44I tho+(ht she $o+'" $a!t to (&ve &t) No o!e b'a%es #o+* %other* b+t the fact re%a&!s that#o+ "roppe" off at the f&rst cave* a!" e!co+ra(e" A"e'a to (o o! $&th h&% a'o!e* $hereas &f

#o+2" bee! $e'' e!o+(h to ,eep o! too !oth&!( $o+'" have happe!e") He p'a!!e" &t* I ,!o$)St&''* #o+ fe'' &!to h&s trap 9+st '&,e /&e'"&!( a!" A!to!# before #o+) ) ) ) /or(&ve %e for spea,&!(so p'a&!'#* b+t #o+2ve !o r&(ht to ta,e +p th&s h&(h a!" %&(ht# att&t+"e abo+t 'a$ co+rts) If #o+2re &''* that2s "&ffere!t- b+t #o+ sa# #o+2re a'' r&(ht a!" #o+ see% so* &! $h&ch case I tho+(ht#o+2'" $a!t to ta,e #o+r part* I "&" rea''#)44I2'' !ot have #o+ $orr# her $hether she2s $e'' or &''*4 sa&" A"e'a* 'eav&!( the sofa a!" ta,&!(h&s ar%- the! "roppe" &t $&th a s&(h a!" sat "o$! a(a&!) 0+t he $as p'ease" she ha" ra''&e" toh&% a!" s+rve#e" h&s %other patro!&.&!('#) He ha" !ever fe't eas# $&th her) She $as b# !o%ea!s the "ear o'" 'a"# o+ts&"ers s+ppose"* a&&" I!"&a ha" bro+(ht her &!to the ope!)4I sha'' atte!" #o+r %arr&a(e* b+t !ot #o+r tr&a'*4 she &!for%e" the%* tapp&!( her ,!ee- sheha" beco%e ver# rest'ess* a!" rather +!(racef+') 4The! I sha'' (o to E!('a!")4

47o+ ca!2t (o to E!('a!" &! Ma#* as #o+ a(ree")44I have cha!(e" %# %&!")44e''* $e2" better e!" th&s +!expecte" $ra!('e*4 sa&" the #o+!( %a!* str&"&!( abo+t) 47o+appear to $a!t to be 'eft o+t of ever#th&!(* a!" that2s e!o+(h)44M# bo"#* %# %&serab'e bo"#*4 she s&(he") 4h# &s!2t &t stro!(6 Oh* $h# ca!2t I $a', a$a#a!" be (o!e6 h# ca!2t I f&!&sh %# "+t&es a!" be (o!e6 h# "o I (et hea"aches a!" p+ff $he! I $a',6 A!" a'' the t&%e th&s to "o a!" that to "o a!" th&s to "o &! #o+r $a# a!" that to"o &! her $a#* a!" ever#th&!( s#%path# a!" co!f+s&o! a!" bear&!( o!e a!other2s b+r"e!s) h#ca!2t th&s be "o!e a!" that be "o!e &! %# $a# a!" the# be "o!e a!" I at peace6 h# has a!#th&!(to be "o!e* I ca!!ot see) h# a'' th&s %arr&a(e* %arr&a(e6 ) ) ) The h+%a! race $o+'"have beco%e a s&!('e perso! ce!t+r&es a(o &f %arr&a(e $as a!# +se) A!" a'' th&s r+bb&sh abo+t'ove* 'ove &! a ch+rch* 'ove &! a cave* as &f there &s the 'east "&ffere!ce* a!" I he'" +p fro% %#

b+s&!ess over s+ch tr&f'es544hat "o #o+ $a!t64 he sa&"* exasperate") 4Ca! #o+ state &t &! s&%p'e 'a!(+a(e6 If so* "o)44I $a!t %# pac, of pat&e!ce car"s)44;er# $e''* (et the%)4He fo+!"* as he expecte"* that the poor (&r' $as cr#&!() A!"* as a'$a#s* a! I!"&a! c'oseo+ts&"e the $&!"o$* a %a'& &! th&s case* p&c,&!( +p so+!"s) M+ch +pset* he sat s&'e!t for a %o%e!t*th&!,&!( over h&s %other a!" her se!&'e &!tr+s&o!s) He $&she" he ha" !ever as,e" her tov&s&t I!"&a* or beco%e +!"er a!# ob'&(at&o! to her)4e''* %# "ear (&r'* th&s &s!2t %+ch of a ho%eco%&!(*4 he sa&" at 'ast) 4I ha" !o &"ea she

ha" th&s +p her s'eeve)4A"e'a ha" stoppe" cr#&!() A! extraor"&!ar# express&o! $as o! her face* ha'f re'&ef* ha'f horror)She repeate"* 4A.&.* A.&.)4The# a'' avo&"e" %e!t&o!&!( that !a%e) It ha" beco%e s#!o!#%o+s $&th the po$er of ev&')He $as 4the pr&so!er*4 4the perso! &! 1+est&o!*4 4the "efe!ce*4 a!" the so+!" of &t !o$ ra!(o+t '&,e the f&rst !ote of a !e$ s#%pho!#)4A.&. ) ) ) have I %a"e a %&sta,e6447o+2re overt&re"*4 he cr&e"* !ot %+ch s+rpr&se")4Ro!!#* he2s &!!oce!t- I %a"e a! a$f+' %&sta,e)44e''* s&t "o$! a!#ho$)4 He 'oo,e" ro+!" the roo%* b+t o!'# t$o sparro$s $ere chas&!(o!e a!other) She obe#e" a!" too, ho'" of h&s ha!") He stro,e" &t a!" she s%&'e"* a!" (aspe"

as &f she ha" r&se! to the s+rface of the $ater* the! to+che" her ear)4M# echo2s better)44That2s (oo") 7o+2'' be perfect'# $e'' &! a fe$ "a#s* b+t #o+ %+st save #o+rse'f +p for the



tr&a') Das &s a ver# (oo" fe''o$* $e sha'' a'' be $&th #o+)440+t Ro!!#* "ear Ro!!#* perhaps there o+(ht!2t to be a!# tr&a')44I "o!2t 1+&te ,!o$ $hat #o+2re sa#&!(* a!" I "o!2t th&!, #o+ "o)44If Dr) A.&. !ever "&" &t he o+(ht to be 'et o+t)4A sh&ver '&,e &%pe!"&!( "eath passe" over Ro!!#) He sa&" h+rr&e"'#* 4He $as 'et o+t+!t&'the Moh+rra% r&ot* $he! he ha" to be p+t &! a(a&!)4 To "&vert her* he to'" her the stor#* $h&ch

$as he'" to be a%+s&!() N+re""&! ha" sto'e! the Na$ab 0aha"+r2s car a!" "r&ve! A.&. &!to a"&tch &! the "ar,) 0oth of the% ha" fa''e! o+t* a!" N+re""&! ha" c+t h&s face ope!) The&r $a&'&!(ha" bee! "ro$!e" b# the cr&es of the fa&thf+'* a!" &t $as 1+&te a t&%e before the# $ere resc+e"

b# the po'&ce) N+re""&! $as ta,e! to the M&!to Hosp&ta'* A.&. restore" to pr&so!* $&th a!a""&t&o!a' char(e a(a&!st h&% of "&st+rb&!( the p+b'&c peace) 4Ha'f a %&!+te*4 he re%ar,e"$he! the a!ec"ote $as over* a!" $e!t to the te'epho!e to as, Ca''e!"ar to 'oo, &! as soo! ashe fo+!" &t co!ve!&e!t* beca+se she ha"!2t bor!e the 9o+r!e# $e'')he! he ret+r!e"* she $as &! a !ervo+s cr&s&s* b+t &t too, a "&ffere!t for%she c'+!( toh&%* a!" sobbe"* 4He'p %e to "o $hat I o+(ht) A.&. &s (oo") 7o+ hear" #o+r %other sa# so)44Hear" $hat644He2s (oo"- I2ve bee! so $ro!( to acc+se h&%)4

4Mother !ever sa&" so)44D&"!2t she64 she as,e"* 1+&te reaso!ab'e* ope! to ever# s+((est&o! a!#$a#)4She !ever %e!t&o!e" that !a%e o!ce)440+t* Ro!!#* I hear" her)44P+re &''+s&o!) 7o+ ca!2t be 1+&te $e''* ca! #o+* to %a,e +p a th&!( '&,e that)44I s+ppose I ca!2t) Ho$ a%a.&!( of %e544I $as '&ste!&!( to a'' she sa&"* as far as &t co+'" be '&ste!e" to- she (ets ver# &!cohere!t)44he! her vo&ce "roppe" she sa&" &tto$ar"s the e!"* $he! she ta',e" above 'ove'oveIco+'"!2t fo''o$* b+t 9+st the! she sa&": 2 Doctor A.&. !ever "&" &t)244Those $or"s644The &"ea %ore tha! the $or"s)44Never* !ever* %# "ear (&r') Co%p'ete &''+s&o!) H&s !a%e $as !ot %e!t&o!e" b# a!#o!e) 3oo, here#o+ are co!f+s&!( th&s $&th /&e'"&!(2s 'etter)44That2s &t* that2s &t*4 she cr&e"* (reat'# re'&eve") 4 I ,!e$ I2" hear" h&s !a%e so%e$here) Ia% so (ratef+' to #o+ for c'ear&!( th&s +p&t2s the sort of %&sta,e that $orr&es %e* a!" provesI2% !e+rot&c)44So #o+ $o!2t (o sa#&!( he2s &!!oce!t a(a&!* $&'' #o+6 for ever# serva!t I2ve (ot &s a sp#)4He $e!t to the $&!"o$) The %a'& ha" (o!e* or rather ha" t+r!e" &!to t$o s%a'' ch&'"re!&%poss&b'e the# sho+'" ,!o$ E!('&sh* b+t he se!t the% pac,&!() 4The# a'' hate +s*4 he exp'a&!e")4It2'' be a'' r&(ht after the ver"&ct* for I $&'' sa# th&s for the%* the# "o accept the acco%p'&she"fact- b+t at prese!t the#2re po+r&!( o+t %o!e# '&,e $ater to catch +s tr&pp&!(* a!" a re%ar,

'&,e #o+rs &s the ver# th&!( the# 'oo, o+t for) It $o+'" e!ab'e the% to sa# &t $as a p+t+p 9ob o! the part of +s off&c&a's) 7o+ see $hat I %ea!)4Mrs) Moore ca%e bac,* $&th the sa%e a&r of &''te%per* a!" sat "o$! $&th a f'+%p b# thecar"tab'e) To c'ear the co!f+s&o! +p* Ro!!# as,e" her po&!tb'a!, $hether she ha" %e!t&o!e"the pr&so!er) She co+'" !ot +!"ersta!" the 1+est&o! a!" the reaso! of &t ha" to be exp'a&!e")She rep'&e": 4I !ever sa&" h&s !a%e*4 a!" be(a! to p'a# pat&e!ce)4I tho+(ht #o+ sa&"* 2A.&. &s a! &!!oce!t %a!*2 b+t &t $as &! Mr) /&e'"&!(2s 'etter)44Of co+rse he &s &!!oce!t*4 she a!s$ere" &!"&ffere!t'#: &t $as the f&rst t&%e she ha" expresse"a! op&!&o! o! the po&!t)47o+ see* Ro!!#* I $as r&(ht*4 sa&" the (&r')47o+ $ere !ot r&(ht* she !ever sa&" &t)4

40+t she th&!,s &t)44ho cares $hat she th&!,s644Re" !&!e o! b'ac, te!4 fro% the car"tab'e)



4She ca! th&!,* a!" /&e'"&!( too* b+t there2s s+ch a th&!( as ev&"e!ce* I s+ppose)44I ,!o$* b+t44Is &t a(a&! %# "+t# to ta',64 as,e" Mrs) Moore* 'oo,&!( +p) 4Appare!t'#* as #o+ ,eep &!terr+pt&!(%e)44O!'# &f #o+ have a!#th&!( se!s&b'e to sa#)44Oh* ho$ te"&o+s ) ) ) tr&v&a' ) ) )4 a!" as $he! she ha" scoffe" at 'ove* 'ove* 'ove* her %&!"

see%e" to %ove to$ar"s the% fro% a (reat "&sta!ce a!" o+t of "ar,!ess) 4Oh* $h# &s ever#th&!(st&'' %# "+t#6 $he! sha'' I be free fro% #o+r f+ss6 as he &! the cave a!" $ere #o+ &! thecave a!" o! a!" o! ) ) ) a!" U!to +s a So! &s bor!* +!to +s a Ch&'" &s (&ve! ) ) ) a!" a% I (oo"a!" &s he ba" a!" are $e save"6 ) ) ) a!" e!"&!( ever#th&!( the echo)44I "o!2t hear &t so %+ch*4 sa&" A"e'a* %ov&!( to$ar"s her) 47o+ se!" &t a$a#* #o+ "o !oth&!(

b+t (oo"* #o+ are so (oo")44I a% !ot (oo"* !o* ba")4 She spo,e %ore ca'%'# a!" res+%e" her car"s* sa#&!( as shet+r!e" the% +p* 4A ba" o'" $o%a!* ba"* ba"* "etestab'e) I +se" to be (oo" $&th the ch&'"re!(ro$&!( +p* a'so I %eet th&s #o+!( %a! &! h&s %os1+e* I $a!te" h&% to be happ#) Goo"* happ#*s%a'' peop'e) The# "o !ot ex&st* the# $ere a "rea%) ) ) ) 0+t I $&'' !ot he'p #o+ to tort+re h&%for $hat he !ever "&") There are "&ffere!t $a#s of ev&' a!" I prefer %&!e to #o+rs)4

4Have #o+ a!# ev&"e!ce &! the pr&so!er2s favo+r64 sa&" Ro!!# &! the to!es of the 9+st off&c&a')4If so* &t &s #o+r bo+!"e! "+t# to (o &!to the $&t!essbox for h&% &!stea" of for +s) No o!e $&''stop #o+)44O!e ,!o$s peop'e2s characters* as #o+ ca'' the%*4 she retorte" "&s"a&!f+''#* as &f she rea''#,!e$ %ore tha! character b+t co+'" !ot &%part &t) 4I have hear" both E!('&sh a!" I!"&a!s spea, $e'' of h&%* a!" I fe't &t &s!2t the sort of th&!( he $o+'" "o)4*4/eeb'e* %other* feeb'e)44Most feeb'e)44A!" %ost &!co!s&"erate to A"e'a)4A"e'a sa&": 4It $o+'" be so appa''&!( &f I $as $ro!() I sho+'" ta,e %# o$! '&fe)4He t+r!e" o! her $&th: 4hat $as I $ar!&!( #o+ 9+st !o$6 7o+ ,!o$ #o+2re r&(ht* a!" the$ho'e stat&o! ,!o$s &t)447es* he ) ) ) Th&s &s ver#* ver# a$f+') I2% as certa&! as ever he fo''o$e" %e ) ) ) o!'#*$o+'"!2t &t be poss&b'e to $&th"ra$ the case6 I "rea" the &"ea of (&v&!( ev&"e!ce %ore a!"%ore* a!" #o+ are a'' so (oo" to $o%e! here a!" #o+ have so %+ch %ore po$er tha! &!E!('a!"'oo, at M&ss Dere,2s %otorcar) Oh* of co+rse &t2s o+t of the 1+est&o!* I2% asha%e" tohave %e!t&o!e" &t- p'ease for(&ve %e)44That2s a'' r&(ht*4 he sa&" &!a"e1+ate'#) 4Of co+rse I for(&ve #o+* as #o+ ca'' &t) 0+t the casehas to co%e before a %a(&strate !o$- &t rea''# %+st* the %ach&!er# has starte")44She has starte" the %ach&!er#- &t $&'' $or, to &ts e!")4A"e'a &!c'&!e" to$ar"s tears &! co!se1+e!ce of th&s +!,&!" re%ar,* a!" Ro!!# p&c,e" +p the

'&st of stea%sh&p sa&'&!(s $&th a! exce''e!t !ot&o! &! h&s hea") H&s %other o+(ht to 'eave I!"&a ato!ce: she $as "o&!( !o (oo" to herse'f or to a!#o!e e'se there)CHAPTER III3a"# Me''a!b#* $&fe to the 3&e+te!a!tGover!or of the Prov&!ce* ha" bee! (rat&f&e" b# theappea' a""resse" to her b# the 'a"&es of Cha!"rapore) She co+'" !ot "o a!#th&!(bes&"es* she$as sa&'&!( for E!('a!"- b+t she "es&re" to be &!for%e" &f she co+'" sho$ s#%path# &! a!#other $a#) Mrs) T+rto! rep'&e" that Mr) Heas'op2s %other $as tr#&!( to (et a passa(e* b+t ha""e'a#e" too 'o!(* a!" a'' the boats $ere f+''- co+'" 3a"# Me''a!b# +se her &!f'+e!ce6 Not eve!3a"# Me''a!b# co+'" expa!" the "&%e!s&o!s of a P) a!" =)* b+t she $as a ver#* ver# !&ce$o%a!* a!" she act+a''# $&re" offer&!( the +!,!o$! a!" obsc+re o'" 'a"# acco%%o"at&o! &!her o$! reserve" cab&!) It $as '&,e a (&ft fro% heave!- h+%b'e a!" (ratef+'* Ro!!# co+'" !ot

b+t ref'ect that there are co%pe!sat&o!s for ever# $oe) H&s !a%e $as fa%&'&ar at Gover!%e!tHo+se o$&!( to poor A"e'a* a!" !o$ Mrs) Moore $o+'" sta%p &t o! 3a"# Me''a!b#2s &%a(&!at&o!*as the# 9o+r!e#e" across the I!"&a! Ocea! a!" +p the Re" Sea) He ha" a ret+r! of te!"er!ess



for h&s %otheras $e "o for o+r re'at&ves $he! the# rece&ve co!sp&c+o+s a!" +!expecte"ho!o+r) She $as !ot !e('&(&b'e* she co+'" st&'' arrest the atte!t&o! of a h&(h off&c&a'2s$&fe)So Mrs) Moore ha" a'' she $&she"- she escape" the tr&a'* the %arr&a(e* a!" the hot $eather-she $o+'" ret+r! to E!('a!" &! co%fort a!" "&st&!ct&o!* a!" see her other ch&'"re!) At her so!2ss+((est&o!* a!" b# her o$! "es&re* she "eparte") 0+t she accepte" her (oo" '+c, $&tho+t

e!th+s&as%)She ha" co%e to that state $here the horror of the +!&verse a!" &ts s%a''!ess are both v&s&b'e at the sa%e t&%ethe t$&'&(ht of the "o+b'e v&s&o! &! $h&ch so %a!# e'"er'# peop'eare &!vo've") If th&s $or'" &s !ot to o+r taste* $e''* at a'' eve!ts there &s Heave!* He''*A!!&h&'at&o!o!e or other of those 'ar(e th&!(s* that h+(e sce!&c bac,(ro+!" of stars* f&res* b'+eor b'ac, a&r) A'' hero&c e!"eavo+r* a!" a'' that &s ,!o$! as art* ass+%es that there &s s+ch a

bac,(ro+!"* 9+st as a'' pract&ca' e!"eavo+r* $he! the $or'" &s to o+r taste* ass+%es that the$or'" &s a'') 0+t &! the t$&'&(ht of the "o+b'e v&s&o!* a sp&r&t+a' %+""'e"o% &s set +p for $h&ch !oh&(hso+!"&!( $or"s ca! be fo+!"- $e ca! !e&ther act !or refra&! fro% act&o!* $e ca! !e&ther &(!ore !or respect I!f&!&t#) Mrs) Moore ha" a'$a#s &!c'&!e" to res&(!at&o!) As soo! as she'a!"e" &! I!"&a &t see%e" to her (oo"* a!" $he! she sa$ the $ater f'o$&!( thro+(h the

%os1+eta!,* or the Ga!(es* or the %oo!* ca+(ht &! the sha$' of !&(ht $&th a'' the other stars*&t see%e" a bea+t&f+' (oa' a!" a! eas# o!e) To be o!e $&th the +!&verse5 So "&(!&f&e" a!" s&%p'e)0+t there $as a'$a#s so%e '&tt'e "+t# to be perfor%e" f&rst* so%e !e$ car" to be t+r!e" +pfro% the "&%&!&sh&!( pac, a!" p'ace"* a!" $h&'e she $as potter&!( abo+t* the Marabar str+c, &ts (o!()hat ha" spo,e! to her &! that sco+re"o+t cav&t# of the (ra!&te6 hat "$e't &! the f&rst of the caves6 So%eth&!( ver# o'" a!" ver# s%a'') 0efore t&%e* &t $as before space a'so) So%eth&!(s!+b!ose"* &!capab'e of (e!eros&t#the +!"#&!( $or% &tse'f) S&!ce hear&!( &ts vo&ce* she ha"!ot e!terta&!e" o!e 'ar(e tho+(ht* she $as act+a''# e!v&o+s of A"e'a) A'' th&s f+ss over a fr&(hte!e"(&r'5 Noth&!( ha" happe!e"* 4a!" &f &t ha"*4 she fo+!" herse'f th&!,&!( $&th the c#!&c&s% of a $&there" pr&estess* 4 &f &t ha"* there are $orse ev&'s tha! 'ove)4 The +!spea,ab'e atte%pt prese!te"&tse'f to her as 'ove: &! a cave* &! a ch+rch0o+r!* &t a%o+!ts to the sa%e) ;&s&o!s ares+ppose" to e!ta&' prof+!"&t#* b+t a&t t&'' #o+ (et o!e* "ear rea"er5 The ab#ss a'so %a# be

pett#* the serpe!t of eter!&t# %a"e of %a((ots- her co!sta!t tho+(ht $as: 43ess atte!t&o!sho+'" be pa&" to %# f+t+re "a+(hter&!'a$ a!" %ore to %e* there &s !o sorro$ '&,e %# sorro$*4a'tho+(h $he! the atte!t&o! $as pa&" she re9ecte" &t &rr&tab'#)Her so! co+'"!2t escort her to 0o%ba#* for the 'oca' s&t+at&o! co!t&!+e" ac+te* a!" a'' off&c&a'sha" to re%a&! at the&r posts) A!to!# co+'"!2t co%e e&ther* &! case he !ever ret+r!e" to(&ve h&s ev&"e!ce) So she trave''e" $&th !o o!e $ho co+'" re%&!" her of the past) Th&s $as are'&ef) The heat ha" "ra$! bac, a '&tt'e before &ts !ext a"va!ce* a!" the 9o+r!e# $as !ot +!p'easa!t)As she 'eft Cha!"rapore the %oo!* f+'' a(a&!* sho!e over the Ga!(es a!" to+che" the

shr&!,&!( cha!!e's &!to threa"s of s&'ver* the! veere" a!" 'oo,e" &!to her $&!"o$) The s$&ft a!"co%fortab'e %a&'tra&! s'&" $&th her thro+(h the !&(ht* a!" a'' the !ext "a# she $as r+sh&!(thro+(h Ce!tra' I!"&a* thro+(h 'a!"scapes that $ere ba,e" a!" b'eache" b+t ha" !ot the hope'ess%e'a!cho'# of the p'a&!) She $atche" the &!"estr+ct&b'e '&fe of %a! a!" h&s cha!(&!( faces*a!" the ho+ses he has b+&'t for h&%se'f a!" Go"* a!" the# appeare" to her !ot &! ter%s of her o$! tro+b'e b+t as th&!(s to see) There $as* for &!sta!ce* a p'ace ca''e" As&r(arh $h&ch she

passe" at s+!set a!" &"e!t&f&e" o! a %apa! e!or%o+s fortress a%o!( $oo"e" h&''s) No o!eha" ever %e!t&o!e" As&r(arh to her* b+t &t ha" h+(e a!" !ob'e bast&o!s a!" to the r&(ht of the% $as a %os1+e) She for(ot &t) Te! %&!+tes 'ater* As&r(arh reappeare") The %os1+e $as tothe 'eft of the bast&o!s !o$) The tra&! &! &ts "esce!t thro+(h the ;&!"#as ha" "escr&be" a se%&c&rc'ero+!" As&r(arh) 2hat co+'" she co!!ect &t $&th except &ts o$! !a%e6 Noth&!(- she ,!e$

!o o!e $ho '&ve" there) 0+t &t ha" 'oo,e" at her t$&ce a!" see%e" to sa#: 4 I "o !ot va!&sh)4She $o,e &! the %&""'e of the !&(ht $&th a start* for the tra&! $as fa''&!( over the $ester! c'&ff)Moo!'&t p&!!ac'es r+she" +p at her '&,e the fr&!(es of a sea- the! a br&ef ep&so"e of p'a&!* the



rea' sea* a!" the so+p# "a$! of 0o%ba#) 4I have !ot see! the r&(ht p'aces*4 she tho+(ht* asshe sa$ e%ba#e" &! the p'atfor%s of the ;&ctor&a Ter%&!+s the e!" of the ra&'s that ha" carr&e"her over a co!t&!e!t a!" co+'" !ever carr# her bac,) She $o+'" !ever v&s&t As&r(arh or the other +!to+che" p'aces- !e&ther De'h& !or A(ra !or the Ra9p+ta!a c&t&es !or 8ash%&r* !or the obsc+rer %arve's that ha" so%et&%es sho!e thro+(h %e!2s speech: the b&'&!(+a' roc, of G&r!ar* thestat+e of Shr& 0e'(o'a* the r+&!s of Ma!"+ a!" Ha%p&* te%p'es of 8ha9raha* (ar"e!s of Sha'&%ar)

As she "rove thro+(h the h+(e c&t# $h&ch the est has b+&'t a!" aba!"o!e" $&th a (est+re of "espa&r* she 'o!(e" to stop* tho+(h &t $as o!'# 0o%ba#* a!" "&se!ta!('e the h+!"re" I!"&asthat passe" each other &! &ts streets) The feet of the horses %ove" her o!* a!" prese!t'# the

boat sa&'e" a!" tho+sa!"s of coco!+t pa'%s appeare" a'' ro+!" the a!chora(e a!" c'&%be" theh&''s to $ave her fare$e'') 4So #o+ tho+(ht a! echo $as I!"&a- #o+ too, the Marabar caves asf&!a'64 the# 'a+(he") 4hat have $e &! co%%o! $&th the%* or the# $&th As&r(arh6 Goo"b#e54The! the stea%er ro+!"e" Co'aba* the co!t&!e!t s$+!( abo+t* the c'&ff of the Ghats %e'te" &!tothe ha.e of a trop&c sea) 3a"# Me''a!b# t+r!e" +p a!" a"v&se" her !ot to sta!" &! the heat: 4eare safe'# o+t of the fr#&!(pa!*4 sa&" 3a"# Me''a!b#* 4&t $&'' !ever "o to fa'' &!to the f&re)4CHAPTER I;Ma,&!( s+""e! cha!(es of (ear* the heat acce'erate" &ts a"va!ce after Mrs) Moore2s "epart+re

+!t&' ex&ste!ce ha" to be e!"+re" a!" cr&%e p+!&she" $&th the ther%o%eter at a h+!"re"a!" t$e've) E'ectr&c fa!s h+%%e" a!" spat* $ater sp'ashe" o! to scree!s* &ce c'&!,e"* a!" o+ts&"ethese "efe!ces* bet$ee! a (re#&sh s,# a!" a #e''o$&sh earth* c'o+"s of "+st %ove" hes&tat&!('#)I! E+rope '&fe retreats o+t of the co'"* a!" ex1+&s&te f&res&"e %#ths have res+'te"0a'"er*Persepho!eb+t here the retreat &s fro% the so+rce of '&fe* the treachero+s s+!* a!" !o poetr#a"or!s &t beca+se "&s&''+s&o!%e!t ca!!ot be bea+t&f+') Me! #ear! for poetr# tho+(h the# %a#!ot co!fess &t- the# "es&re that 9o# sha'' be (racef+' a!" sorro$ a+(+st a!" &!f&!&t# have a for%*a!" I!"&a fa&'s to acco%%o"ate the%) The a!!+a' he'ters,e'ter of Apr&'* $he! &rr&tab&'&t# a!"'+st sprea" '&,e a ca!,er* &s o!e of her co%%e!ts o! the or"er'# hopes of h+%a!&t#) /&sh %a!a(e

better- f&sh* as the ta!,s "r#* $r&(('e &!to the %+" a!" $a&t for the ra&!s to +!ca,e the%)0+t %e! tr# to be har%o!&o+s a'' the #ear ro+!"* a!" the res+'ts are occas&o!a''# "&sastro+s)The tr&+%pha!t %ach&!e of c&v&'&.at&o! %a# s+""e!'# h&tch a!" be &%%ob&'&.e" &!to a car of sto!e* a!" at s+ch %o%e!ts the "est&!# of the E!('&sh see%s to rese%b'e the&r pre"ecessors2*$ho a'so e!tere" the co+!tr# $&th &!te!t to refash&o! &t* b+t $ere &! the e!" $or,e" &!to &ts

patter! a!" covere" $&th &ts "+st)A"e'a* after #ears of &!te''ect+a'&s%* ha" res+%e" her %or!&!( ,!ee' to Chr&st&a!&t#) Theresee%e" !o har% &! &t* &t $as the shortest a!" eas&est c+t to the +!see!* a!" she co+'" tac, her tro+b'es o! to &t) ?+st as the H&!"+ c'er,s as,e" 3a,sh%& for a! &!crease &! pa#* so "&" she &%p'ore?ehovah for a favo+rab'e ver"&ct) Go" $ho saves the 8&!( $&'' s+re'# s+pport the po'&ce)Her "e&t# ret+r!e" a co!so'&!( rep'#* b+t the to+ch of her ha!"s o! her face starte" pr&c,'#heat* a!" she see%e" to s$a''o$ a!" expectorate the sa%e &!s&p&" c'ot of a&r that ha" $e&(he"

o! her '+!(s a'' the !&(ht) A'so the vo&ce of Mrs) T+rto! "&st+rbe" her) 4Are #o+ rea"#* #o+!('a"#64 &t pea'e" fro% the !ext roo%)4Ha'f a %&!+te*4 she %+r%+re") The T+rto!s ha" rece&ve" her after Mrs) Moore 'eft) The&r ,&!"!ess $as &!cre"&b'e* b+t &t $as her pos&t&o! !ot her character that %ove" the%- she $asthe E!('&sh (&r' $ho ha" ha" the terr&b'e exper&e!ce* a!" for $ho% too %+ch co+'" !ot be"o!e) No o!e* except Ro!!#* ha" a!# &"ea of $hat passe" &! her %&!"* a!" he o!'# "&%'#* for $here there &s off&c&a'&s% ever# h+%a! re'at&o!sh&p s+ffers) I! her sa"!ess she sa&" to h&%* 4I

br&!( #o+ !oth&!( b+t tro+b'e- I $as r&(ht o! the Ma&"a!* $e ha" better 9+st be fr&e!"s*4 b+t he proteste"* for the %ore she s+ffere" the %ore h&(h'# he va'+e" her) D&" she 'ove h&%6 Th&s1+est&o! $as so%eho$ "ra(('e" +p $&th the Marabar* &t ha" bee! &! her %&!" as she e!tere"the fata' cave) as she capab'e of 'ov&!( a!#o!e6

4M&ss Q+este"* A"e'a* $hat "2#e ca'' #o+rse'f* &t2s ha'fpast seve!- $e o+(ht to th&!, of start&!(for that Co+rt $he! #o+ fee' &!c'&!e")44She2s sa#&!( her pra#ers*4 ca%e the Co''ector2s vo&ce)



4Sorr#* %# "ear- ta,e #o+r t&%e) ) ) ) as #o+r chota ha.r& a'' r&(ht644I ca!2t eat- %&(ht I have a '&tt'e bra!"#64 she as,e"* "esert&!( ?ehovah)he! &t $as bro+(ht* she sh+""ere"* a!" sa&" she $as rea"# to (o)4Dr&!, &t +p- !ot a ba" !ot&o!* a pe()44I "o!2t th&!, &t2'' rea''# he'p %e* 0+rra Sah&b)447o+ se!t bra!"# "o$! to the Co+rt* "&"!2t #o+* Mar#64

4I sho+'" th&!, I "&"* cha%pa(!e too)44I2'' tha!, #o+ th&s eve!&!(* I2% a'' to p&eces !o$*4 sa&" the (&r'* for%&!( each s#''ab'e caref+''#as &f her tro+b'e $o+'" "&%&!&sh &f &t $ere acc+rate'# "ef&!e") She $as afra&" of ret&ce!ce* &!case so%eth&!( that she herse'f "&" !ot perce&ve too, shape be!eath &t* a!" she ha" rehearse"$&th Mr) Mc0r#"e &! a! o""* %&!c&!( $a# her terr&b'e a"ve!t+re &! the cave* ho$ the %a! ha"!ever act+a''# to+che" her b+t "ra((e" her abo+t* a!" so o!) Her a&% th&s %or!&!( $as to a!!o+!ce*%et&c+'o+s'#* that the stra&! $as appa''&!(* a!" she $o+'" probab'# brea, "o$! +!"er Mr) A%r&trao2s crossexa%&!at&o! a!" "&s(race her fr&e!"s) 4M# echo has co%e bac, a(a&!

ba"'#*4 she to'" the%)4Ho$ abo+t asp&r&!644It &s !ot a hea"ache* &t &s a! echo)4

U!ab'e to "&spe' the b+..&!( &! her ears* Ma9or Ca''e!"ar ha" "&a(!ose" &t as a fa!c#* $h&ch%+st !ot be e!co+ra(e") So the T+rto!s cha!(e" the s+b9ect) The coo' '&tt'e '&c, of the bree.e$as pass&!( over the earth* "&v&"&!( !&(ht fro% "a#- &t $o+'" fa&' &! te! %&!+tes* b+t the# %&(ht

prof&t b# &t for the&r "r&ve "o$! &!to the c&t#)4I a% s+re to brea, "o$!*4 she repeate")47o+ $o!2t*4 sa&" the Co''ector* h&s vo&ce f+'' of te!"er!ess)4Of co+rse she $o!2t* she2s a rea' sport)440+t* Mrs) T+rto! ) ) )447es* %# "ear ch&'"644If I "o brea, "o$!* &t &s of !o co!se1+e!ce) It $o+'" f'atter &! so%e tr&a's* !ot &! th&s) I p+t&t to %#se'f &! the fo''o$&!( $a#: I ca! rea''# behave as I '&,e* cr#* be abs+r"* I a% s+re to (et%# ver"&ct* +!'ess Mr) Das &s %ost fr&(htf+''# +!9+st)447o+2re bo+!" to $&!*4 he sa&" ca'%'#* a!" "&" !ot re%&!" her that there $as bo+!" to bea! appea') The Na$ab 0aha"+r ba" f&!a!ce" the "efe!ce* a!" $o+'" r+&! h&%se'f soo!er tha!'et a! 4&!!oce!t Mos'e% per&sh*4 a!" other &!terests* 'ess rep+tab'e* $ere &! the bac,(ro+!"too) The case %&(ht (o +p fro% co+rt to co+rt* $&th co!se1+e!ces that !o off&c&a' co+'" foresee)U!"er h&s ver# e#es* the te%per of Cha!"rapore $as a'ter&!() As h&s car t+r!e" o+t of theco%po+!"*there $as a tap of s&''# a!(er o! &ts pa&!ta pebb'e thro$! b# a ch&'") So%e 'ar(er sto!es $ere "roppe" !ear the %os1+e) I! the Ma&"a!* a s1+a" of !at&ve po'&ce o! %otor c#c'es$a&te" to escort the% thro+(h the ba.aars) The Co''ector $as &rr&tate" a!" %+ttere"*

4Mc0r#"e2s a! o'" $o%a!4- b+t Mrs) T+rto! sa&"* 4Rea''#* after Moh+rra% a sho$ of force $&''"o !o har%- &t2s r&"&c+'o+s to prete!" the# "o!2t hate +s- "o (&ve +p that farce)4 He rep'&e" &! a!o""* sa" vo&ce* 4I "o!2t hate the%* I "o!2t ,!o$ $h#*4 a!" he "&"!2t hate the%- for &f he "&"* he$o+'" have ha" to co!"e%! h&s o$! career as a ba" &!vest%e!t) He reta&!e" a co!te%pt+o+saffect&o! for the pa$!s he ha" %ove" abo+t for so %a!# #ears* the# %+st be $orth h&s pa&!s)4After a''* &t2s o+r $o%e! $ho %a,e ever#th&!( %ore "&ff&c+'t o+t here*4 $as h&s &!%ost tho+(ht*as he ca+(ht s&(ht of so%e obsce!&t&es +po! a 'o!( b'a!, $a''* a!" be!eath h&s ch&va'r# to M&ssQ+este" rese!t%e!t '+r,e"* $a&t&!( &ts "a#perhaps there &s a (ra&! of rese!t%e!t &! a'' ch&va'r#)So%e st+"e!ts ha" (athere" &! fro!t of the C&t# Ma(&strate2s Co+rth#ster&ca' bo#s $ho%he $o+'" have face" &f a'o!e* b+t he to'" the "r&ver to $or, ro+!" to the rear of the b+&'"&!()The st+"e!ts 9eere"* a!" Raf& Bh&"&!( beh&!" a co%ra"e that he %&(ht !ot be &"e!t&f&e" ca''e"

o+t the E!('&sh $ere co$ar"s)The# (a&!e" Ro!!#2s pr&vate roo%* $here a (ro+p of the&r o$! sort ha" co''ecte") No!e$ere co$ar"'#* a'' !erv#* for 1+eer reports ,ept co%&!( &!) The S$eepers ha" 9+st str+c,* a!"



ha'f the co%%o"es of Cha!"rapore re%a&!e" "eso'ate &! co!se1+e!ceo!'# ha'f* a!" S$eepersfro% the D&str&ct* $ho fe't 'ess stro!('# abo+t the &!!oce!ce of Dr) A.&.* $o+'" arr&ve &! theafter!oo!*a!" brea, the str&,e* b+t $h# sho+'" the (rotes1+e &!c&"e!t occ+r6 A!" a !+%ber of Moha%%e"a! 'a"&es ha" s$or! to ta,e !o foo" +!t&' the pr&so!er $as ac1+&tte"- the&r "eath$o+'" %a,e '&tt'e "&ffere!ce* &!"ee"* be&!( &!v&s&b'e* the# see%e" "ea" a'rea"#* !everthe'ess &t

$as "&s1+&et&!() A !e$ sp&r&t see%e" abroa"* a rearra!(e%e!t* $h&ch !o o!e &! the ster! '&tt'e ba!" of $h&tes co+'" exp'a&!) There $as a te!"e!c# to see /&e'"&!( at the bac, of &t: the &"eathat he $as $ea, a!" cra!,# ha" bee! "roppe") The# ab+se" /&e'"&!( v&(oro+s'#: he ha" bee!see! "r&v&!( +p $&th the t$o co+!se's* A%r&trao a!" Mah%o+" A'&- he e!co+ra(e" the 0o#Sco+t %ove%e!t for se"&t&o+s reaso!s- he rece&ve" 'etters $&th fore&(! sta%ps o! the%* a!"$as probab'# a ?apa!ese sp#) Th&s %or!&!(2s ver"&ct $o+'" brea, the re!e(a"e* b+t he ha""o!e h&s co+!tr# a!" the E%p&re &!ca'c+'ab'e "&sserv&ce) h&'e the# "e!o+!ce" h&%* M&ssQ+este" 'a# bac, $&th her ha!"s o! the ar%s of her cha&r a!" her e#es c'ose"* reserv&!( her stre!(th) The# !ot&ce" her after a t&%e* a!" fe't asha%e" of %a,&!( so %+ch !o&se)4Ca! $e "o !oth&!( for #o+64 M&ss Dere, sa&")4I "o!2t th&!, so* Na!c#* a!" I see% ab'e to "o !oth&!( for %#se'f)4

40+t #o+2re str&ct'# forb&""e! to ta', '&,e that- #o+2re $o!"erf+')447es* &!"ee"*4 ca%e the revere!t chor+s)4M# o'" Das &s a'' r&(ht*4 sa&" Ro!!#* start&!( a !e$ s+b9ect &! 'o$ to!es)4Not o!e of the%2s a'' r&(ht*4 co!tra"&cte" Ma9or Ca''e!"ar)4 Das &s* rea''#)447o+ %ea! he2s %ore fr&(hte!e" of ac1+&tt&!( tha! co!v&ct&!(* beca+se &f he ac1+&ts he2'''ose h&s 9ob*4 sa&" 3es'e# $&th a c'ever '&tt'e 'a+(h)Ro!!# "&" %ea! that* b+t he cher&she" 4&''+s&o!s4 abo+t h&s o$! s+bor"&!ates Bfo''o$&!( thef&!er tra"&t&o!s of h&s serv&ce here* a!" he '&,e" to %a&!ta&! that h&s o'" Das rea''# "&" possess%ora' co+ra(e of the P+b'&c Schoo' bra!") He po&!te" o+t thatfro% o!e po&!t of v&e$&t $as(oo" that a! I!"&a! $as ta,&!( the case) Co!v&ct&o! $as &!ev&tab'e- so better 'et a! I!"&a!

pro!o+!ce&t* there $o+'" be 'ess f+ss &! the 'o!( r+!) I!tereste" &! the ar(+%e!t* he 'et A"e'a beco%e"&% &! h&s %&!")4I! fact* #o+ "&sapprove of the appea' I for$ar"e" to 3a"# Me''a!b#*4 sa&" Mrs) T+rto! $&thco!s&"erab'e heat) 4Pra# "o!2t apo'o(&.e* Mr) Heas'op- I a% acc+sto%e" to be&!( &! the $ro!()44I "&"!2t %ea! that ) ) )44A'' r&(ht) I sa&" "o!2t apo'o(&.e)44Those s$&!e are a'$a#s o! the 'oo,o+t for a (r&eva!ce*4 sa&" 3es'e#* to prop&t&ate her)4S$&!e* I sho+'" th&!, so*4 the Ma9or echoe") 4A!" $hat2s %ore* I2'' te'' #o+ $hat) hat2shappe!e" &s a "a%! (oo" th&!( rea''#* barr&!( of co+rse &ts app'&cat&o! to prese!t co%pa!#) It2''

%a,e the% s1+ea' a!" &t2s t&%e the# "&" s1+ea') I2ve p+t the fear of Go" &!to the% at the hosp&ta'a!#ho$) 7o+ sho+'" see the (ra!"so! of o+r soca''e" 'ea"&!( 'o#a'&st)4 He t&ttere" br+ta''#as he "escr&be" poor N+re""&!2s prese!t appeara!ce) 4H&s bea+t#2s (o!e* f&ve +pper teeth* t$o'o$er a!" a !ostr&') ) ) ) O'" Pa!!a 3a' bro+(ht h&% the 'oo,&!(('ass #ester"a# a!" he b'+bbere")) ) ) I 'a+(he"- I 'a+(he"* I te'' #o+* a!" so $o+'" #o+- that +se" to be o!e of these b+c, !&((ers* I tho+(ht* !o$ '&e2s a'' sept&c- "a%! h&%* b'ast h&s so+'erI be'&eve he $as +!spea,ab'#&%%ora'er4 He s+bs&"e"* !+"(e" &! the r&bs* b+t a""e"* 4I $&sh I2" ha" the c+tt&!( +p of %# 'ate ass&sta!t too- !oth&!(2s too ba" for these peop'e)44At 'ast so%e se!se &s be&!( ta',e"*4 Mrs) T+rto! cr&e"* %+ch to her h+sba!"2s "&sco%fort)4That2s $hat I sa#- I sa# there2s !ot s+ch a th&!( as cr+e't# after a th&!( '&,e th&s)44Exact'#* a!" re%e%ber &t after$ar"s* #o+ %e!) 7o+2re $ea,* $ea,* $ea,) h#* the# o+(ht

to cra$' fro% here to the caves o! the&r ha!"s a!" ,&&ees $he!ever a! E!('&sh$o%a!2s &! s&(ht*the# o+(ht!2t to be spo,e! to* the# o+(ht to be spat at* the# o+(ht to be (ro+!" &!to the "+st*$e2ve bee! far too ,&!" $&th o+r 0r&"(e Part&es a!" the rest)4



She pa+se") Prof&t&!( b# her $rath* the heat ha" &!va"e" her) She s+bs&"e" &!to a 'e%o!s1+ash* a!" co!t&!+e" bet$ee! the s&ps to %+r%+r* 4ea,* $ea,)4 A!" the process $as repeate")The &ss+es M&ss Q+este" ha" ra&se" $ere so %+ch %ore &%porta!t tha! she $as herse'f that peop'e &!ev&tab'# for(ot her)Prese!t'# the case $as ca''e")The&r cha&rs prece"e" the% &!to the Co+rt* for &t $as &%porta!t that the# sho+'" 'oo, "&(!&f&e")

A!" $he! the ch+prass&es ha" %a"e a'' rea"#* the# f&'e" &!to the ra%shac,'# roo% $&th aco!"esce!"&!( a&r* as &f &t $as a booth at a fa&r) The Co''ector %a"e a s%a'' off&c&a2 9o,e as hesat "o$!* at $h&ch h&s e!to+ra(e s%&'e"* a!" the I!"&a!s* $ho co+'" !ot hear $hat he sa&"* fe'tthat so%e !e$ cr+e't# $as afoot* other$&se the sah&bs $o+'" !ot ch+c,'e)The Co+rt $as cro$"e" a!" of co+rse ver# hot* a!" the f&rst perso! A"e'a !ot&ce" &! &t $asthe h+%b'est of a'' $ho $ere prese!t* a perso! $ho ha" !o bear&!( off&c&a''# +po! the tr&a': the%a! $ho p+''e" the p+!,ah) A'%ost !a,e"* a!" sp'e!"&"'# for%e"* he sat o! a ra&se" p'atfor%!ear the bac,* &! the %&""'e of the ce!tra' (a!($a#* a!" he ca+(ht her atte!t&o! as she ca%e&!* a!" he see%e" to co!tro' the procee"&!(s) /'e ha" the stre!(th a!" bea+t# that so%et&%esco%e to f'o$er &! I!"&a!s of 'o$ b&rth) 2he! that stra!(e race !ears the "+st a!" &s co!"e%!e"as +!to+chab'e* the! !at+re re%e%bers the ph#s&ca' perfect&o! that she acco%p'&she"

e'se$here* a!" thro$s o+t a (o"!ot %a!#* b+t o!e here a!" there* to prove to soc&et# ho$'&tt'e &ts cate(or&es &%press her) Th&s %a! $o+'" have bee! !otab'e a!#$here: a%o!( theth&!ha%%e"*f'atcheste" %e"&ocr&t&es of Cha!"rapore he stoo" o+t as "&v&!e* #et '&e $as of thec&t#* &ts (arba(e ha" !o+r&she" h&%* he $o+'" e!" o! &ts r+bb&sh heaps) P+''&!( the rope to$ar"sh&%* re'ax&!( &t rh#th%&ca''#* se!"&!( s$&r's of a&r over others* rece&v&!( !o!e h&%se'f* hesee%e" apart fro% h+%a! "est&!&es* a %a'e fate* a $&!!o$er of so+'s) Oppos&te h&%* a'so o! a

p'atfor%* sat the '&tt'e ass&sta!t %a(&strate* c+'t&vate"* se'fco!sc&o+s* a!" co!sc&e!t&o+s) The p+!,ah* $a''ah $as !o!e of these th&!(s: he scarce'# ,!e$ that he ex&ste" a!" "&" !ot +!"ersta!"$h# the Co+rt $as f+''er tha! +s+a'* &!"ee" he "&" !ot ,!o$ that &t $as f+''er tha! +s+a'*"&"!2t eve! ,!o$ he $or,e" a fa!* tho+(h he tho+(ht he p+''e" a rope) So%eth&!( &! h&s a'oof!ess&%presse" the (&r' fro% %&""'ec'ass E!('a!"* a!" reb+,e" the !arro$!ess of her s+ffer&!(s)I! v&rt+e of $hat ha" she co''ecte" th&s roo%f+' of peop'e to(ether6 Her part&c+'ar bra!"of op&!&o!s* a!" the s+b+rba! ?ehovah $ho sa!ct&f&e" the%b# $hat r&(ht "&" the# c'a&% so%+ch &%porta!ce &! the $or'"* a!" ass+%e the t&t'e of c&v&'&.at&o!6 Mrs) Mooreshe 'oo,e"ro+!"* b+t Mrs) Moore $as far a$a# o! the sea- &t $as the ,&!" of 1+est&o! the# %&(ht have"&sc+sse" o! the vo#a(e o+t before the o'" 'a"# ha" t+r!e" "&sa(reeab'e a!" 1+eer)h&'e th&!,&!( of Mrs) Moore she hear" so+!"s* $h&ch (ra"+a''# (re$ %ore "&st&!ct) Theepoch%a,&!( tr&a' ha" starte"* a!" the S+per&!te!"e!t of Po'&ce $as ope!&!( the case for the

prosec+t&o!)Mr) Mc0r#"e $as !ot at pa&!s to be a! &!terest&!( spea,er- he 'eft e'o1+e!ce to the "efe!ce*

$ho $o+'" re1+&re &t) H&s att&t+"e $as* 4Ever#o!e ,!o$s the %a!2s (+&'t#* a!" I a% ob'&(e" tosa# so &! p+b'&c before he (oes to the A!"a%a!s)4 He %a"e !o %ora' or e%ot&o!a' appea'* a!"&t $as o!'# b# "e(rees that the st+"&e" !e('&(e!ce of h&s %a!!er %a"e &tse'f fe't* a!" 'ashe"

part of the a+"&e!ce to f+r#) 3abor&o+s'# "&" he "escr&be the (e!es&s of the p&c!&c) The pr&so!er ha" %et M&ss Q+este" at a! e!terta&!%e!t (&ve! b# the Pr&!c&pa' of Gover!%e!t Co''e(e* a!"ha" there co!ce&ve" h&s &!te!t&o!s co!cer!&!( her: pr&so!er $as a %a! of 'oose '&fe* as "oc+%e!tsfo+!" +po! h&% at h&s arrest $o+'" test&f#* a'so h&s fe''o$ass&sta!t* Dr) Pa!!a 3a'* $as &!a pos&t&o! to thro$ '&(ht o! h&s character* a!" Ma9or Ca''e!"ar h&%se'f $o+'" spea,) Here Mr)Mc0r#"e pa+se") He $a!te" to ,eep the procee"&!(s as c'ea! as poss&b'e* b+t Or&e!ta' Patho'o(#*h&s favo+r&te the%e* 'a# aro+!" h&%* a!" he co+'" !ot res&st &t) Ta,&!( off h&s spectac'es* as$as h&s hab&t before e!+!c&at&!( a (e!era' tr+th* he 'oo,e" &!to the% sa"'#* a!" re%ar,e" that

the "ar,er races are ph#s&ca''# attracte" b# the fa&rer* b+t !ot <v&ce versa<!ot a %atter for b&tter!essth&s* !ot a %atter for ab+se* b+t 9+st a fact $h&ch a!# sc&e!t&f&c observer $&'' co!f&r%)



4Eve! $he! the 'a"# &s so +('&er tha! the (e!t'e%a!64The co%%e!t fe'' fro% !o$here* fro% the ce&'&!( perhaps) It $as the f&rst &!terr+pt&o!* a!"the Ma(&strate fe't bo+!" to ce!s+re &t) 4T+r! that %a! o+t*4 he sa&") O!e of the !at&ve po'&ce%e!too, ho'" of a %a! $ho ha" sa&" !oth&!(* a!" t+r!e" h&% o+t ro+(h'#) Mr) Mc0r#"e res+%e"h&s spectac'es a!" procee"e") 0+t the co%%e!t ha" +pset M&ss Q+este") Her bo"# rese!te"

be&!( ca''e" +('#* a!" tre%b'e")

4Do #o+ fee' fa&!t* A"e'a64 as,e" M&ss Dere,* $ho te!"e" her $&th 'ov&!( &!"&(!at&o!)4I !ever fee' a!#th&!( e'se* Na!c#) I sha'' (et thro+(h* b+t &t2s a$f+'* a$f+')4Th&s 'e" to the f&rst of a ser&es of sce!es) Her fr&e!"s be(a! to f+ss aro+!" her* a!" the Ma9or ca''e" o+t* 4I %+st have better arra!(e%e!ts tha! th&s %a"e for %# pat&e!t- $h# &s!2t she(&ve! a seat o! the p'atfor%6 She (ets !o a&r)4Mr) Das 'oo,e" a!!o#e" a!" sa&": 4I sha'' be happ# to acco%%o"ate M&ss Q+este" $&th acha&r +p here &! v&e$ of the part&c+'ar c&rc+%sta!ces of her hea'th)4 The ch+prass&es passe" +p!ot o!e cha&r b+t severa'* a!" the e!t&re part# fo''o$e" A"e'a o! to the p'atfor%* Mr) /&e'"&!(

be&!( the o!'# E+ropea! $ho re%a&!e" &! the bo"# of the ha'')4That2s better*4 re%ar,e" Mrs) T+rto!* as she sett'e" herse'f)4Thoro+(h'# "es&rab'e cha!(e for severa' reaso!s*4 rep'&e" the Ma9or)

The Ma(&strate ,!e$ that he o+(ht to ce!s+re th&s re%ar,* b+t "&" !ot "are to) Ca''e!"ar sa$ that he $as afra&"* a!" ca''e" o+t a+thor&tat&ve'#* 4R&(ht* Mc0r#"e* (o ahea" !o$- sorr# tohave &!terr+pte" #o+)44Are #o+ a'' r&(ht #o+rse'ves64 as,e" the S+per&!te!"e!t)4e sha'' "o* $e sha'' "o)44Go o!* Mr) Das* $e are !ot here to "&st+rb #o+*4 sa&" the Co''ector patro!&.&!('#) I!"ee"*the# ha" !ot so %+ch "&st+rbe" the tr&a' as ta,e! char(e of &t)h&'e the prosec+t&o! co!t&!+e"* M&ss Q+este" exa%&!e" the ha''t&%&"'# at f&rst* as tho+(h&t $o+'" scorch her e#es) She observe" to 'eft a!" r&(ht of the p+!,ah %a! %a!# a ha'f,!o$!face) 0e!eath her $ere (athere" a'' the $rec,a(e of her s&''# atte%pt to see I!"&a the peop'eshe ha" %et at the 0r&"(e Part#* the %a! a!" h&s $&fe $ho ha"!2t se!t the&r carr&a(e* the o'"%a! $ho $o+'" 'e!" h&s car* var&o+s serva!ts* v&''a(ers* off&c&a's* a!" the pr&so!er h&%se'f) There'&e satstro!(* !eat '&tt'e I!"&a! $&th ver# b'ac, ha&r* a!" p'&a!t ba!"s) She v&e$e" h&% $&tho+tspec&a' e%ot&o!) S&!ce the# 'ast %et* she ha" e'evate" h&% &!to a pr&!c&p'e of ev&'* b+t !o$ hesee%e" to be $hat he ha" a'$a#s bee!a s'&(ht ac1+a&!ta!ce) He $as !e('&(&b'e* "evo&" of s&(!&f&ca!ce* "r# '&,e a bo!e* a!" tho+(h he $as 4(+&'t#4 !o at%osphere of s&! s+rro+!"e" h&%)4I s+ppose he &s (+&'t#) Ca! I poss&b'# have %a"e a %&sta,e64 she tho+(ht) /or th&s 1+est&o! st&''occ+rre" to her &!te''ect* tho+(h s&!ce Mrs) Moore2s "epart+re &t ha" cease" to tro+b'e herco!sc&e!ce)P'ea"er Mah%o+" A'& !o$ arose* a!" as,e" $&th po!"ero+s a!" &''9+"(e" &ro!# $hether h&sc'&e!t co+'" be acco%%o"ate" o! the p'atfor% too: eve&& I!"&a!s fe't +!$e'' so%et&%es* tho+(h

!at+ra''# Ma9or Ca''e!"ar "&" !ot th&!, so* be&!( &! char(e of a Gover!%e!t Hosp&ta') 4A!other exa%p'e of the&r ex1+&s&te se!se of h+%o+r*4 sa!( M&ss Dere,) Ro!!# 'oo,e" at Mr) Das to seeho$ '&e $o+'" ha!"'e the "&ff&c+'t#* a!" Mr) Das beca%e a(&tate"* a!" s!+bbe" P'ea"er Mah%o+"A'& severe'#)4Exc+se %e4 It $as the t+r! of the e%&!e!t barr&ster fro% Ca'c+tta) He $as a f&!e'oo,&!(%a!* 'ar(e a!" bo!#* $&th (re# c'ose'# croppe" ha&r) 4e ob9ect to the prese!ce of so !&a!#E+ropea! 'a"&es a!" (e!t'e%e! +po! the p'atfor%*4 '&e sa&" &! a! Oxfor" vo&ce) 4The# $&'' havethe effect of &!t&%&"at&!( o+r $&t!esses) The&r p'ace &s $&th the rest of the p+b'&c &! the bo"# of the ha'') e have !o ob9ect&o! to M&ss Q+este" re%a&!&!( o! the p'atfor%* s&!ce she has bee&&+!$e''- $e sha'' exte!" ever# co+rtes# to her thro+(ho+t* "esp&te the sc&e!t&f&c tr+ths revea'e"to +s b# the D&str&ct S+per&!te!"e!t of Po'&ce- b+t $e "o ob9ect to the others)4

4Oh* c+t the cac,'e a!" 'et2s have the ver"&ct*4 the Ma9or (ro$'e")The "&st&!(+&she" v&s&tor (a.e" at the Ma(&strate respectf+''#)4I a(ree to that*4 sa&" Mr) Das* h&"&!( h&s face "esperate'# &! so%e papers) 4 It $as o!'# to



M&ss Q+este" that I (ave per%&ss&o! to s&t +p here) Her fr&e!"s sho+'" be so excess&ve'# ,&!" asto c'&%b "o$!)44e'' "o!e* Das* 1+&te so+!"*4 sa&" Ro!!# $&th "evastat&!( ho!est#)4C'&%b "o$!* &!"ee"* $hat &!cre"&b'e &%pert&!e!ce54 Mrs) T+rto! cr&e")4Do co%e 1+&et'#* Mar#*4 %+r%+re" her h+sba!")4H&5 %# pat&e!t ca!2t be 'eft +!atte!"e")4

4Do #o+ ob9ect to the C&v&' S+r(eo! re%a&!&!(* Mr) A%r&trao644I sho+'" ob9ect) A p'atfor% co!fers a+thor&t#)44Eve! $he! &t2s o!e foot h&(h- so co%e a'o!( a''*4 sa&" the Co''ector* tr#&!( to 'a+(h)4Tha!, #o+ ver# %+ch* s&r*4 sa&" Mr) Das* (reat'# re'&eve") 4Tha!, #o+* Mr) Heas'op- tha!, #o+* 'a"&es a'')4A!" the part#* &!c'+"&!( M&ss Q+este"* "esce!"e" fro% &ts rash e%&!e!ce) The !e$s of the&r h+%&'&at&o! sprea" 1+&c,'#* a!" peop'e 9eere" o+ts&"e) The&r spec&a' cha&rs fo''o$e" the%)Mah%o+"A'& B$ho $as 1+&te s&''# a!" +se'ess $&th hatre" ob9ecte" eve! to these- b# $hosea+thor&t# ha" spec&a' cha&rs bee! &!tro"+ce"* $h# ha" the Na$ab 0aha"+r !ot bee! (&ve! o!e6etc) Peop'e be(a! to ta', a'' over the roo%* abo+t cha&rs or"&!ar# a!" spec&a'* str&ps of carpet*

p'atfor%s o!e foot h&(h)0+t the '&tt'e exc+rs&o! ha" a (oo" effect o! M&ss Q+este"2s !erves) She fe't eas&er !o$ thatshe ha" see! a'' the peop'e $ho $ere &! the roo%) It $as '&,e ,!o$&!( the $orst) She $as s+re!o$ that she sho+'" co%e thro+(h 4a'' r&(ht 4that &s to sa#* $&tho+t sp&r&t+a' "&s(race* a!" she

passe" the (oo" !e$s o! to Ro!!# a!" Mrs) T+rto!) The# $ere too %+ch a(&tate" $&th the "efeatto 0r&t&sh prest&(e to be &!tereste") /ro% $here she sat* she co+'" see the re!e(a"e Mr)/&e'"&!() She ha" ha" a better v&e$ of h&% fro% the p'atfor%* a!" ,!e$ that a! I!"&a! ch&'"

perche" o! h&s ,!ee) He $as $atch&!( the procee"&!(s* $atch&!( her) he! the&r e#es %et* het+r!e" h&s a$a#* as &f "&rect &!terco+rse $as of !o &!terest to h&%)The Ma(&strate $as a'so happ&er) He ha" $o! the batt'e of the p'atfor%* a!" (a&!e" co!f&"e!ce)I!te''&(e!t a!" &%part&a'* he co!t&!+e" to '&ste! to the ev&"e!ce* a!" tr&e" to for(et that'ater o! he sho+'" have to pro!o+!ce a ver"&ct &! accor"a!ce $&th &t) The S+per&!te!"e!t tr+!"'e"stea"&'# for$ar": he ha" expecte" these o+tb+rsts of &!so'e!cethe# are the !at+ra' (est+resof a! &!fer&or race* a!" he betra#e" !o hatre" of A.&.* %ere'# a! ab#s%a' co!te%pt)The speech "ea't at 'e!(th $&th the 4pr&so!er2s "+pes*4 as the# $ere ca''e"/&e'"&!(* theserva!t A!to!#* the Na$ab 0aha"+r) Th&s aspect of the case ha" a'$a#s see%e" "+b&o+s toM&ss Q+este"* a!" she ha" as,e" the po'&ce !ot to "eve'op &t) 0+t the# $ere p'a#&!( for a heav#se!te!ce* a!" $a!te" to prove that the assa+'t $as pre%e"&tate") A!" &! or"er to &''+strate thestrate(#* the# pro"+ce" a p'a! of the Marabar H&''s* sho$&!( the ro+te that the part# ha" ta,e!*a!" the 4Ta!, of the Da((er4 $here the# ha" ca%pe")The Ma(&strate "&sp'a#e" &!terest &! archaeo'o(#)

A! e'evat&o! of a spec&%e! cave $as pro"+ce"- &t $as 'ettere" 40+""h&st Cave)44Not 0+""h&st* I th&!,* ?a&!) ) ) )44I! $h&ch cave &s the offe!ce a''e(e"* the 0+""h&st or the ?a&!64 as,e" Mah%o+" A'&* $&ththe a&r of +!%as,&!( a co!sp&rac#)4A'' the Marabar caves are ?a&!)447es* s&r- the! &! $h&ch ?a&! cave6447o+ $&'' have a! opport+!&t# of p+tt&!( s+ch 1+est&o!s 'ater)4Mr) Mc0r#"e s%&'e" fa&!t'# at the&r fat+&t#) I!"&a!s &!var&ab'# co''apse over so%e s+ch po&!tas th&s) He ,!e$ that the "efe!ce ha" so%e $&'" hope of estab'&sh&!( a! a'&b&* that the# ha"tr&e" B+!s+ccessf+''# to &"e!t&f# the (+&"e* a!" that /&e'"&!( a!" Ha%&"+''ah ha" (o!e o+t tothe 8a$a Do' a!" pace" a!" %eas+re" a'' o!e %oo!'&t !&(ht) 4Mr) 3es'e# sa#s the#2re 0+""h&st*

a!" he o+(ht to ,!o$ &f a!#o!e "oes) 0+t %a# I ca'' atte!t&o! to the shape64 A!" he "escr&be"$hat ha" occ+rre" there) The! he spo,e of M&ss Dere,2s arr&va'* of the scra%b'e "o$! the (+''#*of the ret+r! of the t$o 'a"&es to Cha!"rapore* a!" of the "oc+%e!t M&ss Q+este" s&(!e" o!



her arr&va'* &! $h&ch %e!t&o! $as %a"e of the f&e'" ('asses) A!" the! ca%e the c+'%&!at&!(ev&"e!ce:the "&scover# of the f&e'"('asses o! the pr&so!er) 4I have !oth&!( to a"" at prese!t*4 heco!c'+"e"* re%ov&!( h&s spectac'es) 4I $&'' !o$ ca'' %# $&t!esses) The facts $&'' spea, for the%se'ves) The pr&so!er &s o!e of those &!"&v&"+a's $ho have 'e" a "o+b'e '&fe) I "are sa# h&s"e(e!erac# (a&!e" +po! h&% (ra"+a''#) He has bee! ver# c+!!&!( at co!cea'&!(* as &s +s+a'

$&th the t#pe* a!" prete!"&!( to be a respectab'e %e%ber of soc&et#* (ett&!( a Gover!%e!t pos&t&o!eve!) He &s !o$ e!t&re'# v&c&o+s a!" be#o!" re"e%pt&o!* I a% afra&") He behave" %ostcr+e''#* %ost br+ta''#* to a!other of h&s (+ests* a!other E!('&sh 'a"#) I! or"er to (et r&" of her*a!" 'eave h&% free for h&s cr&%e* he cr+she" her &!to a cave a%o!( h&s serva!ts) Ho$ever* that&s b# the $a#)40+t h&s 'ast $or"s bro+(ht o! a!other stor%* a!" s+""e!'# a !e$ !a%e* Mrs) Moore* b+rsto! the co+rt '&,e a $h&r'$&!") Mah%o+" A'& ha" bee! e!ra(e"* h&s !erves s!appe"- he shr&e,e"'&,e a %a!&ac* a!" as,e" $hether h&s c'&e!t $as char(e" $&th %+r"er as $e'' as rape* a!" $ho$as th&s seco!" E!('&sh 'a"#)4I "o!2t propose to ca'' her)447o+ "o!2t beca+se #o+ ca!2t* #o+ have s%+(('e" her o+t of the co+!tr#- she &s Mrs) Moore*

she $o+'" have prove" h&s &!!oce!ce* she $as o! o+r s&"e* she $as poor I!"&a!s2 fr&e!")447o+ co+'" have ca''e" her #o+rse'f*4 cr&e" the Ma(&strate) 4 Ne&ther s&"e ca''e" her* !e&ther %+st 1+ote her as ev&"e!ce)44She $as ,ept fro% +s +!t&' too 'ateI 'ear! too 'ateth&s &s E!('&sh 9+st&ce* here &s #o+r 0r&t&sh Ra9) G&ve +s bac, Mrs) Moore for f&ve %&!+tes o!'#* a!" she $&'' save %# fr&e!"* she $&''save the !a%e of h&s so!s- "o!2t r+'e her o+t* Mr) Das- ta,e bac, those $or"s as #o+ #o+rse'f are a father- te'' %e $here the# have p+t her- oh* Mrs) Moore) ) ) )44If the po&!t &s of a!# &!terest* %# %other sho+'" have reache" A"e!*4 sa&" Ro!!# "r#'#- heo+(ht !ot to have &!terve!e"* b+t the o!s'a+(ht ha" start'e" h&%)4I%pr&so!e" b# #o+ there beca+se she ,!e$ the tr+th)4 He $as a'%ost o+t of h&s %&!"* a!"co+'" be hear" sa#&!( above the t+%+'t: 4I r+&! %# career* !o %atter- $e are a'' to be r+&!e"o!e b# o!e)44Th&s &s !o $a# to "efe!" #o+r case*4 co+!se''e" the Ma(&strate)4I a% !ot "efe!"&!( a case* !or are #o+ tr#&!( o!e) e are both of +s s'aves)44Mr) Mah!&o+" A'&* I have a'rea"# $ar!e" #o+* a!" +!'ess #o+ s&t "o$! I sha'' exerc&se %#a+thor&t#)44Do so- th&s tr&a' &s a farce* I a% (o&!()4 A!" he ha!"e" h&s papers to A%r&trao a!" 'eft* ca''&!(fro% the "oor h&str&o!&ca''# #et $&th &!te!se pass&o!* 4A.&.* A.&.fare$e'' for ever)4 The t+%+'t&!crease"* the &!vocat&o! of Mrs) Moore co!t&!+e"* a!" peop'e $ho "&" !ot ,!o$ $hat thes#''ab'es %ea!t repeate" the% '&,e a char%) The# beca%e I!"&a!&.e" &!to Es%&ss Es%oor* the#$ere ta,e! +p &! the street o+ts&"e) I! va&! the Ma(&strate threate!e" a!" expe''e") U!t&' the

%a(&c exha+ste" &tse'f* he $as po$er'ess)4U!expecte"*4 re%ar,e" Mr) T+rto!)Ro!!# f+r!&she" the exp'a!at&o!) 0efore she sa&'e"* h&s %other ha" ta,e! to ta', abo+t theMarabar &! her s'eep* espec&a''# &! the after!oo! $he! serva!ts $ere o! the vera&&"a* a!" her "&s9o&!te" re%ar,s o! A.&. ha" "o+bt'ess bee! so'" to Mah%o+" A'& for a fe$ a!!as: that ,&!"of th&!( !ever ceases &! the East)4I tho+(ht the#2" tr# so%eth&!( of the sort) I!(e!&o+s)4 He 'oo,e" &!to the&r $&"eope!%o+ths) 4The# (et 9+st '&,e that over the&r re'&(&o!*4 he a""e" ca'%'#) 4Start a!" ca!2t stop) I2%sorr# for #o+r o'" Das* he2s !ot (ett&!( %+ch of a sho$)44Mr) Heas'op* ho$ "&s(racef+' "ra((&!( &! #o+r "ear %other*4 sa&" M&ss Dere,* be!"&!( for$ar")4It2s 9+st a tr&c,* a!" the# happe!e" to p+'' &t off) No$ o!e sees $h# the# ha" Mah%o+"

A'&9+st to %a,e a sce!e o! the cha!ce) It &s h&s spec&a't#)4 0+t he "&s'&,e" &t %ore tha! hesho$e") It $as revo't&!( to hear h&s %other travest&e" &!to Es%&ss Es%oor* a H&!"+ (o""ess)4Es%&ss Es%oor



Es%&ss Es%oor Es%&ss Es%oor Es%&ss Es%oor) ) ) )44Ro!!#447es* o'" (&r'644Is!2t &t a'' 1+eer)4

4I2% afra&" &t2s ver# +psett&!( for #o+)44Not the 'east) I "o!2t %&!" &t)44e''* that2s (oo")4She ha" spo,e! %ore !at+ra''# a!" hea'th&'# tha! +s+a') 0e!"&!( &!to the %&""'e of her fr&e!"s* she sa&": 4Do!2t $orr# abo+t %e* I2% %+ch better tha! I $as- I "o!2t fee' the 'eastfa&!t- I sha'' be a'' r&(ht* a!" tha!, #o+ a''* tha!, #o+* tha!, #o+ for #o+r ,&!"!ess)4 She ha" tosho+t her (rat&t+"e* for the cha!t* Es%&ss Es%oor* $e!t o!)S+""e!'# &t stoppe") It $as as &f the pra#er ha" bee! hear"* a!" the re'&cs exh&b&te") 4Iapo'o(&.e for %# co''ea(+e*4 sa&" Mr) A%r&trao* rather to ever#o!e2s s+rpr&se) 4He &s a! &!t&%atefr&e!" of o+r c'&e!t* a!" h&s fee'&!(s have carr&e" h&% a$a#)44Mr) Mah%o+" A'& $&'' have to apo'o(&.e &! perso!*4 the Ma(&strate sa&")

4Exact'#* s&r* he %+st) 0+t $e ha" 9+st 'ear!t that Mrs) Moore ha" &%porta!t ev&"e!ce $h&chshe "es&re" to (&ve) She $as h+rr&e" o+t of the co+!tr# b# her so! before she co+'" (&ve &t- a!"th&s +!h&!(e" Mr) Mah%o+" A'&co%&!( as &t "oes +po! a! atte%pt to &!t&%&"ate o+r o!'# other E+ropea! $&t!ess* Mr) /&e'"&!() Mr) Mah%o+" A'& $o+'" have sa&" !oth&!( ha" !ot Mrs) Moore

bee! c'a&%e" as a $&t!ess b# the po'&ce)4 He sat "o$!)4A! extra!eo+s e'e%e!t &s be&!( &!tro"+ce" &!to the case*4 sa&" the Ma(&strate) 4 I %+st repeatthat as a $&t!ess Mrs) Moore "oes !ot ex&st) Ne&ther #o+* Mr) A%r&trao* !or* Mr) Mc0r#"e*#o+* have a!# r&(ht to s+r%&se $hat that 'a"# $o+'" have sa&") She &s !ot here* a!" co!se1+e!t'#she ca! sa# !oth&!()44e''* I $&th"ra$ %# refere!ce*4 sa&" the S+per&!te!"e!t $ear&'#) 4I $o+'" have "o!e sof&ftee! %&!+tes a(o &f I ha" bee! (&ve! the cha!ce) She &s !ot of the 'east &%porta!ce to %e)44I have a'rea"# $&th"ra$! &t for the "efe!ce)4 He a""e" $&th fore!s&c h+%o+r: 4Perhaps #o+ca! pers+a"e the (e!t'e%e! o+ts&"e to $&th"ra$ &t too*4 for the refra&! &! the street co!t&!+e")4I a% afra&" %# po$ers "o !ot exte!" so far*4 sa&" Das* s%&'&!()So peace $as restore"* a!" $he! A"e'a ca%e to (&ve her ev&"e!ce the at%osphere $as1+&eter tha! &t ha" bee! s&!ce the be(&!!&!( of the tr&a') Experts $ere !ot s+rpr&se") There &s !osta# &! #o+r !at&ve) He b'a.es +p over a %&!or po&!t* a!" has !oth&!( 'eft for the cr&s&s) hat besee,s &s a (r&eva!ce* a!" th&s he ha" fo+!" &! the s+ppose" ab"+ct&o! of a! o'" 'a"#) He $o+'"!o$ be 'ess a((r&eve" $he! A.&. $as "eporte")0+t the cr&s&s $as st&'' to co%e)A"e'a ha" a'$a#s %ea!t to te'' the tr+th a!" !oth&!( b+t the tr+th* a!" she ha" rehearse"

th&s as a "&ff&c+'t tas,"&ff&c+'t* beca+se her "&saster &! the cave $as co!!ecte"* tho+(h b# athrea"* $&th a!other part of her '&fe* her e!(a(e%e!t to Ro!!#) She ha" tho+(ht of 'ove 9+st before she $e!t &!* a!" ha" &!!oce!t'# as,e" A.&. $hat %arr&a(e $as '&,e* a!" she s+ppose"that her 1+est&o! ha" ro+se" ev&' &! h&%) To reco+!t th&s $o+'" have bee! &!cre"&b'# pa&!f+'* &t$as the o!e po&!t she $a!te" to ,eep obsc+re- she $as $&''&!( to (&ve "eta&'s that $o+'" have"&stresse" other (&r's* b+t th&s stor# of her pr&vate fa&'+re she "are" !ot a''+"e to* a!" she"rea"e" be&!( exa%&!e" &! p+b'&c &! case so%eth&!( ca%e o+t) 0+t as soo! as she rose to rep'#*a!" hear" the so+!" of her o$! vo&ce* she feare" !ot eve! that) A !e$ a!" +!,!o$! se!sat&o!

protecte" her* '&,e %a(!&f&ce!t ar%o+r) She "&"!2t th&!, $hat ha" happe!e" or eve! re%e%ber &! the or"&!ar# $a# of %e%or#* b+t she ret+r!e" to the Marabar H&''s* a!" spo,e fro% the%across a sort of "ar,!ess to Mr) Mc0r#"e) The fata' "a# rec+rre"* &! ever# "eta&'* b+t !o$ she

$as of &t a!" !ot of &t at the sa%e t&%e* a!" th&s "o+b'e re'at&o! (ave &t &!"escr&bab'e sp'e!"o+r)h# ha" she tho+(ht the expe"&t&o! 4"+'' 46 No$ the s+! rose a(a&!* the e'epha!t $a&te"* the pa'e %asses of the roc, f'o$e" ro+!" her a!" prese!te" the f&rst cave- she e!tere"* a!" a





$as h&""e!) The I!"&a!s rose too* h+!"re"s of th&!(s $e!t o! at o!ce* so that after$ar"seach perso! (ave a "&ffere!t acco+!t of the catastrophe)47o+ $&th"ra$ the char(e6 A!s$er %e*4 shr&e,e" the represe!tat&ve of ?+st&ce)So%eth&!( that she "&" !ot +!"ersta!" too, ho'" of the (&r' a!" p+''e" her thro+(h) Tho+(hthe v&s&o! $as over* a!" she ha" ret+r!e" to the &!s&p&"&t# of the $or'"* she re%e%bere" $hatshe ha" 'ear!t) Ato!e%e!t a!" co!fess&o!the# co+'" $a&t) It $as &! har" prosa&c to!es that

she sa&"* 4I $&th"ra$ ever#th&!()44E!o+(hs&t "o$!) Mr) Mc0r#"e* "o #o+ $&sh to co!t&!+e &! the face of th&s64The S+per&!te!"e!t (a.e" at h&s $&t!ess as &f she $as a bro,e! %ach&!e* a!" sa&"* 4Are #o+%a"644Do!2t 1+est&o! her* s&r- #o+ have !o 'o!(er the r&(ht)44G&ve %e t&%e to co!s&"er44Sah&b* #o+ $&'' have to $&th"ra$- th&s beco%es a sca!"a'*4 boo%e" the Na$ab 0aha"+r s+""e!'# fro% the bac, of the co+rt)4He sha'' !ot*4 sho+te" Mrs) T+rto! a(a&!st the (ather&!( t+%+'t) 4Ca'' the other $&t!esses-$e2re !o!e of +s safe4 Ro!!# tr&e" to chec, her* a!" she (ave h&% a! &rr&tab'e b'o$* the!screa%e" &!s+'ts at A"e'a)

The S+per&!te!"e!t %ove" to the s+pport of h&s fr&e!"s* sa#&!( !o!cha'a!t'# to the Ma(&strateas he "&" so* 4R&(ht* I $&th"ra$)4Mr) Das rose* !ear'# "ea" $&th the stra&!) He ha" co!tro''e" the case* 9+st co!tro''e" &t) Heha" sho$! that a! I!"&a! ca! pres&"e) To those $ho co+'" hear h&% he sa&"* 4The pr&so!er &sre'ease" $&tho+t o!e sta&! o! h&s character- the 1+est&o! of costs $&'' be "ec&"e" e'se$here)4A!" the! the f'&%s# fra%e$or, of the co+rt bro,e +p* the sho+ts of "er&s&o! a!" ra(e c+'%&!ate"*

peop'e screa%e" a!" c+rse"* ,&sse" o!e a!other* $ept pass&o!ate'#) Here $ere the E!('&sh*$ho% the&r serva!ts protecte"* there A.&. fa&!te" &! Ha%&"+''ah2s ar%s) ;&ctor# o! th&ss&"e* "efeat o! thatco%p'ete for o!e %o%e!t $as the a!t&thes&s) The! '&fe ret+r!e" to &tsco%p'ex&t&es* perso! after perso! str+(('e" o+t of the roo% to the&r var&o+s p+rposes* a!" before'o!( !o o!e re%a&!e" o! the sce!e of the fa!tas# b+t the bea+t&f+' !a,e" (o") U!a$arethat a!#th&!( +!+s+a' ha" occ+rre"* he co!t&!+e" to p+'' the cor" of h&s p+!,ah* to (a.e at thee%pt# "a&s a!" the overt+r!e" spec&a' cha&rs* a!" rh#th%&ca''# to a(&tate the c'o+"s of "esce!"&!("+st)CHAPTER ;M&ss Q+este" ha" re!o+!ce" her o$! peop'e) T+r!&!( fro% the%* she $as "ra$! &!to a%ass of I!"&a!s of the shop,eep&!( c'ass* a!" carr&e" b# the% to$ar"s the p+b'&c ex&t of theco+rt) The fa&!t* &!"escr&bab'e s%e'' of the ba.aars &!va"e" her* s$eeter tha! a 3o!"o! s'+%*#et %ore "&s1+&et&!(: a t+ft of sce!te" cotto! $oo'* $e"(e" &! a! o'" %a!2s ear* fra(%e!ts of

pa! bet$ee! h&s b'ac, teeth* o"oro+s po$"ers* o&'sthe Sce!te" East of tra"&t&o!* b+t b'e!"e"$&th h+%a! s$eat as &f a (reat ,&!( ha" bee! e!ta!('e" &! &(!o%&!# a!" co+'" !ot free h&%se'f*

or as &f the heat of the s+! ha" bo&'e" a!" fr&e" a'' the ('or&es of the earth &!to a s&!('e %ess)The# pa&" !o atte!t&o! to her) The# shoo, ha!"s over her sho+'"er* sho+te" thro+(h her bo"#for $he! the I!"&a! "oes &(!ore h&s r+'ers* he beco%es (e!+&!e'# +!a$are of the&r ex&ste!ce)&tho+t part &! the +!&verse she ha" create"* she $as f'+!( a(a&!st Mr) /&e'"&!()4hat "o #o+ $a!t here648!o$&!( h&% for her e!e%#* she passe" o! &!to the s+!'&(ht $&tho+t spea,&!()He ca''e" after her* 4here are #o+ (o&!(* M&ss Q !este"64I "o!2t ,!o$)447o+ ca!2t $a!"er abo+t '&,e that) 4here2s the car #o+ ca%e &!644I sha'' $a',)44hat %a"!ess ) ) ) there2s s+ppose" to be a r&ot o! ) ) ) the po'&ce have str+c,* !o o!e

,!o$s $hat2'' happe! !ext) h# "o!2t #o+ ,eep to #o+r o$! peop'e64O+(ht I to 9o&! the%64 she sa&"* $&tho+t e%ot&o!) She fe't e%pt&e"* va'+e'ess- there $as !o%ore v&rt+e &! her)



47o+ ca!2t* &t2s too 'ate) Ho$ are #o+ to (et ro+!" to the pr&vate e!tra!ce !o$6 Co%e th&s$a# $&th %e 1+&c,I2'' p+t #o+ &!to %# carr&a(e)44C#r&'* C#r&'* "o!2t 'eave %e*4 ca''e" the shattere" vo&ce of A.&.)4I2% co%&!( bac,) ) ) ) Th&s $a#* a!" "o!2t ar(+e)4 He (r&ppe" her ar%) 4Exc+se %a!!ers*

b+t I "o!2t ,!o$ a!#o!e2s pos&t&o!) Se!" %# carr&a(e bac, a!# t&%e to%orro$* &f #o+ p'ease)440+t $here a% Ito (o &! &t64

4here #o+ '&,e) Ho$ sho+'" I ,!o$ #o+r arra!(e%e!ts6The v&ctor&a $as safe &! a 1+&et s&"e 'a!e* b+t there $ere !o horses* for the sa&s* !ot expect&!(the tr&a' $o+'" e!" so abr+pt'#* ha" 'e" the% a$a# to v&s&t a fr&e!") She (ot &!to &t obe"&e!t'#)The %a! co+'" !ot 'eave her* for the co!f+s&o! &!crease"* a!" spots of &t so+!"e" fa!at&ca')The %a&! roa" thro+(h the ba.aars $as b'oc,e"* a!" the E!('&sh $ere (a&!&!( the c&v&' stat&o!

b# b#$a#s- the# $ere ca+(ht '&,e caterp&''ars* a!" co+'" have bee! ,&''e" off eas&'#)4hat$hat have #o+ bee! "o&!(64 he cr&e" s+""e!'#) 4P'a#&!( a (a%e* st+"#&!( '&fe* or $hat644S&r* I &!te!" these for #o+* s&r*4 &!terr+pte" a st+"e!t* r+!!&!( "o$! the 'a!e $&th a (ar'a!"of 9as%&!e o! h&s ar%)4I "o!2t $a!t the r+bb&sh- (et o+t)4

4 S&r* I a% a horse* $e sha'' be #o+r horses*4 a!other cr&e" as he '&fte" the shafts of the v&ctor&a&!to the a&r)4/etch %# sa&s* Raf&- there2s a (oo" chap)44No* s&r* th&s &s a! ho!o+r for +s)4/&e'"&!( $ear&e" of h&s st+"e!ts) The %ore the# '&o!o+re" h&% the 'ess the# obe#e") The#'assoe" h&% $&th 9as%&!e a!" roses* scratche" the sp'ashboar" a(a&!st a $a''* a!" rec&te" a

poe%* the !o&se of $h&ch f&''e" the 'a!e $&th a cro$")4H+rr# +p* s&r- $e p+'' #o+ &! a process&o!)4 A!"* ha'f affect&o!ate* ha'f &%p+"e!t* the# b+!"'e"h&% &!)4I "o!2t ,!o$ $hether th&s s+&ts #o+* b+t a!#ho$ #o+2re safe*4 he re%ar,e") The carr&a(e

9er,e" &!to the %a&! ba.aar* $here &t create" so%e se!sat&o!) M&ss Q+este" $as so 'oathe" &!Cha!"rapore that her reca!tat&o! $as "&scre"&te"* a!" the r+%o+r ra! that she ha" bee!str&c,e! b# the De&t# &! the %&""'e of her '&es) 0+t the# cheere" $he! the# sa$ her s&tt&!( b#the hero&c Pr&!c&pa' Bso%e a""resse" her as Mrs) Moore5* a!" the# (ar'a!"e" her to %atchh&%) Ha'f (o"s* ha'f (+#s* $&th sa+sa(es of f'o$ers ro+!" the&r !ec,s* the pa&r $ere "ra((e" &!the $a,e of A.&.2 v&ctor&o+s 'a!"a+) I! the app'a+se that (reete" the% so%e "er&s&o! %&!('e")The E!('&sh a'$a#s st&c, to(ether5 That $as the cr&t&c&s%) Nor $as &t +!9+st) /&e'"&!( share" &th&%se'f* a!" ,!e$ that &f so%e %&s+!"ersta!"&!( occ+rre"* a!" a! attac, $as %a"e o! the (&r'

b# h&s a''&es* he $o+'" be ob'&(e" to "&e &! her "efe!ce) He "&"!2t $a!t to "&e for her* '&e $a!te"to be re9o&c&!( $&th A.&.)here $as the process&o! (o&!(6 To fr&e!"s* to e!e%&es* to A.&.2 b+!(a'o$* to the Co''ector2s

b+!(a'o$* to the M&!to Hosp&ta' $here the C&v&' S+r(eo! $o+'" eat "+st a!" the pat&e!tsBco!f+se" $&th pr&so!ers be re'ease"* to De'h&* S&%'a) The st+"e!ts tho+(ht &t $as (o&!( toGover!%e!t Co''e(e) he! the# reache" a t+r!&!(* the# t$&ste" the v&ctor&a to the r&(ht* ra! &t

b# s&"e 'a!es "o$! a h&'' a!" thro+(h a (ar"e! (ate &!to the %a!(o p'a!tat&o!* a!"* as far as/&e'"&!( a!" M&ss Q+este" $ere co!cer!e"* a'' $as peace a!" 1+&et) The trees $ere f+'' of ('oss# fo'&a(e a!" s'&% (ree! fr+&t* the ta!, s'+%bere"- a!" be#o!" &t rose the ex1+&s&te b'+earches of the (ar"e!ho+se) 4S&r* $e fetch the others- s&r* &t &s a so%e$hat heav# 'oa" for o+r ar%s*4 $ere hear") /&e'"&!( too, the ref+(ee to h&s off&ce* a!" tr&e" to te'epho!e to Mc0r#"e)0+t th&s he co+'" !ot "o- the $&res ha" bee! c+t) A'' h&s serva!ts ha" "eca%pe") O!ce %ore he$as +!ab'e to "esert her) He ass&(!e" her a co+p'e of roo%s* prov&"e" her $&th &ce a!" "r&!,sa!" b&sc+&ts* a"v&se" her to '&e "o$!* a!" 'a# "o$! h&%se'f there $as !oth&!( e'se to "o) He

fe't rest'ess a!" th$arte" as he '&ste!e" to the retreat&!( so+!"s of the process&o!* a!" h&s 9o#$as rather spo&'t b# be$&'"er%e!t) It $as a v&ctor#* b+t s+ch a 1+eer o!e)At that %o%e!t A.&. $as cr#&!(* 4C#r&'* C#r&' ) ) )4 Cra%%e" &!to a carr&a(e $&th the Na$ab



0aha"+r* Ha%&"+''ah* Mah%o+" A'&* h&s o$! '&tt'e bo#s* a!" a heap of f'o$ers* he $as !ot co!te!t-he $a!te" to be s+rro+!"e" b# a'' $ho 'ove" h&%) ;&ctor# (ave !o p'eas+re* he ha" s+ffere"too %+ch) /ro% the %o%e!t of h&s arrest he $as "o!e for* he ha" "roppe" '&,e a$o+!"e" a!&%a'- he ha" "espa&re"* !ot thro+(h co$ar"&ce* b+t beca+se he ,!e$ that a!E!('&sh$o%a!2s$or" $o+'" a'$a#s o+t$e&(h h&s o$!) 4It &s fate*4 he sa&"- a!"* 4It &s fate*4 $he!

he $as &%pr&so!e" a!e$ after Moh+rra%) A'' that ex&ste"* &! that terr&b'e t&%e* $as affect&o!*a!" affect&o! $as a'' that he fe't &! the f&rst pa&!f+' %o%e!ts of h&s free"o%) 4h# &s!2t C#r&'fo''o$&!(6 3et +s t+r! bac,)4 0+t the process&o! co+'" !ot t+r! bac,) 3&,e a s!a,e &! a "ra&!* &ta"va!ce" "o$! the !arro$ ba.aar to$ar"s the bas&! of the Ma&"a!* $here &t $o+'" t+r! abo+t&tse'f* a!" "ec&"e o! &ts pre#)4/or$ar"* for$ar"*4 shr&e,e" Mah%o+" A'&* $hose ever# +ttera!ce ha" beco%e a #e'')4Do$! $&th the Co''ector* "o$! $&th the S+per&!te!"e!t of Po'&ce)44Mr) Mah%o+" A'&* th&s &s !ot $&se*4 &%p'ore" the Na$ab 0aha"+r: he ,!e$ that !oth&!( $as(a&!e" b# attac,&!( the E!('&sh* $ho ha" fa''e! &!to the&r o$! p&t a!" ha" better be 'eft there-%oreover* he ha" (reat possess&o!s a!" "eprecate" a!arch#)4C#r&'* a(a&! #o+ "esert*4 cr&e" A.&.)

47et so%e or"er'# "e%o!strat&o! &s !ecessar#*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah* 4other$&se the# $&'' st&''th&!, $e are afra&")44Do$! $&th the C&v&' S+r(eo! ) ) ) resc+e N+re""&!)44N+re""&!644The# are tort+r&!( h&%)44Oh* %# Go" ) ) )4for th&s* too* $as a fr&e!")4The# are !ot) I $&'' !ot have %# (ra!"so! %a"e a! exc+se for a! attac, o! the hosp&ta'*4the o'" %a! proteste")4The# are) Ca''e!"ar boaste" so before the tr&a') I hear" thro+(h the tatt&eshe sa&"* 2I havetort+re" that !&((er)244Oh* %# Go"* %# Go") ) ) ) He ca''e" h&% a !&((er* "&" he644The# p+t pepper &!stea" of a!t&sept&c o! the $o+!"s24Mr) Mah%o+" A'&* &%poss&b'e- a '&tt'e ro+(h!ess $&'' !ot h+rt the bo#* he !ee"s "&sc&p'&!e)44Pepper) C&v&' S+r(eo! sa&" so) The# hope to "estro# +s o!e b# o!e- the# sha'' fa&')4The !e$ &!9+r# 'ashe" the cro$" to f+r#) It ha" bee! a&%'ess h&therto* a!" ha" 'ac,e" a(r&eva!ce) he! the# reache" the Ma&"a! a!" sa$ the sa''o$ arca"es of the M&!to the# sha%b'e"to$ar"s &t ho$'&!() It $as !ear %&""a#) The earth a!" s,# $ere &!sa!e'# +('#* the sp&r&t of ev&' a(a&! stro"e abroa") The Na$ab 0aha"+r a'o!e str+(('e" a(a&!st &t* a!" to'" h&%se'f thatthe r+%o+r %+st be +!tr+e) He ha" see! h&s (ra!"so! &! the $ar" o!'# 'ast $ee,) 0+t he too$as carr&e" for$ar" over the !e$ prec&p&ce) To resc+e* to %a'treat Ma9or Ca''e!"ar &! reve!(e*a!" the! $as to co%e the t+r! of the c&v&' stat&o! (e!era''#)

0+t "&saster $as averte"* a!" averte" b# Dr) Pa!!a 3a')Dr) Pa!!a 3a' ha" offere" to (&ve $&t!ess for the prosec+t&o! &! the hope of p'eas&!( theE!('&sh* a'so beca+se he hate" A.&.) he! the case bro,e "o$!* he $as &! a ver# pa&!f+' pos&t&o!)He sa$ the crash co%&!( soo!er tha! %ost peop'e* s'&ppe" fro% the co+rt before Mr) Dasha" f&!&she"* a!" "rove Dapp'e off thro+(h the ba.aars* &! f'&(ht fro% the $rath to co%e) I! thehosp&ta' he sho+'" be safe* for Ma9or Ca''e!"ar $o+'" protect h&%) 0+t the Ma9or ha" !ot co%e*a!" !o$ th&!(s $ere $orse tha! ever* for here $as a %ob* e!t&re'# "es&ro+s of h&s b'oo"* a!"the or"er'&es $ere %+t&!o+s a!" $o+'" !ot he'' h&% over the bac, $a''* or rather ho&ste" h&%a!" 'et h&% "rop bac,* to the sat&sfact&o! of the pat&e!ts) I! a(o!# '&e cr&e"* 4Ma! ca! b+t "&ethe o!ce*4 a!" $a""'e" across the co%po+!" to %eet the &!vas&o!* sa'aa%&!( $&th o!e ha!"a!" ho'"&!( +p a pa'e #e''o$ +%bre''a &! the other) 4Oh* for(&ve %e*4 he $h&!e" as he approache"

the v&ctor&o+s 'a!"a+) 4 Oh* Dr) A.&.* for(&ve the $&c,e" '&es I to'")4 A.&. $as s&'e!t* theothers th&c,e!e" the&r throats a!" thre$ +p the&r ch&!s &! to,e! of scor!) 4I $as afra&"* I $as%&s'a&"*4 the s+pp'&a!t co!t&!+e") 4I $as %&s'a&" here* there* a!" ever#$here as re(ar"s #o+r



character) Oh* for(&ve the poor o'" ha,&% $ho (ave #o+ %&', $he! &''5 Oh* Na$ab 0aha"+r*$hoever %erc&f+'* &s &t %# poor '&tt'e "&spe!sar# #o+ re1+&re6 Ta,e ever# c+rse" bott'e)4 A(&tate"*

b+t a'ert* he sa$ the% s%&'e at h&s &!"&ffere!t E!('&sh* a!" s+""e!'# he starte" p'a#&!(the b+ffoo!* f'+!( "o$! h&s +%bre''a* tro" thro+(h &t* a!" str+c, h&%se'f +po! the !ose) He,!e$ $hat he $as "o&!(* a!" so "&" the#) There $as !oth&!( pathet&c or eter!a' &! the "e(ra"at&o!of s+ch a %a!) Of &(!ob'e or&(&!* Dr) Pa!!a 3a' possesse" !oth&!( that co+'" be "&s(race"*

a!" '&e $&se'# "ec&"e" to %a,e the other I!"&a!s fee' '&,e ,&!(s* beca+se &t $o+'" p+tthe% &!to better te%pers) he! he fo+!" the# $a!te" N+re""&!* he s,&ppe" '&,e a (oat* hesc+tt'e" '&,e a he! to "o the&r b&""&!(* the hosp&ta' $as save"* ar&" to the e!" of h&s '&fe heco+'" !ot +!"ersta!" $h# '&e ha" !ot obta&!e" pro%ot&o! o! the %or!&!(2s $or,) 4Pro%pt!ess*s&r* pro%pt!ess s&%&'ar to #o+*4 $as the ar(+%e!t he e%p'o#e" to Ma9or Ca''e!"ar $he! c'a&%&!(&t)he! N+re""&! e%er(e"* h&s face a'' ba!"a(e"* there $as a roar of re'&ef as tho+(h the0ast&'he ha" fa''e!) It $as the cr&s&s of the %arch* a!" the Na$ab 0aha"+r %a!a(e" to (et thes&t+at&o! &!to ha!") E%brac&!( the #o+!( %a! p+b'&c'#* he be(a! a speech abo+t ?+st&ce* Co+ra(e*3&bert#* a!" Pr+"e!ce* ra!(e" +!"er hea"s* $h&ch coo'e" the pass&o! of the cro$") Hef+rther a!!o+!ce" that he sho+'" (&ve +p h&s 0r&t&shco!ferre" t&t'e* a!" '&ve as a pr&vate (e!t'e%a!*

p'a&! Mr) L+'f&1ar* for $h&ch reaso! he $as &!sta!t'# procee"&!( to h&s co+!tr# seat) The'a!"a+ t+r!e"* the cro$" acco%pa!&e" &t* the cr&s&s $as over) The Marabar caves ha" bee! aterr&b'e stra&! o! the 'oca' a"%&!&strat&o!- the# a'tere" a (oo" %a!# '&ves a!" $rec,e" severa'careers* b+t the# "&" !ot brea, +p a co!t&!e!t or eve! "&s'ocate a "&str&ct)4e $&'' have re9o&c&!(s to!&(ht*4 the o'" %a! sa&") 4Mr) Ha%&"+''ah* I "ep+te #o+ to br&!(o+t o+r fr&e!"s /&e'"&!( a!" A%r&trao* a!" to "&scover $hether the 'atter $&'' re1+&re spec&a'foo") The others $&'' ,eep $&th %e) e sha'' !ot (o o+t to D&',+sha +!t&' the coo' of the eve!&!(*of co+rse) I "o !ot ,!o$ the fee'&!(s of other (e!t'e%e!- for %# o$! part* I have a s'&(hthea"ache* a!" I $&sh I ha" tho+(ht to as, o+r (oo" Pa!!a 3a' for asp&r&!)4/or the heat $as c'a&%&!( &ts o$!) U!ab'e to %a""e!* &t st+pef&e"* a!" before 'o!( %ost of the Cha!"rapore co%bata!ts $ere as'eep) Those &! the c&v&' stat&o! ,ept $atch a '&tt'e* fear&!(a! attac,* b+t prese!t'# the# too e!tere" the $or'" of "rea%sthat $or'" &! $h&ch a th&r" of each %a!2s '&fe &s spe!t* a!" $h&ch &s tho+(ht b# so%e pess&%&sts to be a pre%o!&t&o! of eter!&t#)CHAPTER ;IEve!&!( approache" b# the t&%e /&e'"&!( a!" M&ss Q+este" %et a!" ha" the f&rst of the&r !+%ero+s c+r&o+s co!versat&o!s) He ha" hope"* $he! he $o,e +p* to f&!" so%eo!e ha"fetche" her a$a#* b+t the Co''e(e re%a&!e" &so'ate" fro% the rest of the +!&verse) She as,e"$hether she co+'" have 4a sort of &!terv&e$*4 a!"* $he! he %a"e !o rep'#* sa&"* 4Have #o+ a!#exp'a!at&o! of %# extraor"&!ar# behav&o+r644No!e*4 he sa&" c+rt'#) 4h# %a,e s+ch a char(e &f #o+ $ere (o&!( to $&th"ra$ &t644h#* &!"ee")4

4I o+(ht to fee' (ratef+' to #o+* I s+ppose* b+t44I "o!2t expect (rat&t+"e) I o!'# tho+(ht #o+ %&(ht care to hear $hat I have to sa#)44Oh* $e''*4 he (r+%b'e"* fee'&!( rather schoo'bo#&sh* 4I "o!2t th&!, a "&sc+ss&o! bet$ee! +s&s "es&rab'e) To p+t &t fra!,'#* I be'o!( to the other s&"e &! th&s (hast'# affa&r)44o+'" &t !ot &!terest #o+ to hear %# s&"e644Not %+ch)44I sho+'"!2t te'' #o+ &! co!f&"e!ce* of co+rse) So #o+ ca! ha!" o! a'' %# re%ar,s to #o+r s&"e* for there &s o!e (reat %erc# that has co%e o+t of a'' to"a#2s %&ser#: I have !o 'o!(er a!#secrets) M# echo has (o!eI ca'' the b+..&!( so+!" &! %# ears a! echo) 7o+ see* I have bee!+!$e'' ever s&!ce that expe"&t&o! to the caves* a!" poss&b'# before &t)4The re%ar, &!tereste" h&% rather- &t $as $hat he ha" so%et&%es s+specte" h&%se'f) 4hat

,&!" of &''!ess64 be e!1+&re")She to+che" her hea" at the s&"e* the! shoo, &t)4That $as %# f&rst tho+(ht* the "a# of the arrest: ha''+c&!at&o!)4



4Do #o+ th&!, that $o+'" be so64 she as,e" $&th (reat h+%&'&t#) 4hat sho+'" have (&ve!%e a! ha''+c&!at&o!644O!e of three th&!(s certa&!'# happe!e" &! the Marabar*4 he sa&"* (ett&!( "ra$! &!to a "&sc+ss&o!a(a&!st h&s $&'') 4O!e of fo+r th&!(s) E&ther A.&. &s (+&'t#* $h&ch &s $hat #o+r fr&e!"sth&!,- or #o+ &!ve!te" the char(e o+t of %a'&ce* $h&ch &s $hat %# fr&e!"s th&!,- or #o+ haveha" a! ha''+c&!at&o!) I2% ver# %+ch &!c'&!e" 4 (ett&!( +p a!" str&"&!( abo+t4 !o$ that #o+

te'' %e that #o+ fe't +!$e'' before the expe"&t&o!&t2s a! &%porta!t p&ece of ev&"e!ceI be'&evethat #o+ #o+rse'f bro,e the strap of the f&e'"('asses- #o+ $ere a'o!e &! that cave the $ho'et&%e)44Perhaps) ) ) )44Ca! #o+ re%e%ber $he! #o+ f&rst fe't o+t of sorts644he! I ca%e to tea $&th #o+ there* &! that (ar"e!ho+se)44A so%e$hat +!'+c,# part#) A.&. a!" o'" Go"bo'e $ere both &'' after &t too)44I $as !ot &''&t &s far too va(+e to %e!t&o!: &t &s a'' %&xe" +p $&th %# pr&vate affa&rs) I e!9o#e"the s&!(&!( ) ) ) b+t 9+st abo+t the! a sort of sa"!ess be(a! that I co+'"!2t "etect at thet&%e ) ) ) !o* !oth&!( as so'&" as sa"!ess: '&v&!( at ha'f press+re expresses &t best) Ha'f press+re)I re%e%ber (o&!( o! to po'o $&th Mr) Heas'op at the Ma&"a!) ;ar&o+s other th&!(s happe!e"&t

"oes!2t %atter $hat* b+t I $as t&!"er par for a'' of the%) I $as certa&!'# &! that state $he! Isa$ the caves* a!" #o+ s+((est B!oth&!( shoc,s or h+rts %e #o+ s+((est that I ha" a!ha''+c&!at&o!there* the sort of th&!(tho+(h &! a! a$f+' for%that %a,es so%e $o%e! th&!, the#2ve ha" a! offer of %arr&a(e $he! !o!e $as %a"e)447o+ p+t &t ho!est'#* a!#ho$)44I $as bro+(ht +p to be ho!est- the tro+b'e &s &t (ets %e !o$here)43&,&!( her better* he s%&'e" a!" sa&"* 4It2'' (et +s to heave!)44 &'' &t644If heave! ex&ste")44Do #o+ !ot be'&eve &! heave!* Mr) /&e'"&!(* %a# I as,64 she sa&"* 'oo,&!( at h&% sh#'#)4I "o !ot) 7et I be'&eve that ho!est# (ets +s there44Ho$ ca! that be6443et +s (o bac, to ha''+c&!at&o!s) I $as $atch&!( #o+ caref+''# thro+(h #o+r ev&"e!ce th&s%or!&!(* a!" &f I2% r&(ht* the ha''+c&!at&o! B$hat #o+ ca'' ha'f press+re1+&te as (oo" a $or""&sappeare" s+""e!'#)4She tr&e" to re%e%ber $hat she ha" fe't &! co+rt* b+t co+'" !ot- the v&s&o! "&sappeare"$he!ever she $&she" to &!terpret &t) 4Eve!ts prese!te" the%se'ves to %e &! the&r 'o(&ca' se1+e!ce*4$as $hat she sa&"* b+t &t ha"!2t bee! that at a'')4M# be'&efa!" of co+rse I $as '&ste!&!( caref+''#* &! hope #o+ $o+'" %a,e so%e s'&p%#

be'&ef &s that poor Mc0r#"e exorc&se" #o+) As soo! as he as,e" #o+ a stra&(htfor$ar" 1+est&o!*

#o+ (ave a stra&(htfor$ar" a!s$er* a!" bro,e "o$!)44Exorc&se &! that se!se) I tho+(ht #o+ %ea!t I2" see! a (host)44I "o!2t (o to that 'e!(th544Peop'e $ho% I respect ver# %+ch be'&eve &! (hosts*4 she sa&" rather sharp'#) 4M# fr&e!"Mrs) Moore "oes)44She2s a! o'" 'a"#)44I th&!, #o+ !ee" !ot be &%po'&te to her* as $e'' as to her so!)44I "&" !ot &!te!" to be r+"e) I o!'# %ea!t &t &s "&ff&c+'t* as $e (et o! &! '&fe* to res&st thes+per!at+ra')I2ve fe't &t co%&!( o! %e %#se'f) I st&'' 9o( o! $&tho+t &t* b+t $hat a te%ptat&o!* atfort#f&ve* to prete!" that the "ea" '&ve a(a&!- o!e2s o$! "ea"- !o o!e e'se2s %atter)4

40eca+se the "ea" "o!2t '&ve a(a&!)44I fear !ot)44So "o I)4



There $as a %o%e!t2s s&'e!ce* s+ch as ofte! fo''o$s the tr&+%ph of rat&o!a'&s%) The! heapo'o(&.e" ha!"so%e'# e!o+(h for h&s behav&o+r to Heas'op at the c'+b)4hat "oes Dr) A.&. sa# of %e64 she as,e"* after a!other pa+se)4Hehe has !ot bee! capab'e of tho+(ht &! h&s %&ser#* !at+ra''# he2s ver# b&tter*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(*a '&tt'e a$,$ar"* beca+se s+ch re%ar,s as A.&. ha" %a"e $ere !ot %ere'# b&tter* the# $erefo+') The +!"er'#&!( !ot&o! $as* 4It "&s(races %e to have bee! %e!t&o!e" &! co!!ect&o! $&th

s+ch a ha()4 It e!ra(e" h&% that he ha" bee! acc+se" b# a $o%a! $ho ha" !o perso!a' bea+t#- sex+a''#* he $as a s!ob) Th&s ha" p+..'e" a!" $orr&e" /&e'"&!() Se!s+a'&t#* as 'o!( as &t&s stra&(htfor$ar"* "&" !ot repe' h&%* b+t th&s "er&ve" se!s+a'&t#the sort that c'asses a %&stressa%o!( %otorcars &f she &s bea+t&f+'* a!" a%o!( e#ef'&es &f she &s!2t$as a'&e! to h&s o$!e%ot&o!s*a!" he fe't a barr&er bet$ee! h&%se'f a! A.&. $he!ever &t arose) It $as* &! a !e$ for%*the o'"* o'" tro+b'e that eats the heart o+t of ever# c&v&'&.at&o!: s!obber#* the "es&re for possess&o!s*cre"&tab'e appe!"a(es- a!" &t &s to escape th&s rather tha! the '+sts of the f'esh thatsa&!ts retreat &!to the H&%a'a#as) To cha!(e the s+b9ect* he sa&"* 40+t 'et %e co!c'+"e %#a!a'#s&s) e are a(ree" that he &s !ot a v&''a&! a!" that #o+ are !ot o!e* a!" $e are!2t rea''#s+re that &t $as a! ha''+c&!at&o!) There2s a fo+rth poss&b&'&t# $h&ch $e %+st to+ch o!: $as &t

so%ebo"# e'se644The (+&"e)44Exact'#* the (+&"e) I ofte! th&!, so) U!'+c,&'# A.&. h&t h&% o! the face* a!" he (ot a fr&(hta!" "&sappeare") It &s %ost +!sat&sfactor#* a!" $e ha"!2t the po'&ce to he'p +s* the (+&"e $as of !o &!terest to the%)44Perhaps &t $as the (+&"e*4 she sa&" 1+&et'#- the 1+est&o! ha" 'ost &!terest for her s+""e!'#)4Or co+'" &t have bee! o!e of that (a!( of Patha!s $ho have bee! "r&ft&!( thro+(h the "&str&ct644So%eo!e $ho $as &! a!other cave* a!" fo''o$e" %e $he! the (+&"e $as 'oo,&!( a$a#6Poss&b'#)4At that %o%e!t Ha%&"+''ah 9o&!e" the%* a!" see%e" !ot too p'ease" to f&!" the% c'osete"to(ether) 3&,e ever#o!e e'se &! Cha!"rapore* he co+'" %a,e !oth&!( of M&ss Q+este"2s co!"+ct)He ha" overhear" the&r 'ast re%ar,) 4H+''o* %# "ear /&e'"&!(*4 he sa&") 4So I r+! #o+ "o$! at'ast) Ca! #o+ co%e o+t at o!ce to D&',+sha644At o!ce644I hope to 'eave &! a %o%e!t* "o!2t 'et %e &!terr+pt*4 sa&" A"e'a)4The te'epho!e has bee! bro,e!- M&ss Q+este" ca!2t r&!( +p her fr&e!"s*4 he exp'a&!e")4A (reat "ea' has bee! bro,e!* %ore tha! $&'' ever be %e!"e"*4 sa&" the other) 4St&''* theresho+'" be so%e $a# of tra!sport&!( th&s 'a"# bac, to the c&v&' '&!es) The reso+rces of c&v&'&.at&o!are !+%ero+s)4 He spo,e $&tho+t 'oo,&!( at M&ss Q+este"* a!" he &(!ore" the s'&(ht %ove%e!tshe %a"e to$ar"s h&% $&th her ha!")/&e'"&!(* $ho tho+(ht the %eet&!( %&(ht as $e'' be fr&e!"'#* sa&"* 4M&ss Q+este" has bee!

exp'a&!&!( a '&tt'e abo+t her co!"+ct of th&s %or!&!()44Perhaps the a(e of %&rac'es has ret+r!e") O!e %+st be prepare" for ever#th&!(* o+r ph&'osopherssa#)44It %+st have see%e" a %&rac'e to the o!'oo,ers*4 sa&" A"e'a* a""ress&!( h&% !ervo+s'#)4The fact &s that I rea'&.e" before &t $as too 'ate that I ha" %a"e a %&sta,e* a!" ha" 9+ste!o+(h prese!ce of %&!" to sa# so) That &s a'' %# extraor"&!ar# co!"+ct a%o+!ts to)44A'' &t a%o+!ts to* &!"ee"*4 he retorte"* 1+&ver&!( $&th ra(e b+t ,eep&!( h&%se'f &! ha!"* for he fe't she %&(ht be sett&!( a!other trap) 4Spea,&!( as a pr&vate &!"&v&"+a'* &! a p+re'# &!for%a'co!versat&o!* I a"%&re" #o+r co!"+ct* a!" I $as "e'&(hte" $he! o+r $ar%hearte" st+"e!ts(ar'a!"e" #o+) 0+t* '&,e Mr) /&e'"&!(* I a% s+rpr&se"- &!"ee"* s+rpr&se &s too $ea, a $or") I see#o+ "ra( %# best fr&e!" &!to the "&rt* "a%a(e h&s hea'th a!" r+&! h&s prospects &! a $a# #o+

ca!!ot co!ce&ve o$&!( to #o+r &(!ora!ce of o+r soc&et# a!" re'&(&o!* a!" the! s+""e!'# #o+ (et+p &! the $&t!essbox: 2Oh !o* Mr) Mc0r#"e* after a'' I a% !ot 1+&te s+re* #o+ %a# as $e'' 'eth&% (o)2 A% I %a"6 I ,eep as,&!( %#se'f) Is &t a "rea%* a!" &f so* $he! "&" &t start6 A!" $&tho+t



"o+bt &t &s a "rea% that has !ot #et f&!&she") /or I (ather #o+ have !ot "o!e $&th +s #et*a!" &t &s !o$ the t+r! of the poor o'" (+&"e $ho co!"+cte" #o+ ro+!" the caves)44Not at a''* $e $ere o!'# "&sc+ss&!( poss&b&'&t&es*4 &!terpose" /&e'"&!()4A! &!terest&!( past&%e* b+t a 'e!(th# o!e) There are o!e h+!"re" a!" seve!t# %&''&o! I!"&a!s&! th&s !otab'e pe!&!s+'a* a!" of co+rse o!e or other of the% e!tere" the cave) Of co+rseso%e I!"&a! &s the c+'pr&t* $e %+st !ever "o+bt that) A!" s&!ce* %# "ear /&e'"&!(* these

poss&b&'&t&es$&'' ta,e #o+ so%e t&%e 4here he p+t h&s ar% over the E!('&sh%a!2s sho+'"er a!"s$a#e" h&% to a!" fro (e!t'#4 "o!2t #o+ th&!, #o+ ha" better co%e o+t to the Na$ab0aha"+r2sor I sho+'" sa# to Mr) L+'f&1ar2s* for that &s the !a%e he !o$ re1+&res +s to ca'' h&%

b#)44G'a"'#* &! a %&!+te ) ) )44I have 9+st sett'e" %# %ove%e!ts*4 sa&" M&ss Q+este") 4I sha'' (o to the Da, 0+!(a'o$)44Not the T+rto!s26 4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah* (o(('ee#e") 4I tho+(ht #o+ $ere the&r (+est)4The Da, 0+!(a'o$ of Cha!"rapore $as be'o$ the avera(e* a!" certa&!'# serva!t'ess) /&e'"&!(*tho+(h he co!t&!+e" to s$a# $&th Ha%&"+''ah* $as th&!,&!( o! &!"epe!"e!t '&!es* a!" sa&"&! a %o%e!t: 4I have a better &"ea tha! that* M&ss Q+este") 7o+ %+st stop here at the Co''e(e)

I sha'' be a$a# at 'east t$o "a#s* a!" #o+ ca! have the p'ace e!t&re'# to #o+rse'f* a!" %a,e#o+r p'a!s at #o+r co!ve!&e!ce)44I "o!2t a(ree at a''*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah* $&th ever# s#%pto% of "&s%a#) 4The &"ea &s a thoro+(h'#

ba" o!e) There %a# 1+&te $e'' be a!other "e%o!strat&o! to!&(ht* a!" s+ppose a! attac, &s %a"e o! the Co''e(e) 7o+ $o+'" be he'" respo!s&b'e for th&s 'a"#2s safet#* %# "ear fe''o$)44The# %&(ht e1+a''# attac, the Da, 0+!(a'o$)44Exact'#* b+t the respo!s&b&'&t# there ceases to be #o+rs)44Q+&te so) I have (&ve! tro+b'e e!o+(h)44Do #o+ hear6 The 'a"# a"%&ts &t herse'f) It2s !ot a! attac, fro% o+r peop'e I fear#o+sho+'" see the&r or"er'# co!"+ct at the hosp&ta'- $hat $e %+st (+ar" a(a&!st &s a! attac, secret'#arra!(e" b# the po'&ce for the p+rpose of "&scre"&t&!( #o+) Mc0r#"e ,eeps p'e!t# of ro+(hs for th&s p+rpose* a!" th&s $o+'" be the ver# opport+!&t# for h&%)44Never %&!") She &s !ot (o&!( to the Da, 0+!(a'o$*4 sa&" /&e'"&!() He ha" a !at+ra' s#%path#for the "o$!tro""e!that $as part'# $h# he ra''&e" fro% A.&.a!" ha" beco%e "eter%&!e"!ot to 'eave the poor (&r' &! the '+rch) A'so* he ha" a !e$bor! respect for her* co!se1+e!to! the&r ta',) A'tho+(h her har" schoo'%&stress# %a!!er re%a&!e"* she $as !o 'o!(er exa%&!&!( '&fe* b+t be&!( exa%&!e" b# &t- she ha" beco%e a rea' perso!)4The! $here &s she to (o6 e sha'' !ever have "o!e $&th her54 /or M&ss Q+este" ha" !otappea'e" to Ha%&"+''ah) If she ha" sho$! e%ot&o! &! co+rt* bro,e "o$!* beat her breast* a!"&!vo,e" the !a%e of Go"* she $o+'" have s+%%o!e" forth h&s &%a(&!at&o! a!" (e!eros&t#heha" p'e!t# of both) 0+t $h&'e re'&ev&!( the Or&e!ta' %&!"* she ha" ch&''e" &t* $&th the res+'t that

'&e co+'" scarce'# be'&eve she $as s&!cere* a!" &!"ee" fro% h&s sta!"po&!t she $as !ot) /or her behav&o+r reste" o! co'" 9+st&ce a!" ho!est#- she ha" fe't* $h&'e she reca!te"* !o pass&o! of 'ove for those $ho% she ha" $ro!(e") Tr+th &s !ot tr+th &! that exact&!( 'a!" +!'ess there (o$&th &t ,&!"!ess a!" %ore ,&!"!ess a!" ,&!"!ess a(a&!* +!'ess the or" that $as $&th Go" a'so&s Go") A!" the (&r'2s sacr&f&ceso cre"&tab'e accor"&!( to ester! !ot&o!s$as r&(ht'# re9ecte"*

beca+se* tho+(h &t ca%e fro% her heart* &t "&" !ot &!c'+"e her heart) A fe$ (ar'a!"s fro% st+"e!ts$as a'' that I!"&a ever (ave her &! ret+r!)40+t $here &s she to have her "&!!er* $here &s she to s'eep6 I sa# here* here* a!" &f she &sh&t o! the hea" b# ro+(hs* she &s h&t o! the hea") That &s %# co!tr&b+t&o!) e''* M&ss Q+este"6447o+ are ver# ,&!") I sho+'" have sa&" #es* I th&!,* b+t I a(ree $&th Mr) Ha%&"+''ah) I %+st(&ve !o %ore tro+b'e to #o+) I be'&eve %# best p'a! &s to ret+r! to the T+rto!s* a!" see &f the#

$&'' a''o$ %e to s'eep* a!" &f the# t+r! %e a$a# I %+st (o to the Da,) The Co''ector $o+'" ta,e%e &!* I ,!o$* b+t Mrs) T+rto! sa&" th&s %or!&!( that she $o+'" !ever see %e a(a&!)4 Shespo,e $&tho+t b&tter!ess* or* as Ha%&"+''ah tho+(ht* $&tho+t proper pr&"e) Her a&% $as to ca+se



the %&!&%+% of a!!o#a!ce)4/ar better stop here tha! expose #o+rse'f to &!s+'ts fro% that prepostero+s $o%a!)44Do #o+ f&!" her prepostero+s6 I +se" to) I "o!2t !o$)44e''* here2s o+r so'+t&o!*4 sa&" the barr&ster* $ho ha" ter%&!ate" h&s s'&(ht'# %&!ator# caressa!" stro''e" to the $&!"o$) 4Here co%es the C&t# Ma(&strate) He co%es &! a th&r"c'ass

ba!"(har& for p+rposes of "&s(+&se* he co%es +!atte!"e"* b+t here co%es the C&t# Ma(&strate)4

4At 'ast*4 sa&" A"e'a sharp'#* $h&ch ca+se" /&e'"&!( to ('a!ce at her)4He co%es* he co%es* he co%es) I cr&!(e) I tre%b'e)44&'' #o+ as, h&% $hat he $a!ts* Mr) /&e'"&!(644He $a!ts #o+* of co+rse)44He %a# !ot eve! ,!o$ I2% here)44I2'' see h&% f&rst* &f #o+ prefer)4he! he ha" (o!e* Ha%&"+''ah sa&" to her b&t&!('#: 4Rea''#* rea''#) Nee" #o+ have expose"Mr) /&e'"&!( to th&s f+rther "&sco%fort6 He &s far too co!s&"erate)4 She %a"e !o rep'#* a!" there$as co%p'ete s&'e!ce bet$ee! the% +!t&' the&r host ret+r!e")4He has so%e !e$s for #o+*4 he sa&") 47o+2'' f&!" h&% o! the vera!"ah) He prefers !ot toco%e &!)4

4Does he te'' %e to co%e o+t to h&%644hether he te''s #o+ or !ot* #o+ $&'' (o* I th&!,*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah)She pa+se"* the! sa&"* 4Perfect'# r&(ht*4 a!" the! sa&" a fe$ $or"s of tha!,s to the Pr&!c&pa'for h&s ,&!"!ess to her "+r&!( the "a#)4Tha!, (oo"!ess* that2s over*4 he re%ar,e"* !ot escort&!( her to the vera!"ah* for he he'"&t +!!ecessar# to see Ro!!# a(a&!)4It $as &!s+'t&!( of h&% !ot to co%e &!)44He co+'"!2t ver# $e'' after %# behav&o+r to h&% at the C'+b) Heas'op "oes!2t co%e o+t

ba"'#) 0es&"es* /ate has treate" h&% prett# ro+(h'# to"a#) He has ha" a cab'e to the effect thath&s %other2s "ea"* poor o'" so+')44Oh* rea''#) Mrs) Moore) I2% sorr#*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah rather &!"&ffere!t'#)4She "&e" at sea)44The heat* I s+ppose)44Pres+%ab'#)44Ma# &s !o %o!th to a''o$ a! o'" 'a"# to trave' &!)44Q+&te so) Heas'op o+(ht !ever to have 'et her (o* a!" he ,!o$s &t) Sha'' $e be off6443et +s $a&t +!t&' the happ# co+p'e 'eave the co%po+!" c'ear ) ) ) the# rea''# are &!to'erab'e"a$"'&!( there) Ah $e''* /&e'"&!(* #o+ "o!2t be'&eve &! Prov&"e!ce* I re%e%ber) I "o) Th&s &sHeas'op2s p+!&sh%e!t for ab"+ct&!( o+r $&t!ess &! or"er to stop +s estab'&sh&!( o+r a'&b&)447o+ (o rather too far there) The poor o'" 'a"#2s ev&"e!ce co+'" have ha" !o va'+e* sho+ta!" shr&e, Mah%o+" A'& as he $&'') She co+'"!2t see tho+(h the 8a$a Do' eve! &f she ha"

$a!te" to) O!'# M&ss Q+este" co+'" have save" h&%)44She 'ove" A.&.* he sa#s* a'so I!"&a* a!" he 'ove" her)443ove &s of !o va'+e &! a $&t!ess* as a barr&ster o+(ht to ,!o$) 0+t I see there &s abo+t to bea! Es%&ss Es%oor 'e(e!" at Cha!"rapore* %# "ear Ha%&"+&'ah* a!" I $&'' !ot &%pe"e &ts(ro$th)4The other s%&'e"* a!" 'oo,e" at h&s $atch) The# both re(rette" the "eath* b+t the# $ere%&""'ea(e" %e!* $ho ha" &!veste" the&r e%ot&o!s e'se$here* a!" o+tb+rsts of (r&ef co+'" !ot

be expecte" fro% the% over a s'&(ht ac1+a&!ta!ce) It2s o!'# o!e2s o$! "ea" $ho %atter) If for a%o%e!t the se!se of co%%+!&o! &! sorro$ ca%e to the%* &t passe") Ho$ &!"ee" &s &t poss&b'efor o!e h+%a! be&!( to be sorr# for a'' the sa"!ess that %eets h&% o! the face of the earth* for the pa&! that &s e!"+re" !ot o!'# b# %e!* b+t b# a!&%a's a!" p'a!ts* a!" perhaps b# the

sto!es6 The so+' &s t&re" &! a %o%e!t* a!" &! fear of 'os&!( the '&tt'e she "oes +!"ersta!"* sheretreats to the per%a!e!t '&!es $h&ch hab&t or cha!ce have "&ctate"* a!" s+ffers there) /&e'"&!(ha" %et the "ea" $o%a! o!'# t$o or three t&%es* Ha%&"+''ah ha" see! her &! the "&sta!ce



o!ce* a!" the# $ere far %ore occ+p&e" $&th the co%&!( (ather&!( at D&',+sha* the 4v&ctor#4"&!!er* for $h&ch the# $o+'" be %ost v&ctor&o+s'# 'ate) The# a(ree" !ot to te'' A.&. abo+t Mrs)Moore t&'' the %orro$* beca+se he $as fo!" of her* a!" the ba" !e$s %&(ht spo&' h&s f+!)4Oh* th&s &s +!bearab'e54 %+ttere" Ha%&"+''ah) /or M&ss Q+este" $as bac, a(a&!)4Mr) /&e'"&!(* has Ro!!# to'" #o+ of th&s !e$ %&sfort+!e64He bo$e")

4Ah %e54 She sat "o$!* a!" see%e" to st&ffe! &!to a %o!+%e!t)4Heas'op &s $a&t&!( for #o+* I th&!,)44I "o so 'o!( to be a'o!e) She $as %# best fr&e!"* far %ore to %e tha! to h&%) I ca!2t bear to be $&th Ro!!# ) ) ) I ca!2t exp'a&! ) ) ) Co+'" #o+ "o %e the ver# (reat ,&!"!ess of 'ett&!( %estop after a''64Ha%&"+''ah s$ore v&o'e!t'# &! the ver!ac+'ar)4I sho+'" be p'ease"* b+t "oes Mr) Heas'op $&sh &t644I "&"!2t as, h&%* $e are too %+ch +pset&t2s so co%p'ex* !ot '&,e $hat +!happ&!ess &s s+ppose"to be) Each of +s o+(ht to be a'o!e* a!" th&!,) Do co%e a!" see Ro!!# a(a&!)44I th&!, he sho+'" co%e &! th&s t&%e*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* fee'&!( that th&s %+ch $as "+e to h&so$! "&(!&t#) 4Do as, h&% to co%e)4

She ret+r!e" $&th h&%) He $as ha'f %&serab'e* ha'f arro(a!t&!"ee"* a stra!(e %&x+pa!" bro,e at o!ce &!to +!eve! speech) 4I ca%e to br&!( M&ss Q+este" a$a#* b+t her v&s&t to the T+rto!shas e!"e"* a!" there &s !o other arra!(e%e!ts so far* %&!e are bache'or 1+arters !o$4/&e'"&!( stoppe" h&% co+rteo+s'#) 4Sa# !o %ore* M&ss Q+este" stops here) I o!'# $a!te" to

be ass+re" of #o+r approva') M&ss Q+este"* #o+ ha" better se!" for #o+r o$! serva!t &f he ca! be fo+!"* b+t I $&'' 'eave or"ers $&th %&!e to "o a'' the# ca! for #o+* a'so I2'' 'et the Sco+ts,!o$) The# have (+ar"e" the Co''e(e ever s&!ce &t $as c'ose"* a!" %a# as $e'' (o o!) I rea''#th&!, #o+2'' be as safe here as a!#$here) I sha'' be bac, Th+rs"a#)4Mea!$h&'e Ha%&"+''ah* "eter%&!e" to spare the e!e%# !o &!c&"e!ta' pa&!* ha" sa&" toRo!!#: 4e hear* s&r* that #o+r %other has "&e") Ma# $e as, $here the cab'e ca%e fro%644A"e!)44Ah* #o+ $ere boast&!( she ha" reache" A"e!* &! co+rt)440+t she "&e" o! 'eav&!( 0o%ba#*4 bro,e &! A"e'a) 4She $as "ea" $he! the# ca''e" her !a%e th&s %or!&!() She %+st have bee! b+r&e" at sea)4So%eho$ th&s stoppe" Ha%&"+''ah* a!" he "es&ste" fro% h&s br+ta'&t#* $h&ch ha" shoc,e"/&e'"&!( %ore tha! a!#o!e e'se) He re%a&!e" s&'e!t $h&'e the "eta&'s of M&ss Q!este"2s occ+pat&o!of the Co''e(e $ere arra!(e"* %ere'# re%ar,&!( to Ro!!#* 4It &s c'ear'# to be +!"erstoo"*s&r* that !e&ther Mr) /&e'"&!( !or a!# of +s are respo!s&b'e for th&s 'a"#2s safet# at Gover!%e!tCo''e(e*4 to $h&ch Ro!!# a(ree") After that* he $atche" the se%&ch&va'ro+s behav&!(s of thethree E!('&sh $&th 1+&et a%+se%e!t- he tho+(ht /&e'"&!( ha" bee! &!cre"&b'# s&''# a!" $ea,*a!" he $as a%a.e" b# the #o+!(er peop'e2s $a!t of proper pr&"e) he! the# $ere "r&v&!( o+t

to D&',+sha* ho+rs 'ate* he sa&" to A%r&trao* $ho acco%pa!&e" the%: 4Mr) A%r&trao* have #o+co!s&"ere" $hat s+% M&ss Q+este" o+(ht to pa# as co%pe!sat&o!644T$e!t# tho+sa!" r+pees)4

No %ore $as the! sa&"* b+t the re%ar, horr&f&e" /&e'"&!() He co+'"!2t bear to th&!, of the1+eer ho!est (&r' 'os&!( her %o!e# a!" poss&b'# her #o+!( %a! too) She a"va!ce" &!to h&sco!sc&o+s!esss+""e!'#) A!"* fat&(+e" b# the %erc&'ess a!" e!or%o+s "a#* he 'ost h&s +s+a' sa!ev&e$ of h+%a! &!terco+rse* a!" fe't that $e ex&st !ot &! o+rse'ves* b+t &! ter%s of each others2%&!"sa !ot&o! for $h&ch 'o(&c offers !o s+pport a!" $h&ch ha" attac,e" h&% o!'# o!ce before*the eve!&!( after the catastrophe* $he! fro% the vera!"ah of the c'+b he sa$ the f&sts a!" f&!(ersof the Marabar s$e'' +!t&' the# &!c'+"e" the $ho'e !&(ht s,#)

CHAPTER ;II4A.&.* are #o+ a$a,e644No* so 'et +s have a ta',- 'et +s "rea% p'a!s for the f+t+re)4



4I a% +se'ess at "rea%&!()44Goo" !&(ht the!* "ear fe''o$)4The ;&ctor# 0a!1+et $as over* a!" the reve''ers 'a# o! the roof of p'a&! Mr) L+'f&1ar2s %a!s&o!*as'eep* or (a.&!( thro+(h %os1+&to !ets at the stars) Exact'# above the&r hea"s h+!( theco!ste''at&o! of the 3&o!* the "&sc of Re(+'+s so 'ar(e a!" br&(ht that &t rese%b'e" a t+!!e'* a!"$he! th&s fa!c# $as accepte" a'' the other stars see%e" t+!!e's too)

4Are #o+ co!te!t $&th o+r "a#2s $or,* C#r&'64 the vo&ce o! h&s 'eft co!t&!+e")4Are #o+644Except that I ate too %+ch) 2Ho$ &s sto%ach* ho$ hea"6 2I sa#* /a+!a 3a' a!" Ca''e!"ar2''(et the sac,)44There2'' be a (e!era' %ove at Cha!"rapore)44A!" #o+2'' (et pro%ot&o!)44The# ca!2t $e'' %ove %e "o$!* $hatever the&r fee'&!(s)44I! a!# case $e spe!" o+r ho'&"a#s to(ether* a!" v&s&t 8ash%&r* poss&b'# Pers&a* for I sha''have p'e!t# of %o!e#) Pa&" to %e o! acco+!t of the &!9+r# s+sta&!e" b# %# character*4 he exp'a&!e"$&th c#!&ca' ca'%) 4h&'e $&th %e #o+ sha'' !ever spe!" a s&!('e p&e) Th&s &s $hat I havea'$a#s $&she"* a!" as the res+'t of %# %&sfort+!es &t has co%e)4

47o+ have $o! a (reat v&ctor# ) ) )4 be(a! /&e'"&!()4I ,!o$* %# "ear chap* I ,!o$- #o+r vo&ce !ee" !ot beco%e so so'e%! a!" a!x&o+s) I ,!o$$hat #o+ are (o&!( to sa# !ext: 3et* oh 'et M&ss Q+este" off pa#&!(* so that the E!('&sh %a#sa#* 2Here &s a !at&ve $ho has act+a''# behave" '&,e a (e!t'e%a!- &f &t $as !ot for h&s b'ac, face$e $o+'" a'%ost a''o$ h&% to 9o&! o+r c'+b)2 The approva' of #o+r co%patr&ots !o 'o!(er &!terests%e* I have beco%e a!t&0r&t&sh* a!" o+(ht to have "o!e so soo!er* &t $o+'" have save" %e!+%ero+s %&sfort+!es)44I!c'+"&!( ,!o$&!( %e)44I sa#* sha'' $e (o a!" po+r $afer o! to Moha%%e" 3at&f2s face6 He &s so f+!!# $he! th&s &s"o!e to h&% as'eep)4The re%ar, $as !ot a 1+est&o! b+t a f+''stop) /&e'"&!( accepte" &t as s+ch a!" there $as a

pa+se* p'easa!t'# f&''e" b# a '&tt'e $&!" $h&ch %a!a(e" to br+sh the top of the ho+se) The ba!1+et*tho+(h r&oto+s* ha" bee! a(reeab'e* a!" !o$ the b'ess&!(s of 'e&s+re+!,!o$! to theest* $h&ch e&ther $or,s or &"'es"esce!"e" o! the %ot'e# co%pa!#) C&v&'&.at&o! stra#s abo+t'&,e a (host here* rev&s&t&!( the r+&!s of e%p&re* a!" &s to be fo+!" !ot &! (reat $or,s of art or %&(ht# "ee"s* b+t &! the (est+res $e''bre" I!"&a!s %a,e $he! the# s&t or '&e "o$!) /&e'"&!(*$ho ha" "resse" +p &! !at&ve cost+%e* 'ear!t fro% h&s excess&ve a$,$ar"!ess &! &t that a'' h&s%ot&o!s $ere %a,esh&fts* $hereas $he! the Na$ab 0aha"+r stretche" o+t h&s ha!" for foo" or

N+re""&! app'a+"e" a so!(* so%eth&!( bea+t&f+' ha" bee! acco%p'&she" $h&ch !ee"e" !o"eve'op%e!t)Th&s restf+'!ess of (est+re&t &s the Peace that passeth U!"ersta!"&!(* after a''* &t &s

the soc&a' e1+&va'e!t of 7o(a) he! the $h&rr&!( of act&o! ceases* &t beco%es v&s&b'e* a!" revea'sa c&v&'&.at&o! $h&ch the est ca! "&st+rb b+t $&'' !ever ac1+&re) The ha!" stretches o+t for ever* the '&fte" ,!ee has the eter!&t# tho+(h !ot the sa"!ess of the (rave) A.&. $as f+'' ofc&v&'&.at&o!th&s eve!&!(* co%p'ete* "&(!&f&e"* rather har"* a!" &t $as $&th "&ff&"e!ce that the other sa&": 47es* certa&!'# #o+ %+st 'et off M&ss Q+este" eas&'#) She %+st pa# a'' #o+r costs* that &so!'# fa&r* b+t "o !ot treat her '&,e a co!1+ere" e!e%#)44Is she $ea'th#5 I "ep+te #o+ to f&!" o+t)44The s+%s %e!t&o!e" at "&!!er $he! #o+ a'' (ot so exc&te"the# $o+'" r+&! her* the# are

perfect'# prepostero+s) 3oo, here ) ) )44I a% 'oo,&!(* tho+(h &t (ets a b&t "ar,) I see C#r&' /&e'"&!( to be a ver# !&ce chap &!"ee"

a!" %# best fr&e!"* b+t &! so%e $a#s a foo') 7o+ th&!, that b# 'ett&!( M&ss Q+este" off eas&'# Isha'' %a,e a better rep+tat&o! for %#se'f a!" I!"&a!s (e!era''#) No* !o) It $&'' be p+t "o$! to$ea,!ess a!" the atte%pt to (a&! pro%ot&o! off&c&a''#) I have "ec&"e" to have !oth&!( %ore to



"o $&th 0r&t&sh I!"&a* as a %atter of fact) I sha'' see, serv&ce &! so%e Mos'e% State* s+ch asH#"eraba"* 0hopa'* $here E!('&shr!e! ca!!ot &!s+'t %e a!# %ore) Do!2t co+!se' %e other$&se)44I! the co+rse of a 'o!( ta', $&th M&ss Q+este" ) ) )44I "o!2t $a!t to hear #o+r 'o!( ta',s)440e 1+&et) I! the co+rse of a 'o!( ta', $&th M&ss Q+este" I have be(+! to +!"ersta!" her character) It2s !ot a! eas# o!e* she be&!( a pr&() 0+t she &s perfect'# (e!+&!e a!" ver# brave)

he! she sa$ she $as $ro!(* she p+''e" herse'f +p $&th a 9er, a!" sa&" so) I $a!t #o+ to rea'&.e$hat that %ea!s) A'' her fr&e!"s aro+!" her* the e!t&re 0r&t&sh Ra9 p+sh&!( her for$ar") Shestops* se!"s the $ho'e th&!( to s%&theree!s) I! her p'ace I sho+'" have f+!,e" &t) 0+t shestoppe"* a!" a'%ost "&" she beco%e a !at&o!a' hero&!e* b+t %# st+"e!ts ra! +s "o$! a s&"estreet before the cro$" ca+(ht f'a%e) Do treat her co!s&"erate'#) She rea''# %+st!2t (et the$orst of both $or'"s) I ,!o$ $hat a'' these 4he &!"&cate" the shro+"e" for%s o! the roof4$&'' $a!t* b+t #o+ %+st!2t '&ste! to the%) 0e %erc&f+') Act '&,e o!e of #o+r s&x Mo(+' E%perors*or a'' the s&x ro''e" &!to o!e)44Not eve! Mo(+' E%perors sho$e" %erc# +!t&' the# rece&ve" a! apo'o(#)44She2'' apo'o(&.e &f that2s the tro+b'e*4 he cr&e"* s&tt&!( +p) 43oo,* I2'' %a,e #o+ a! offer) D&ctateto %e $hatever for% of $or"s #o+ '&,e* a!" th&s t&%e to%orro$ I2'' br&!( &t bac, s&(!e")

Th&s &s !ot &!stea" of a!# p+b'&c apo'o(# she %a# %a,e #o+ &! 'a$) It2s a! a""&t&o!)442Dear Dr) A.&.* I $&sh #o+ ha" co%e &!to the cave- I a% a! a$f+' o'" ha(* a!" &t &s %# 'astcha!ce)2 &'' she s&(! that64e'' (oo" !&(ht* (oo" !&(ht* &t2s t&%e to (o to s'eep* after that)44Goo" !&(ht* I s+ppose &t &s)44Oh* I $&sh #o+ $o+'"!2t %a,e that ,&!" of re%ar,*4 he co!t&!+e" after a pa+se) 4It &s theo!e th&!( &! #o+ I ca!2t p+t +p $&th)44I p+t +p $&th a'' th&!(s &! #o+* so $hat &s to be "o!e644e''* #o+ h+rt %e b# sa#&!( &t- (oo" !&(ht)4There $as s&'e!ce* the! "rea%&'# b+t $&th "eep fee'&!( the vo&ce sa&": 4C#r&'* I have ha" a!&"ea $h&ch $&'' sat&sf# #o+r te!"er %&!": I sha'' co!s+'t Mrs) Moore)4Ope!&!( h&s e#es* a!" beho'"&!( tho+sa!"s of stars* he co+'" !ot rep'#* the# s&'e!ce" h&%)4Her op&!&o! $&'' so've ever#th&!(- I ca! tr+st her so abso'+te'#) If she a"v&ses %e to par"o!th&s (&r'* I sha'' "o so) She $&'' co+!se' %e !oth&!( a(a&!st %# rea' a!" tr+e ho!o+r* as #o+%&(ht)443et +s "&sc+ss that to%orro$ %or!&!()44Is &t !ot stra!(e6 I ,eep o! for(ett&!( she has 'eft I!"&a) D+r&!( the sho+t&!( of her !a%e&! co+rt I fa!c&e" she $as prese!t) I ha" sh+t %# e#es* I co!f+se" %#se'f o! p+rpose to "ea"e!the pa&!) No$ th&s ver# &!sta!t I for(ot a(a&!) I sha'' be ob'&(e" to $r&te) She &s !o$ far a$a#*$e'' o! her $a# to$ar"s Ra'ph a!" Ste''a)44To $ho%64

4To those other ch&'"re!)44I have !ot hear" of other ch&'"re!)44?+st as I have t$o bo#s a!" a (&r'* so has Mrs) Moore) She to'" %e &! the %os1+e)44I ,!e$ her so s'&(ht'#)44I have see! her b+t three t&%es* b+t I ,!o$ she &s a! Or&e!ta')447o+ are so fa!tast&c) ) ) ) M&ss Q+este"* #o+ $o!2t treat her (e!ero+s'#- $h&'e over Mrs)Moore there &s th&s e'aborate ch&va'r#) M&ss Q+este" a!#ho$ behave" "ece!t'# th&s %or!&!(*$hereas the o'" 'a"# !ever "&" a!#th&!( for #o+ at a''* a!" &t2s p+re co!9ect+re that she $o+'"have co%e for$ar" &! #o+r favo+r* &t o!'# rests o! serva!ts2 (oss&p) 7o+r e%ot&o!s !ever see%&! proport&o! to the&r ob9ects* A.&.)44Is e%ot&o! a sac, of potatoes* so %+ch the po+!"* to be %eas+re" o+t6 A% I a %ach&!e6 I

sha'' be to'" I ca! +se +p %# e%ot&o!s b# +s&!( the%* !ext)44I sho+'" have tho+(ht #o+ $o+'") It so+!"s co%%o! se!se) 7o+ ca!2t eat #o+r ca,e a!"have &t* eve! &! the $or'" of the sp&r&t)4



4If #o+ are r&(ht* there &s !o po&!t &! a!# fr&e!"sh&p- &t a'' co%es "o$! to (&ve a!" ta,e* or (&ve a!") ret+r!* $h&ch &s "&s(+st&!(* a!" $e ha" better a'' 'eap over th&s parapet a!" ,&'' o+rse'ves)Is a!#th&!( $ro!( $&th #o+ th&s eve!&!( that #o+ (ro$ so %ater&a'&st&c6447o+r +!fa&r!ess &s $orse tha! %# %ater&a'&s%)44I see) A!#th&!( f+rther to co%p'a&! of64 He $as (oo"te%pere" a!" affect&o!ate b+t a '&tt'efor%&"ab'e) I%pr&so!%e!t ha" %a"e cha!!e's for h&s character* $h&ch $o+'" !ever f'+ct+ate as

$&"e'# !o$ as &! the past) 40eca+se &t &s far better #o+ p+t a'' #o+r "&ff&c+'t&es before %e* &f $eare to be fr&e!"s for ever) 7o+ "o !ot '&,e Mrs) Moore* a!" are a!!o#e" beca+se I "o- ho$ever*#o+ $&'' '&,e her &! t&%e)4he! a perso!* rea''# "ea"* &s s+ppose" to be a'&ve* a! +!hea'th&!ess &!fects the co!versat&o!)/&e'"&!( co+'" !ot sta!" the te!s&o! a!# 'o!(er a!" b'+rte" o+t: 4I2% sorr# to sa# Mrs)Moore2s "ea")40+t Ha%&"+''ah* $ho ha" bee! '&ste!&!( to a'' the&r ta',* a!" "&" !ot $a!t the fest&ve eve!&!(spo&'t* cr&e" fro% the a"9o&!&!( be": 4A.&.* he &s tr#&!( to p+'' #o+r 'e(- "o!2t be'&eve h&%*the v&''a&!)44I "o !ot be'&eve h&%*4 sa&" A.&.- he $as &!+re" to pract&ca' 9o,es* eve! of th&s t#pe)/&e'"&!( sa&" !o %ore) /acts are facts* a!" ever#o!e $o+'" 'ear! of Mrs) Moore2s "eath &!

the %or!&!() 0+t &t str+c, h&% that peop'e are !ot rea''# "ea" +!t&' the# are fe't to be "ea") As'o!( as there &s so%e %&s+!"ersta!"&!( abo+t the%* the# possess a sort of &%%orta'&t#) A!exper&e!ceof h&s o$! co!f&r%e" th&s) Ma!# #ears a(o he ha" 'ost a (reat fr&e!"* a $o%a!* $ho

be'&eve" &! the Chr&st&a! heave! a!" ass+re" h&% that after the cha!(es a!" cha!ces of th&s%orta' '&fe the# $o+'" %eet &! &t a(a&!) /&e'"&!( $as a b'a!,* fra!, athe&st* b+t he respecte"ever# op&!&o! h&s fr&e!" he'": to "o th&s &s esse!t&a' &! fr&e!"sh&p) A!" &t see%e" to h&% for at&%e that the "ea" a$a&te" h&%* a!" $he! the &''+s&o! fa"e" &t 'eft beh&!" &t a! e%pt&!ess that$as a'%ost (+&'t: 4Th&s rea''# &s the e!"*4 he tho+(ht* 4a!" I (ave her the f&!a' b'o$)4 He ha"tr&e" to ,&'' Mrs) Moore th&s eve!&!(* o! the roof of the Na$ab 0aha"+r2s ho+se- b+t she st&''e'+"e" h&%* a!" the at%osphere re%a&!e" tra!1+&') Prese!t'# the %oo! rosethe exha+ste"cresce!t that prece"es the s+!a!" short'# after %e! a!" oxe! be(a! the&r &!ter%&!ab'e 'abo+r*a!" the (rac&o+s &!ter'+"e* $h&ch he ha" tr&e" to c+rta&'* ca%e to &ts !at+ra' co!c'+s&o!)CHAPTER ;IIIDea" she $asco%%&tte" to the "eep $h&'e st&'' o! the so+th$ar" trac,* for the boats fro%0o%ba# ca!!ot po&!t to$ar"s E+rope +!t&' Arab&a has bee! ro+!"e"- she $as f+rther &! thetrop&cs tha! ever ach&eve" $h&'e o! shore* $he! the s+! to+che" her for the 'ast t&%e a!" her

bo"# $as 'o$ere" &!to #et a!other I!"&athe I!"&a! Ocea!) She 'eft beh&!" her sore "&sco%fort*for a "eath (&ves a sh&p a ba" !a%e) ho $as th&s Mrs) Moore6 he! A"e! $as reache"*3a"# Me''a!b# cab'e"* $rote* "&" a'' that $as ,&!"* b+t the $&fe of a 3&e+te!a!tGover!or "oes!ot bar(a&! for s+ch a! exper&e!ce- a!" she repeate": 4 I ha" o!'# see! the poor creat+re for a

fe$ ho+rs $he! she $as ta,e! &''- rea''# th&s has bee! !ee"'ess'# "&stress&!(* &t spo&'s o!e2sho%eco%&!()4 A (host fo''o$e" the sh&p +p the Re" )Sea* b+t fa&'e" to e!ter the Me"&terra!ea!)So%e$here abo+t S+e. there &s a'$a#s a soc&a' cha!(e: the arra!(e%e!ts of As&a$ea,e! a!" those of E+rope be(&! to be fe't* a!" "+r&!( the* tra!s&t&o! Mrs) Moore $as sha,e!off) At Port Sa&" the (re# b'+ster# !orth be(a!) The $eather $as so co'" a!" brac&!( that the

passe!(ers fe't &t %+st have bro,e! &! the 'a!" the# ha" 'eft* b+t &t beca%e hotter stea"&'#there &! accor"a!ce $&th &ts +s+a' 'a$)The "eath too, s+bt'er a!" %ore 'ast&!( shapes &! Cha!"rapore) A 'e(e!" spra!( +p that a!E!('&sh%a! ha" ,&''e" h&s %other for tr#&!( to save a! I!"&a!2s '&fe a!" there $as 9+st e!o+(htr+th &! th&s to ca+se a!!o#a!ce to the a+thor&t&es) So%et&%es &t $as a co$ that ha" bee!,&''e"or a croco"&'e $&th the t+s,s of a boar ha" cra$'e" o+t of the Ga!(es) No!se!se of th&s

t#pe &s %ore "&ff&c+'t to co%bat tha! a so'&" '&e) It h&"es &! r+bb&sh heaps a!" %oves $he! !oo!e &s 'oo,&!() At o!e per&o" t$o "&st&!ct to%bs co!ta&!&!( Es%&ss Es!&oor2s re%a&!s $erereporte":



o!e b# the ta!!er#* the other +p !ear the (oo"s stat&o!) Mr) Mc0r#"e v&s&te" the% botha!" sa$ s&(!s of the be(&!!&!( of a c+'tearthe!$are sa+cers a!" so o!) 0e&!( a! exper&e!ce"off&c&a'* he "&" !oth&!( to &rr&tate &t* a!" after a $ee, or so* the rash "&e" "o$!) 4There2s propa(a!"a

beh&!" a'' th&s*4 he sa&"* for(ett&!( that a h+!"re" #ears a(o* $he! E+ropea!s st&'' %a"ethe&r ho%e &! the co+!tr#s&"e a!" appea'e" to &ts &%a(&!at&o!* the# occas&o!a''# beca%e 'oca'"e%o!s after "e% !ot a $ho'e (o"* perhaps* b+t part of o!e* a""&!( a! ep&thet or (est+re

to $hat a'rea"# ex&ste"* 9+st as the (o"s co!tr&b+te to the (reat (o"s* a!" the# to the ph&'osoph&c0rah%)Ro!!# re%&!"e" h&%se'f that h&s %other ha" 'eft I!"&a at her o$! $&sh* b+t h&s co!sc&e!ce$as !ot c'ear) He ha" behave" ba"'# to her* a!" he ha" e&ther to repe!t B$h&ch &!vo've" a %e!ta'overt+r!* or to pers&st &! +!,&!"!ess to$ar"s her) He chose the 'atter co+rse) Ho$ t&reso%eshe ha" bee! $&th her patro!a(e of A.&.5 hat a ba" &!f'+e!ce +po! A"e'a5 A!" !o$ she st&''(ave tro+b'e $&th r&"&c+'o+s 4to%bs*4 %&x&!( herse'f +p $&th !at&ves) She co+'" !ot he'p &t* of co+rse* b+t she ha" atte%pte" s&%&'ar exasperat&!( expe"&t&o!s &! her '&fet&%e* a!" he rec,o!e"&t a(a&!st her) The #o+!( %a! ha" %+ch to $orr# h&%the heat* the 'oca' te!s&o!* the approach&!(v&s&t of the 3&e+te!a!tGover!or* the prob'e%s of A"e'aa!" threa"&!( the% a'' to(ether &!to a (rotes1+e (ar'a!" $ere these I!"&a!&.at&o!s of Mrs) Moore) hat "oes happe! to

o!e2s %other $he! she "&es6 Pres+%ab'# she (oes to heave!* a!#ho$ she c'ears o+t) Ro!!#2sre'&(&o! $as of the ster&'&.e" P+b'&c Schoo' bra!"* $h&ch !ever (oes ba"* eve! &! the trop&cs)herever he e!tere"* %os1+e* cave* or te%p'e* he reta&!e" the sp&r&t+a' o+t'oo, of the /&fth/or%* a!" co!"e%!e" as 4$ea,e!&!(4 a!# atte%pt to +!"ersta!" the%) P+''&!( h&%se'f to(ether*he "&s%&sse" the %atter fro% h&s %&!") I! "+e t&%e he a!" h&s ha'fbrother a!" s&ster $o+'" p+t +p a tab'et to her &! the Northa%pto!sh&re ch+rch $here she ha" $orsh&ppe"* recor"&!(the "ates of her b&rth a!" "eath a!" the fact that she ha" bee! b+r&e" at sea) Th&s$o+'" be s+ff&c&e!t)A!" A"e'ashe $o+'" have to "epart too- he hope" she $o+'" have %a"e the s+((est&o!herse'f ere !o$) He rea''# co+'" !ot %arr# her&t $o+'" %ea! the e!" of h&s career) Poor'a%e!tab'eA"e'a) ) ) ) She re%a&!e" at Gover!%e!t Co''e(e* b# /&e'"&!(2s co+rtes#+!s+&tab'e a!"h+%&'&at&!(* b+t !o o!e $o+'" rece&ve her at the c&v&' stat&o!) He postpo!e" a'' pr&vate ta', +!t&'the a$ar" a(a&!st her $as "ec&"e") A.&. $as s+&!( her for "a%a(es &! the s+b9+"(e2s co+rt)The! he $o+'" as, her to re'ease h&%) She ha" ,&''e" h&s 'ove* a!" &t ha" !ever bee! ver# rob+st-the# $o+'" !ever have ach&eve" betrotha' b+t for the acc&"e!t to the Na$ab 0aha"+r2scar) She be'o!(e" to the ca''o$ aca"e%&c per&o" of h&s '&fe $h&ch he ha" o+t(ro$!Gras%ere*ser&o+s ta',s a!" $a',s* that sort of th&!()CHAPTER IThe v&s&t of the 3&e+te!a!tGover!or of the Prov&!ce for%e" the !ext sta(e &! the "eco%pos&t&o!of the Marabar) S&r G&'bert* tho+(h !ot a! e!'&(hte!e" %a!* he'" e!'&(hte!e" op&!&o!s)

Exe%pte" b# a 'o!( career &! the Secretar&ate fro% perso!a' co!tact $&th the peop'es of I!"&a*he $as ab'e to spea, of the% +rba!e'#* a!" to "ep'ore rac&a' pre9+"&ce) He app'a+"e" the o+tco%eof the tr&a'* a!" co!(rat+'ate" /&e'"&!( o! hav&!( ta,e! 4the broa"* the se!s&b'e* the o!'#

poss&b'e char&tab'e v&e$ fro% the f&rst) Spea,&!( co!f&"e!t&a''# ) ) )4 he procee"e") /&e'"&!("eprecate"co!f&"e!ces* b+t S&r G&'bert &!s&ste" o! &%part&!( the%- the affa&r ha" bee! 4%&sha!"'e"

b# certa&! of o+r fr&e!"s +p the h&''4 $ho "&" !ot rea'&.e that 4the ha!"s of the c'oc, %ove for$ar"*!ot bac,*4 etc)* etc) O!e th&!( he co+'" (+ara!tee: the Pr&!c&pa' $o+'" rece&ve a %ostcor"&a' &!v&tat&o! to re9o&! the c'+b* a!" he be((e"* !a# co%%a!"e" h&%* to accept) He ret+r!e"to h&s H&%a'a#a! a't&t+"es $e'' sat&sf&e"- the a%o+!t of %o!e# M&ss Q+este" $o+'" haveto pa#* the prec&se !at+re of $hat ha" happe!e" &! the cavesthese $ere 'oca' "eta&'s* a!" "&"

!ot co!cer! h&%)/&e'"&!( fo+!" h&%se'f "ra$! %ore a!" %ore &!to M&ss Q+este"2s affa&rs) The Co''e(e re%a&!e"c'ose" a!" he ate a!" s'ept at Ha%&"+''ah2s* so there $as !o reaso! she sho+'" !ot



stop o! &f she $&she") I! her p'ace he $o+'" have c'eare" o+t* soo!er tha! s+b%&t to Ro!!#2sha'fhearte" a!" "&stracte" c&v&'&t&es* b+t she $as $a&t&!( for the ho+r('ass of her so9o+r! tor+! thro+(h) A ho+se to '&ve &!* a (ar"e! to $a', &! "+r&!( the br&ef %o%e!t of the coo'that$as a'' she as,e"* a!" he $as ab'e to prov&"e the%) D&saster ha" sho$! her her '&%&tat&o!s*a!" he rea'&.e" !o$ $hat a f&!e 'o#a' character she $as) Her h+%&'&t# $as to+ch&!() She !ever rep&!e" at (ett&!( the $orst of both $or'"s- she re(ar"e" &t as the "+e p+!&sh%e!t of her st+p&"&t#)

he! he h&!te" to her that a perso!a' apo'o(# to A.&. %&(ht be see%'#* she sa&" sa"'#:4Of co+rse) I o+(ht to have tho+(ht of &t %#se'f* %# &!st&!cts !ever he'p %e) h# "&"!2t I r+sh+p to h&% after the tr&a'6 7es* of co+rse I $&'' $r&te h&% a! apo'o(#* b+t p'ease $&'' #o+ "&ctate&t64 0et$ee! the% the# co!cocte" a 'etter* s&!cere* a!" f+'' of %ov&!( phrases* b+t &t $as !ot%ov&!( as a 'etter) 4Sha'' I $r&te a!other64 she e!1+&re") 4Noth&!( %atters &f I ca! +!"o thehar% I have ca+se") I ca! "o th&s r&(ht* a!" that r&(ht- b+t $he! the t$o are p+t to(ether the#co%e $ro!() That2s the "efect of %# character) I have !ever rea'&.e" &t +!t&' !o$) I tho+(ht that&f I $as 9+st a!" as,e" 1+est&o!s I $o+'" co%e thro+(h ever# "&ff&c+'t#)4 He rep'&e": 4O+r 'etter &s a fa&'+re for a s&%p'e reaso! $h&ch $e ha" better face: #o+ have !o rea' affect&o! for A.&.* or I!"&a!s (e!era''#)4 She asse!te") 4The f&rst t&%e I sa$ #o+* #o+ $ere $a!t&!( to see I!"&a* !otI!"&a!s* a!" &t occ+rre" to %e: Ah* that $o!2t ta,e +s far) I!"&a!s ,!o$ $hether the# are '&,e"

or !otthe# ca!!ot be foo'e" here) ?+st&ce !ever sat&sf&es the%* a!" that &s $h# the 0r&t&sh E%p&rerests o! sa!")4 The! she sa&": 4Do I '&,e a!#o!e* tho+(h64 Pres+%ab'# she '&,e" Heas'op*a!" he cha!(e" the s+b9ect* for th&s s&"e of her '&fe "&" !ot co!cer! h&%)H&s I!"&a! fr&e!"s $ere* o! the other ha!"* a b&t above the%se'ves) ;&ctor#* $h&ch $o+'"have %a"e the E!('&sh sa!ct&%o!&o+s* %a"e the% a((ress&ve) The# $a!te" to "eve'op a! offe!s&ve*a!" tr&e" to "o so b# "&scover&!( !e$ (r&eva!ces a!" $ro!(s* %a!# of $h&ch ha" !oex&ste!ce) The# s+ffere" fro% the +s+a' "&s&''+s&o! that atte!"s $arfare) The a&%s of batt'e a!"the fr+&ts of co!1+est are !ever the sa%e- the 'atter have the&r va'+e a!" o!'# the sa&!t re9ectsthe%* b+t the&r h&!t of &%%orta'&t# va!&shes as soo! as the# are he'" &! the ha!") A'tho+(h S&r G&'bert ha" bee! co+rteo+s* a'%ost obse1+&o+s* the fabr&c he represe!te" ha" &! !o $&se bo$e"&ts hea") 0r&t&sh off&c&a'&s% re%a&!e"* as a''perva"&!( a!" as +!p'easa!t as the s+!- a!" $hat$as !ext to be "o!e a(a&!st &t $as !ot ver# obv&o+s* eve! to Mah%o+" A'&) 3o+" ta', a!" tr&v&a''a$'ess!ess $ere atte%pte"* a!" beh&!" the% co!t&!+e" a (e!+&!e b+t va(+e "es&re for e"+cat&o!)4Mr) /&e'"&!(* $e %+st a'' be e"+cate" pro%pt'#)4A.&. $as fr&e!"'# a!" "o%&!eer&!() He $a!te" /&e'"&!( to 4(&ve &! to the East*4 as he ca''e"&t* a!" '&ve &! a co!"&t&o! of affect&o!ate "epe!"e!ce +po! &t) 47o+ ca! tr+st %e* C#r&')4 No1+est&o! of that* a!" /&e'"&!( ha" !o roots a%o!( h&s o$! peop'e) 7et he rea''# co+'"!2t beco%ea sort of Moha%%e" 3at&f) he! the# ar(+e" abo+t &t so%eth&!( rac&a' &!tr+"e"!ot b&tter'#*

b+t &!ev&tab'#* '&,e the co'o+r of the&r s,&!s: coffeeco'o+r vers+s p&!,o(re#) A!" A.&.$o+'" co!c'+"e: 4Ca!2t #o+ see that I2% (ratef+' to #o+ for #o+r he'p a!" $a!t to re$ar" #o+64A!" the other $o+'" retort: 4If #o+ $a!t to re$ar" %e* 'et M&ss Q+este" off pa#&!()4

The &!se!s&t&ve!ess abo+t A"e'a "&sp'ease" h&%) It $o+'"* fro% ever# po&!t of v&e$* be r&(htto treat her (e!ero+s'#* a!" o!e "a# he ha" the !ot&o! of appea'&!( to the %e%or# of Mrs)Moore) A.&. ha" th&s h&(h a!" fa!tast&c est&%ate of Mrs) Moore) Her "eath ha" bee! a rea' (r&ef to h&s $ar% heart- he $ept '&,e a ch&'" a!" or"ere" h&s three ch&'"re! to $eep a'so) There $as!o "o+bt that he respecte" a!" 'ove" her) /&e'"&!(2s f&rst atte%pt $as a fa&'+re) The rep'# $as:4I see #o+r tr&c,) I $a!t reve!(e o! the%) h# sho+'" I be &!s+'te" a!" s+ffer the co!te!ts of %# poc,ets rea" a!" %# $&fe2s photo(raph ta,e! to the po'&ce stat&o!6 A'so I $a!t the %o!e#to e"+cate %# '&tt'e bo#s* as I exp'a&!e" to her)4 0+t he be(a! to $ea,e!* a!" /&e'"&!( $as !otasha%e" to pract&se a '&tt'e !ecro%a!c#) he!ever the 1+est&o! of co%pe!sat&o! ca%e +p* he&!tro"+ce" the "ea" $o%a!2s !a%e) ?+st as other propa(a!"&sts &!ve!te" her a to%b* so "&" hera&se a 1+est&o!ab'e &%a(e of her &! the heart of A.&.* sa#&!( !oth&!( that he be'&eve" to be +!tr+e*

b+t pro"+c&!( so%eth&!( that $as probab'# far fro% the tr+th) A.&. #&e'"e" s+""e!'#) Hefe't &t $as Mrs) Moore2s $&sh that he sho+'" spare the $o%a! $ho $as abo+t to %arr# her so!*that &t $as the o!'# ho!o+r he co+'" pa# her* a!" he re!o+!ce" $&th a pass&o!ate a!" bea+t&f+'



o+tb+rst the $ho'e of the co%pe!sat&o! %o!e#* c'a&%&!( o!'# costs) It $as f&!e of h&%* a!"* ashe foresa$* &t $o! h&% !o cre"&t $&th the E!('&sh) The# st&'' be'&eve" he $as (+&'t#* the# be'&eve"&t to the e!" of the&r careers* a!" ret&re" A!('oI!"&a!s &! T+!br&"(e e''s or Che'te!ha%st&'' %+r%+r to each other: 4That Marabar case $h&ch bro,e "o$! beca+se the poor (&r' co+'"!2tface (&v&!( her ev&"e!cethat $as a!other ba" case)4he! the affa&r $as th+s off&c&a''# e!"e"* Ro!!#* $ho $as abo+t to be tra!sferre" to a!other

part of the Prov&!ce* approache" /&e'"&!( $&th h&s +s+a' co!stra&!t a!" sa&": 4I $&sh totha!, #o+ for the he'p #o+ have (&ve! M&ss Q+este") She $&'' !ot of co+rse trespass o! #o+r hosp&ta'&t# f+rther- she has as a %atter of fact "ec&"e" to ret+r! to E!('a!") I have 9+st arra!(e"abo+t her passa(e for her) I +!"ersta!" she $o+'" '&,e to see #o+)**4I sha'' (o ro+!" at o!ce)4O! reach&!( the Co''e(e* he fo+!" her &! so%e +pset) He 'ear!t that the e!(a(e%e!t ha"

bee! bro,e! b# Ro!!#) 4/ar $&ser of h&%*4 she sa&" pathet&ca''#) 4I o+(ht to have spo,e! %#se'f* b+t I "r&fte" o! $o!"er&!( $hat $o+'" happe!) I $o+'" $&''&!('# have (o!e oc spo&'&!( h&s '&fethro+(h &!ert&ao!e has !oth&!( to "o* o!e be'o!(s !o$here a!" beco%es a p+b'&c !+&sa!ce$&tho+t rea'&.&!( &t)4 I! or"er to reass+re h&%* she a""e": 4I spea, o!'# of I!"&a) I a% !otastra# &! E!('a!") I f&t &! there!o* "o!2t th&!, I sha'' "o har% &! E!('a!") he! I a% force"

bac, there* I sha'' sett'e "o$! to so%e career) I have s+ff&c&e!t %o!e# 'eft to start %#se'f* a!"heaps of fr&e!"s of %# o$! t#pe) I sha'' be 1+&te a'' r&(ht)4 The! s&(h&!(: 40+t oh* the tro+b'eI2ve bro+(ht o! ever#o!e here) ) ) ) I ca! !ever (et over &t) M# caref+'!ess as to $hether $esho+'" %arr# or !ot ) a!" &! the e!" Ro!!# a!" I part a!" are!2t eve! sorr#) e o+(ht !ever tohave tho+(ht of %arr&a(e) ere!2t #o+ a%a.e" $he! o+r e!(a(e%e!t $as or&(&!a''# a!!o+!ce"644Not %+ch) At %# a(e o!e2s se'"o% a%a.e"*4 he sa&"* s%&'&!() 4Marr&a(e &s too abs+r" &!a!# case) It be(&!s a!" co!t&!+es for s+ch ver# s'&(ht reaso!s) The soc&a' b+s&!ess props &t +po! o!e s&"e* a!" the theo'o(&ca' b+s&!ess o! the other* b+t !e&ther of the% are %arr&a(e* arethe#6 I2ve fr&e!"s $ho ca!2t re%e%ber $h# the# %arr&e"* !o %ore ca! the&r $&ves) I s+spectthat &t %ost'# happe!s hapha.ar"* tho+(h after$ar"s var&o+s !ob'e reaso!s are &!ve!te") Abo+t%arr&a(e I a% c#!&ca')44I a% !ot) Th&s fa'se start has bee! a'' %# o$! fa+'t) I $as br&!(&!( to Ro!!# !oth&!( thato+(ht to be bro+(ht* that $as $h# he re9ecte" %e rea''#) I e!tere" that cave th&!,&!(: A% Ifo!" of h&%6 I have !ot #et to'" #o+ that* Mr) /&e'"&!() I "&"!2t fee' 9+st&f&e") Te!"er!ess* &espect*

perso!a' &!terco+rseI tr&e" to %a,e the% ta,e the p'aceof44I !o 'o!(er $a!t 'ove*4 he sa&"* s+pp'#&!( the $or")4No %ore "o I) M# exper&e!ces here have c+re" %e) 0+t I $a!t others to $a!t &t)440+t to (o bac, to o+r f&rst ta', Bfor I s+ppose th&s &s o+r 'ast o!e$he! #o+ e!tere" thatcave* $ho "&" fo''o$ #o+* or "&" !o o!e fo''o$ #o+6 Ca! #o+ !o$ sa#6 I "o!2t '&,e &t 'eft &! a&r)443et +s ca'' &t the (+&"e*4 she sa&" &!"&ffere!t'#) 4It $&'' !ever be ,!o$!) It2s as &f I ra! %#f&!(er a'o!( that po'&she" $a'' &! the "ar,* a!" ca!!ot (et f+rther) I a% +p a(a&!st so%eth&!(*

a!" so are #o+) Mrs) Mooreshe "&" ,!o$)44Ho$ co+'" she have ,!o$! $hat $e "o!2t644Te'epath#* poss&b'#)4The pert* %ea(re $or" fe'' to the (ro+!") Te'epath#6 hat a! exp'a!at&o!5 0etter $&th"ra$&t* a!" A"e'a "&" so) She $as at the e!" of her sp&r&t+a' tether* a!" so $as he) ere there$or'"s be#o!" $h&ch the# co+'" !ever to+ch* or "&" a'' that &s poss&b'e e!ter the&r co!sc&o+s!ess6The# co+'" !ot te'') The# o!'# rea'&.e" that the&r o+t'oo, $as %ore or 'ess s&%&'ar* a!"fo+!" &! th&s a sat&sfact&o!) Perhaps '&fe &s a %#ster#* !ot a %+""'e- the# co+'" !ot te'') Perhapsthe h+!"re" I!"&as $h&ch f+ss a!" s1+abb'e so t&reso%e'# are o!e* a!" the +!&verse the# %&rror &s o!e) The# ha" !ot the apparat+s for 9+"(&!()4r&te to %e $he! #o+ (et to E!('a!")4

4I sha''* ofte!) 7o+ have bee! excess&ve'# ,&!") No$ that I2% (o&!(* I rea'&.e &t) I $&sh Ico+'" "o so%eth&!( for #o+ &! ret+r!* b+t I see #o+2ve a'' #o+ $a!t)44I th&!, so*4 he rep'&e" after a pa+se) 4I have !ever fe't %ore happ# a!" sec+re o+t here) I



rea''# "o (et o! $&th I!"&a!s* a!" the# "o tr+st %e) It2s p'easa!t that I have!2t ha" to res&(!%# 9ob) It2s p'easa!t to be pra&se" b# a! 3)G) U!t&' the !ext earth1+a,e I re%a&! as I a%)44Of co+rse th&s "eath has bee! tro+b'&!( %e)44A.&. $as so fo!" of her too)440+t &t has %a"e %e re%e%ber that $e %+st a'' "&e: a'' these perso!a' re'at&o!s $e tr# to'&ve b# are te%porar#) I +se" to fee' "eath se'ecte" peop'e* &t &s a !ot&o! o!e (ets fro% !ove's*

beca+se so%e of the characters are +s+a''# 'eft ta',&!( at the e!") No$ 2"eath spares !o o!e2 be(&!s to be rea')44Do!2t 'et &t beco%e too rea'* or #o+2'' "&e #o+rse'f) That &s the ob9ect&o! to %e"&tat&!( +po!"eath) e are s+b"+e" to $hat $e $or, &!) I have fe't the sa%e te%ptat&o!* a!" ha" to sheer off) I $a!t to (o o! '&v&!( a b&t)44So "o I)4A fr&e!"'&!ess* as of "$arfs sha,&!( ha!"s* $as &! the a&r) 0oth %a! a!" $o%a! $ere at thehe&(ht of the&r po$ersse!s&b'e* ho!est* eve! s+bt'e) The# spo,e the sa%e 'a!(+a(e* a!" he'"the sa%e op&!&o!s* a!" the var&et# of a(e a!" sex "&" !ot "&v&"e the%) 7et the# $ere "&ssat&sf&e")he! the# a(ree"* 4I $a!t to (o o! '&v&!( a b&t*4 or* 4 I "o!2t be'&eve &! Go"*4 the $or"s$ere fo''o$e" b# a c+r&o+s bac,$ash as tho+(h the +!&verse ha" "&sp'ace" &tse'f to f&'' +p a t&!#

vo&"* or as tho+(h the# ha" see! the&r o$! (est+res fro% a! &%%e!se he&(ht"$arfs ta',&!(*sha,&!( ha!"s a!" ass+r&!( each other that the# stoo" o! the sa%e foot&!( of &!s&(ht) The# "&"!ot th&!, the# $ere $ro!(* beca+se as soo! as ho!est peop'e th&!, the# are $ro!( &!stab&'&t#sets +p) Not for the% $as a! &!f&!&te (oa' beh&!" the stars* a!" the# !ever so+(ht &t) 0+t $&stf+'!ess"esce!"e" o! the% !o$* as o! other occas&o!s- the sha"o$ of the sha"o$ of a "rea%fe'' over the&r c'earc+t &!terests* a!" ob9ects !ever see! a(a&! see%e" %essa(es fro% a!other $or'")4A!" I "o '&,e #o+ so ver# %+ch* &f I %a# sa# so*4 he aff&r%e")4I2% ('a"* for I '&,e #o+) 3et2s %eet a(a&!)44e $&''* &! E!('a!"* &f I ever ta,e ho%e 'eave)440+t I s+ppose #o+2re !ot '&,e'# to "o that #et)44Q+&te a cha!ce) I have a sche%e o! !o$ as a %atter of fact)44Oh* that $o+'" be ver# !&ce)4So &t petere" o+t) Te! "a#s 'ater A"e'a $e!t off* b# the sa%e ro+te as her "ea" fr&e!") Thef&!a' beat +p before the %o!soo! ha" co%e) The co+!tr# $as str&c,e! a!" b'+rre") Its ho+ses*trees a!" f&e'"s $ere a'' %o"e''e" o+t of the sa%e bro$! paste* a!" the sea at 0o%ba# s'&"abo+t '&,e broth a(a&!st the 1+a#s) Her 'ast I!"&a! a"ve!t+re $as $&th A!to!#* $ho fo''o$e"her o! to the boat a!" tr&e" to b'ac,%a&' her) She ha" bee! Mr) /&e'"&!(2s %&stress* A!to!# sa&")Perhaps A!to!# $as "&sco!te!te" $&th h&s t&p) She ra!( the cab&! be'' a!" ha" h&% t+r!e" o+t*

b+t h&s state%e!t create" rather a sca!"a'* a!" peop'e "&" !ot spea, to her %+ch "+r&!( thef&rst part of the vo#a(e) Thro+(h the I!"&a! Ocea! a!" the Re" Sea she $as 'eft to herse'f* a!"

to the "re(s of Cha!"rapore)&th E(#pt the at%osphere a'tere") The c'ea! sa!"s* heape" o! each s&"e of the ca!a'*see%e" to $&pe off ever#th&!( that $as "&ff&c+'t a!" e1+&voca'* a!" eve! Port Sa&" 'oo,e" p+rea!" char%&!( &! the '&(ht of a rose(re# %or!&!() She $e!t o! shore there $&th a! A%er&ca!%&ss&o!ar#* the# $a',e" o+t to the 3esseps stat+e* the# "ra!, the to!&c a&r of the 3eva!t) 4To$hat "+t&es* M&ss Q+este"* are #o+ ret+r!&!( &! #o+r o$! co+!tr# after #o+r taste of the trop&cs64 the %&ss&o!ar# as,e") 4Observe* I "o!2t sa# to $hat "o #o+ t+r!* b+t to $hat "o #o+ ret+r!)Ever# '&fe o+(ht to co!ta&! both a t+r! a!" a ret+r!) Th&s ce'ebrate" p&o!eer Bhe po&!te"to the stat+e $&'' %a,e %# 1+est&o! c'ear) He t+r!s to the East* he ret+r!s to the est) 7o+ca! see &t fro% the c+te pos&t&o! of h&s ha!"s* o!e of $h&ch ho'"s a str&!( of sa+sa(es)4 The%&ss&o!ar# 'oo,e" at her h+%oro+s'#* &! or"er to cover the e%pt&!ess of h&s %&!") He ha" !o

&"ea $hat he %ea!t b# 4t+r!4 a!" 4ret+r!*4 b+t he ofte! +se" $or"s &! pa&rs* for the sa,e of %ora' br&(ht!ess) 4I see*4 she rep'&e") S+""e!'#* &! the Me"&terra!ea! c'ar&t#* she ha" see!) Her f&rst "+t# o! ret+r!&!( to E!('a!" $as to 'oo, +p those other ch&'"re! of Mrs) Moore2s* Ra'ph



a!" Ste''a* the! she $o+'" t+r! to her profess&o!) Mrs) Moore ha" te!"e" to ,eep the pro"+ctsof her t$o %arr&a(es apart* a!" A"e'a ha" !ot co%e across the #o+!(er bra!ch so far)CHAPTER A!other 'oca' co!se1+e!ce of the tr&a' $as a H&!"+Mos'e% e!te!te) 3o+" protestat&o!s of a%&t# $ere excha!(e" b# pro%&!e!t c&t&.e!s* a!" there $e!t $&th the% a (e!+&!e "es&re for a(oo" +!"ersta!"&!() A.&.* $he! he $as at the hosp&ta' o!e "a#* rece&ve" a v&s&t fro% rather a

s#%pathet&c f&(+re: Mr) Das) The %a(&strate so+(ht t$o favo+rs fro% h&%: a re%e"# for sh&!('esa!" a poe% for h&s brother&!'a$2s !e$ %o!th'# %a(a.&!e) He accor"e" both)4M# "ear Das* $h#* $he! #o+ tr&e" to se!" %e to pr&so!* sho+'" I tr# to se!" Mr) 0hattachar#aa poe%6 Eh6 That &s !at+ra''# e!t&re'# a 9o,e) I $&'' $r&te h&% the best I ca!* b+t I tho+(ht#o+r %a(a.&!e $as for H&!"+s)44It &s !ot for H&!"+s* b+t I!"&a!s (e!era''#*4 he sa&" t&%&"'#)4There &s !o s+ch perso! &! ex&ste!ce as the (e!era' I!"&a!)44There $as !ot* b+t there %a# be $he! #o+ have $r&tte! a poe%) 7o+ are o+r hero- the$ho'e c&t# &s beh&!" #o+* &rrespect&ve of cree")44I ,!o$* b+t $&'' &t 'ast644I fear !ot*4 sa&" Das* $ho ha" %+ch %e!ta' c'ear!ess) 4A!" for that reaso!* &f I %a# sa#

so* "o !ot &!tro"+ce too %a!# Pers&a! express&o!s &!to the poe%* a!" !ot too %+ch abo+t the b+'b+')44Ha'f a sec*4 sa&" A.&.* b&t&!( h&s pe!c&') He $as $r&t&!( o+t a prescr&pt&o!) 4Here #o+ are) ) )) Is !ot th&s better tha! a poe%644Happ# the %a! $ho ca! co%pose both)447o+ are f+'' of co%p'&%e!ts to"a#)44I ,!o$ #o+ bear %e a (r+"(e for tr#&!( that cas2*4 sa&" the other* stretch&!( o+t h&s ha!"&%p+'s&ve'#) 47o+ are so ,&!" a!" fr&e!"'#* b+t a'$a#s I "etect &ro!# be!eath #o+r %a!!er)44No* !o* $hat !o!se!se5 4 proteste" A.&.) The# shoo, ha!"s* &! a ha'fe%brace that t#p&f&e"the e!te!te) 0et$ee! peop'e of "&sta!t c'&%es there &s a'$a#s the poss&b&'&t# of ro%a!ce* b+t thevar&o+s bra!ches of I!"&a!s ,!o$ too %+ch abo+t each other to s+r%o+!t the +!,!o$ab'e eas&'#)The approach &s prosa&c) 4Exce''e!t*4 sa&" A.&.* patt&!( a sto+t sho+'"er a!" th&!,&!(* 4I $&shthe# "&" !ot re%&!" %e of co$"+!(4- Das tho+(ht* 4So%e Mos'e%s are ver# v&o'e!t)4 The#s%&'e" $&stf+''#* each sp#&!( the tho+(ht &! the other2s heart* a!" Das* the %ore art&c+'ate*sa&": 4Exc+se %# %&sta,es* rea'&.e %# '&%&tat&o!s) 3&fe &s !ot eas# as $e ,!o$ &t o! the earth)44Oh* $e''* abo+t th&s poe%ho$ "&" #o+ hear I so%et&%es scr&bb'e"64 he as,e"* %+ch

p'ease"* a!" a (oo" "ea' %ove"for '&terat+re ha" a'$a#s bee! a so'ace to h&%* so%eth&!( thatthe +('&!ess of facts co+'" !ot spo&')4Professor Go"bo'e ofte! %e!t&o!e" &t* before h&s "epart+re for Ma+)44Ho$ "&" he hear644He too $as a poet- "o #o+ !ot "&v&!e each other64

/'attere" b# the &!v&tat&o!* he (ot to $or, that eve!&!() The fee' of the pe! bet$ee! h&s f&!(ers(e!erate" b+'b+'s at o!ce) H&s poe% $as a(a&! abo+t the "eca# of Is'a% a!" the brev&t#of 'ove- as sa" a!" s$eet as he co+'" co!tr&ve* b+t !ot !o+r&she" b# perso!a' exper&e!ce* a!"of !o &!terest to these exce''e!t H&!"+s) /ee'&!( "&ssat&sf&e"* he r+she" to the other extre%e*a!" $rote a sat&re* $h&ch $as too '&be''o+s to pr&!t) He co+'" o!'# express pathos or ve!o%*tho+(h %ost of h&s '&fe ha" !o co!cer! $&th e&ther) He 'ove" poetr#sc&e!ce $as %ere'# a!ac1+&s&t&o!*$h&ch he 'a&" as&"e $he! +!observe" '&,e h&s E+ropea! "ressa!" th&s eve!&!( he'o!(e" to co%pose a !e$ so!( $h&ch sho+'" be acc'a&%e" b# %+'t&t+"es a!" eve! s+!( &! thef&e'"s) I! $hat 'a!(+a(e sha'' &t be $r&tte!6 A!" $hat sha'' &t a!!o+!ce6 He vo$e" to see %oreof I!"&a!s $ho $ere !ot Moha%%e"a!s* a!" !ever to 'oo, bac,$ar") It &s the o!'# hea'th#

co+rse) Of $hat he'p* &! th&s 'at&t+"e a!" ho+r* are the ('or&es of Cor"ova a!" Sa%arca!"6 The#have (o!e* a!" $h&'e $e 'a%e!t the% the E!('&sh occ+p# De'h& a!" exc'+"e +s fro% East Afr&ca)Is'a% &tse'f* tho+(h tr+e* thro$s cross'&(hts over the path to free"o%) The so!( of the



f+t+re %+st tra!sce!" cree")The poe% for Mr) 0hattachar#a !ever (ot $r&tte!* b+t &t ha" a! effect) It 'e" h&% to$ar"sthe va(+e a!" b+',# f&(+re of a %other'a!") He $as $&tho+t !at+ra' affect&o! for the 'a!" of h&s b&rth* b+t the Marabar H&''s "rove h&% to &t) Ha'f c'os&!( h&s e#es* he atte%pte" to 'ove I!"&a)She %+st &%&tate ?apa!) Not +!t&' she &s a !at&o! $&'' her so!s be treate" $&th respect) He (re$har"er a!" 'ess approachab'e) The E!('&sh* $ho% he ha" 'a+(he" at or &(!ore"* persec+te"

h&% ever#$here- the# ha" eve! thro$! !ets over h&s "rea%s) 4M# (reat %&sta,e has bee! ta,&!(o+r r+'ers as a 9o,e*4 he sa&" to Ha%&"+''ah !ext "a#- $ho rep'&e" $&th a s&(h: 4It &s far the$&sest $a# to ta,e the%* b+t !ot poss&b'e &! the 'o!( r+!) Soo!er or 'ater a "&saster s+ch as#o+rs occ+rs* a!" revea's the&r secret tho+(hts abo+t o+r character) If Go" h&%se'f "esce!"e"fro% heave! &!to the&r c'+b a!" sa&" #o+ $ere &!!oce!t* the# $o+'" "&sbe'&eve h&%) No$ #o+see $h# Mah%o+" A'& a!" se'f $aste so %+ch t&%e over &!tr&(+es a!" assoc&ate $&th creat+res'&,e Ra% Cha!")44I ca!!ot e!"+re co%%&ttees) I sha'' (o r&(ht a$a#)44here to6 T+rto!s a!" 0+rto!s* a'' are the sa%e)440+t !ot &! a! I!"&a! state)44I be'&eve the Po'&t&ca's are ob'&(e" to have better %a!!ers) It a%o+!ts to !o %ore)4

4I "o $a!t to (et a$a# fro% 0r&t&sh I!"&a* eve! to a poor 9ob) I th&!, I co+'" $r&te poetr#there) I $&sh I ha" '&ve" &! 0ab+r2s t&%e a!" fo+(ht a!" $r&tte! for h&%) Go!e* (o!e* a!" !oteve! a!# +se to sa# 2Go!e* (o!e*2 for &t $ea,e!s +s $h&'e $e sa# &t) e !ee" a ,&!(* Ha%&"+''ah-&t $o+'" %a,e o+r '&ves eas&er) As &t &s* $e %+st tr# to apprec&ate these 1+a&!t H&!"+s) M#!ot&o! !o$ &s to tr# for so%e post as "octor &! o!e of the&r states)44Oh* that &s (o&!( %+ch too far)44It &s !ot (o&!( as far as Mr) Ra% Cha!")440+t the %o!e#* the %o!e#the# $&'' !ever pa# a! a"e1+ate sa'ar#* those sava(e Ra9as)44I sha'' !ever be r&ch a!#$here* &t &s o+ts&"e %# character)44If #o+ ha" bee! se!s&b'e a!" %a"e M&ss Q+este" pa#44I chose !ot to) D&sc+ss&o! of the past &s +se'ess*4 he sa&"* $&th s+""e! sharp!ess of to!e)4I have a''o$e" her to ,eep her fort+!e a!" b+# herse'f a h+sba!" &! E!('a!"* for $h&ch &t $&''

be ver# !ecessar#) Do!2t %e!t&o! the %atter a(a&!)44;er# $e''* b+t #o+r '&fe %+st co!t&!+e a poor %a!2s- !o ho'&"a#s &! 8ash%&r for #o+ #et* #o+%+st st&c, to #o+r profess&o! a!" r&se to a h&(h'# pa&" post* !ot ret&re to a 9+!('estate a!"$r&te poe%s) E"+cate #o+r ch&'"re!* rea" the 'atest sc&e!t&f&c per&o"&ca's* co%pe' E+ropea! "octorsto respect #o+) Accept the co!se1+e!ces of #o+r o$! act&o!s '&,e a %a!)4A.&. $&!,e" at h&% s'o$'# a!" sa&": 4e are !ot &! the 'a$ co+rts) There are %a!# $a#s of

be&!( a %a!- %&!e &s to express $hat &s "eepest &! %# heart)44To s+ch a re%ar, there &s certa&!'# !o rep'#*4 sa&" Ha%&"+''ah* %ove") Recover&!( h&%se'f a!" s%&'&!(* he sa&": 4Have #o+ hear" th&s !a+(ht# r+%o+r that Moha%%e" 3at&f has (ot ho'"

of644h&ch644he! M&ss Q+este" stoppe" &! the Co''e(e* /&e'"&!( +se" to v&s&t her ) ) ) rather too 'ate &!the eve!&!(* the serva!ts sa#)44A p'easa!t cha!(e for her &f he "&"*4 sa&" A.&.* %a,&!( a c+r&o+s face)40+t #o+ +!"ersta!" %# %ea!&!(54The #o+!( %a! $&!,e" a(a&! a!" sa&": 4?+st5 St&''* #o+r %ea!&!( "oes!2t he'p %e o+t of %#"&ff&c+'t&es) I a% "eter%&!e" to 'eave Cha!"rapore) The prob'e% &s* for $here6 I a% "eter%&!e"to $r&te poetr#) The prob'e% &s* abo+t $hat6 7o+ (&ve %e !o ass&sta!ce)4 The!* s+rpr&s&!( bothHa%&"+''ah a!" h&%se'f* he ha" a! exp'os&o! of !erves) 40+t $ho "oes (&ve %e ass&sta!ce6 Noo!e &s %# fr&e!") A'' are tra&tors* eve! %# o$! ch&'"re!) I have ha" e!o+(h of fr&e!"s)4

4I $as (o&!( to s+((est $e (o beh&!" the p+r"ah* b+t #o+r three treachero+s ch&'"re! arethere* so #o+ $&'' !ot $a!t to)44I a% sorr#* &t &s ever s&!ce I $as &! pr&so! %# te%per &s stra!(e- ta,e %e* for(&ve %e)4



4N+re""&!2s %other &s v&s&t&!( %# $&fe !o$) That &s a'' r&(ht* I th&!,)44The# co%e before %e separate'#* b+t !ot so far to(ether) 7o+ ha" better prepare the% for the +!&te" shoc, of %# face)44No* 'et +s s+rpr&se the% $&tho+t $ar!&!(* far too %+ch !o!se!se st&'' (oes o! a%o!( o+r 'a"&es) The# prete!"e" at the t&%e of #o+r tr&a' the# $o+'" (&ve +p p+r"ah5 &!"ee"* those of the% $ho ca! $r&te co%pose" a "oc+%e!t to that effect* a!" !o$ &t e!"s &! h+%b+() 7o+

,!o$ ho$ "eep'# the# a'' respect /&e'"&!(* b+t !ot o!e of the% has see! h&%) M# $&fe sa#s she$&''* b+t a'$a#s $he! he ca''s there &s so%e exc+seshe &s !ot fee'&!( $e''* she &s asha%e" of the roo%* she has !o !&ce s$eets to offer h&%* o!'# E'epha!ts2 Ears* a!" &f I sa# E'epha!ts2 Earsare Mr) /&e'"&!(2s favo+r&te s$eet* she rep'&es that he $&'' ,!o$ ho$ ba"'# hers are %a"e* soshe ca!!ot see h&% o! the&r acco+!t) /or f&ftee! #ears* %# "ear bo#* have I ar(+e" $&th %# be(+%*for f&ftee! #ears* a!" !ever (a&!e" a po&!t* #et the %&ss&o!ar&es &!for% +s o+r $o%e! are"o$!tro""e!) If #o+ $a!t a s+b9ect for a poe%* ta,e th&s: The I!"&a! 'a"# as she &s a!" !ot asshe &s s+ppose" to be)4CHAPTER IA.&. ha" !o se!se of ev&"e!ce) The se1+e!ce of h&s e%ot&o!s "ec&"e" h&s be'&efs* a!" 'e" tothe tra(&c coo'!ess bet$ee! h&%se'f a!" h&s E!('&sh fr&e!") The# ha" co!1+ere" b+t $ere !ot to

be cro$!e") /&e'"&!( $as a$a# at a co!fere!ce* a!" after the r+%o+r abo+t M&ss Q+este" ha" bee! $&th h&% +!"&st+rbe" for a fe$ "a#s* he ass+%e" &t $as tr+e) He ha" !o ob9ect&o! o!%ora' (ro+!"s to h&s fr&e!"s a%+s&!( the%se'ves* a!" C#r&'* be&!( %&""'ea(e"* co+'" !o 'o!(er expect the p&c, of the fe%a'e %ar,et* a!" %+st ta,e h&s a%+se%e!t $here he co+'" f&!" &t) 0+the rese!te" h&% %a,&!( +p to th&s part&c+'ar $o%a!* $ho% he st&'' re(ar"e" as h&s e!e%# a'so*$h# ha" he !ot bee! to'"6 hat &s fr&e!"sh&p $&tho+t co!f&"e!ces6 He h&%se'f ha" to'" th&!(sso%et&%es re(ar"e" as shoc,&!(* a!" the E!('&sh%a! ha" '&ste!e"* to'era!t* b+t s+rre!"er&!(!oth&!( &! ret+r!)He %et /&e'"&!( at the ra&'$a# stat&o! o! h&s ret+r!* a(ree" to "&!e $&th h&%* a!" the!starte" tax&!( h&% b# the ob'&1+e %etho"* o+t$ar"'# %err#) A! avo$e" E+ropea! sca!"a' there$asMr) Mc0r#"e a!" M&ss Dere,) M&ss Dere,2s fa&thf+' attach%e!t to Cha!"rapore $as !o$exp'a&!e": Mr) Mc0r#"e ha" bee! ca+(ht &! her roo%* a!" h&s $&fe $as "&vorc&!( h&%) 4That

p+re%&!"e" fe''o$) Ho$ever* he $&'' b'a%e the I!"&a! c'&%ate) Ever#th&!( &s o+r fa+'t rea''#) No$* have I !ot "&scovere" a! &%porta!t p&ece of !e$s for #o+* C#r&'644Not ver#*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* $ho too, '&tt'e &!terest &! "&sta!t s&!s) 43&ste! to %&!e)4 A.&.2s face'&t +p) 4At the co!fere!ce* &t $as sett'e")44Th&s eve!&!( $&'' "o for schoo'%aster#) I sho+'" (o stra&(ht to the M&!to !o$* the cho'era'oo,s ba") e be(&! to have 'oca' cases as $e'' as &%porte") I! fact* the $ho'e of '&fe &s so%e$hatsa") The !e$ C&v&' S+r(eo! &s the sa%e as the 'ast* b+t "oes !ot #et "are to be) That &s a''a!# a"%&!&strat&ve cha!(e a%o+!ts to) A'' %# s+ffer&!( has $o! !oth&!( for +s) 0+t 'oo, here*C#r&'* $h&'e I re%e%ber &t) There2s (oss&p abo+t #o+ as $e'' as Mc0r#"e) The# sa# that #o+ a!"

M&ss Q+este" beca%e a'so rather too &!t&%ate fr&e!"s) To spea, perfect'# fra!,'#* the# sa# #o+a!" she have bee! (+&'t# of &%propr&et#)44The# $o+'" sa# that)44It2s a'' over the to$!* a!" %a# &!9+re #o+r rep+tat&o!) 7o+ ,!o$* ever# o!e &s b# !o %ea!s#o+r s+pporter) I have tr&e" a'' I co+'" to s&'e!ce s+ch a stor#)44Do!2t bother) M&ss Q+este" has c'eare" o+t at 'ast)44It &s those $ho stop &! the co+!tr#* !ot those $ho 'eave &t* $ho% s+ch a stor# &!9+res)I%a(&!e %# "&s%a# a!" a!x&et#) I co+'" scarce'# (et a $&!, of s'eep) /&rst %# !a%e $as co+p'e"$&th her a!" !o$ &t &s #o+rs)44Do!2t +se s+ch exa((erate" phrases)44As $hat64

4As "&s%a# a!" a!x&et#)44Have I !ot '&ve" a'' %# '&fe &! I!"&a6 Do I !ot ,!o$ $hat pro"+ces a ba" &%press&o! here64H&s vo&ce shot +p rather cross'#)



47es* b+t the sca'e* the sca'e) 7o+ a'$a#s (et the sca'e $ro!(* %# "ear fe''o$) A p&t# there&s th&s r+%o+r* b+t s+ch a ver# s%a'' p&t#so s%a'' that $e %a# as $e'' ta', of so%eth&!( e'se)447o+ %&!" for M&ss Q+este"2s sa,e* tho+(h) I ca! see fro% #o+r face)44As far as I "o %&!") I trave' '&(ht)44C#r&'* that boastf+'!ess abo+t trave''&!( '&(ht $&'' be #o+r r+&!) It &s ra&s&!( +p e!e%&esa(a&!st #o+ o! a'' s&"es* a!" %a,es %e fee' excess&ve'# +!eas#)4

42hat e!e%&es64S&!ce A.&. ha" o!'# h&%se'f &! %&!"* he co+'" !ot rep'#) /ee'&!( a foo'* he beca%e a!(r&er) 4Ihave (&ve! #o+ '&st after '&st of the peop'e $ho ca!!ot be tr+ste" &! th&s c&t#) I! #o+r pos&t&o! Isho+'" have the se!se to ,!o$ I $as s+rro+!"e" b# e!e%&es) 7o+ observe I spea, &! a 'o$vo&ce) It &s beca+se I see #o+r sa&s &s !e$) Ho$ "o I ,!o$ he &s!2t a sp#64 He 'o$ere" h&s vo&ce:4Ever# th&r" serva!t &s a sp#)44No$* $hat &s the %atter64 he as,e"* s%&'&!()4Do #o+ co!tra"&ct %# 'ast re%ar,644It s&%p'# "oes!2t affect %e) Sp&es are as th&c, as %os1+&toes* b+t &t2s #ears before I sha''%eet the o!e that ,&''s %e) 7o+2ve so%eth&!( e'se &! #o+r %&!")44I2ve !ot- "o!2t be r&"&c+'o+s)4

47o+ have) 7o+2re cross $&th %e abo+t so%eth&!( or other)4A!# "&rect attac, thre$ h&% o+t of act&o!) Prese!t'# he sa&": 4So #o+ a!" Ma"a%se'' A"e'a+se" to a%+se o!e a!other &! the eve!&!(* !a+(ht# bo#)4Those "rab a!" h&(h%&!"e" ta',s ha" scarce'# %a"e for "a''&a!ce) /&e'"&!( $as so start'e"at the stor# be&!( ta,e! ser&o+s'#* a!" so "&s'&,e" be&!( ca''e" a !a+(ht# bo#* that he 'ost h&shea" a!" cr&e": 47o+ '&tt'e rotter5 e''* I2% "a%!e") A%+se%e!t &!"ee") Is &t '&,e'# at s+ch at&%e644Oh* I be( #o+r par"o!* I2% s+re) The '&ce!t&o+s Or&e!ta' &%a(&!at&o! $as at $or,*4 he rep'&e"*spea,&!( (a&'#* b+t c+t to the heart- for ho+rs after h&s %&sta,e he b'e" &!$ar"'#)47o+ see* A.&.* the c&rc+%sta!ces ) ) ) a'so the (&r' $as st&'' e!(a(e" to Heas'op* a'so I !ever fe't ) ) )447es* #es- b+t #o+ "&"!2t co!tra"&ct $hat I sa&"* so I tho+(ht &t $as tr+e) Oh "ear* East a!"est) Most %&s'ea"&!() &'' #o+ p'ease p+t #o+r '&tt'e rotter "o$! at h&s hosp&ta'6447o+2re !ot offe!"e"644Most certa&!'# I a% !ot)44If #o+ are* th&s %+st be c'eare" +p 'ater o!)44It has bee!*4 he a!s$ere"* "&(!&f&e") 4I be'&eve abso'+te'# $hat #o+ sa#* a!" of that there!ee" be !o f+rther 1+est&o!)440+t the $a# I sa&" &t %+st be c'eare" +p) I $as +!&!te!t&o!a''# r+"e) U!reserve" re(rets)44The fa+'t &s e!t&re'# %&!e)4Ta!('es '&,e th&s st&'' &!terr+pte" the&r &!terco+rse) A pa+se &! the $ro!( p'ace* a! &!to!at&o!

%&s+!"erstoo"* a!" a $ho'e co!versat&o! $e!t a$r#) /&e'"&!( ha" bee! start'e"* !ot shoc,e"* b+t ho$ co!ve# the "&ffere!ce6 There &s a'$a#s tro+b'e $he! t$o peop'e "o !ot th&!, of sex atthe sa%e %o%e!t* a'$a#s %+t+a' rese!t%e!t a!" s+rpr&se* eve! $he! the t$o peop'e are of the sa%e race) He be(a! to recap&t+'ate h&s fee'&!(s abo+t M&ss Q+este") A.&. c+t h&% short$&th: 40+t I be'&eve #o+* I be'&eve) Moha%%e" 3at&f sha'' be severe'# p+!&she" for &!ve!t&!(th&s)44Oh* 'eave &t a'o!e* '&,e a'' (oss&p&t2s %ere'# o!e of those ha'fa'&ve th&!(s that tr# to cro$"o+t rea' '&fe) Ta,e !o !ot&ce* &t2'' va!&sh* '&,e poor o'" Mrs) Moore2s to%bs)44Moha%%e" 3at&f has ta,e! to &!tr&(+&!() e are a'rea"# %+ch "&sp'ease" $&th h&%) &'' &tsat&sf# #o+ &f $e se!" h&% bac, to h&s fa%&'# $&tho+t a prese!t644e2'' "&sc+ss M)3) at "&!!er)4

H&s e#es $e!t c'otte" a!" har") 4D&!!er) Th&s &s %ost +!'+c,#I for(ot) I have pro%&se" to"&!e $&th Das)440r&!( Das to %e)4



4He $&'' have &!v&te" other fr&e!"s)447o+ are co%&!( to "&!!er $&th %e as arra!(e"*4 sa&" /&e'"&!(* 'oo,&!( a$a#) 4I "o!2t sta!"th&s) 7o+ are co%&!( to "&!!er $&th %e) 7o+ co%e)4The# ha" reache" the hosp&ta' !o$) /&e'"&!( co!t&!+e" ro+!" the Ma&"a! a'o!e) He $as a!!o#e"$&th h&%se'f* b+t co+!te" o! "&!!er to p+'' th&!(s stra&(ht) At the post off&ce he sa$ theCo''ector) The&r veh&c'es $ere par,e" s&"e b# s&"e $h&'e the&r serva!ts co%pete" &! the &!ter&or

of the b+&'"&!() 4Goo" %or!&!(- so #o+ are bac,*4 sa&" T+rto! &c&'#) 4I sho+'" be ('a" &f #o+ $&'' p+t &! #o+r appeara!ce at the c'+b th&s eve!&!()44I have accepte" ree'ect&o!* s&r) Do #o+ re(ar" &t as !ecessar# I sho+'" co%e6 I sho+'" be('a" to be exc+se"- &!"ee"* I have a "&!!er e!(a(e%e!t th&s eve!&!()44It &s !ot a 1+est&o! of #o+r fee'&!(s* b+t of the $&sh of the 3&e+te!a!tGover!or) Perhaps#o+ $&'' as, %e $hether I spea, off&c&a''#) I "o) I sha'' expect #o+ th&s eve!&!( at s&x) e sha''!ot &!terfere $&th #o+r s+bse1+e!t p'a!s)4He atte!"e" the (r&% '&tt'e f+!ct&o! &! "+e co+rse) The s,e'eto!s of hosp&ta'&t# ratt'e"4Have a pe(* have a "r&!,)4 He ta',e" for f&ve %&!+tes to Mrs) 0'a,&sto!* $ho $as the o!'# s+rv&v&!(fe%a'e) He ta',e" to Mc0r#"e* $ho $as "ef&a!t abo+t h&s "&vorce* co!sc&o+s that he ha"s&!!e" as a sah&b) He ta',e" to Ma9or Roberts* the !e$ C&v&' S+r(eo!- a!" to #o+!( M&'!er* the

!e$ C&t# Ma(&strate- b+t the %ore the c'+b cha!(e"* the %ore &t pro%&se" to be the sa%eth&!() 4It &s !o (oo"*4 he tho+(ht* as he ret+r!e" past the %os1+e* 4$e a'' b+&'" +po! sa!"-a!" the %ore %o"er! the co+!tr# (ets* the $orse2'' be the crash) I! the o'" e&(htee!th ce!t+r#*$he! cr+e't# a!" &!9+st&ce ra(e"* a! &!v&s&b'e po$er repa&re" the&r rava(es) Ever#th&!( echoes!o$- there2s !o stopp&!( the echo) The or&(&!a' so+!" %a# be har%'ess* b+t the echo &s a'$a#sev&')4 Th&s ref'ect&o! abo+t a! echo 'a# at the ver(e of /&e'"&!(2s %&!") He co+'" !ever "eve'op&t) It be'o!(e" to the +!&verse that he ha" %&sse" or re9ecte") A!" the %os1+e %&sse" &t too)3&,e h&%se'f* those sha''o$ arca"es prov&"e" b+t a '&%&te" as#'+%) 4There &s !o Go" b+t Go"4"oes!2t carr# +s far thro+(h the co%p'ex&t&es of %atter a!" sp&r&t- &t &s o!'# a (a%e $&th $or"s*rea''#* a re'&(&o+s p+!* !ot a re'&(&o+s tr+th)He fo+!" A.&. overt&re" a!" "&sp&r&te"* a!" he "eter%&!e" !ot to a''+"e to the&r %&s+!"ersta!"&!(+!t&' the e!" of the eve!&!(- &t $o+'" be %ore acceptab'e the!) He %a"e a c'ea!

breast abo+t the c'+bsa&" he ha" o!'# (o!e +!"er co%p+'s&o!* a!" sho+'" !ever atte!" a(a&!+!'ess the or"er $as re!e$e") 4I! other $or"s* probab'# !ever- for I a% (o&!( 1+&te soo! toE!('a!")44I tho+(ht #o+ %&(ht e!" &! E!('a!"*4 he sa&" ver# 1+&et'#* the! cha!(e" the co!versat&o!)Rather a$,$ar"'# the# ate the&r "&!!er* the! $e!t o+t to s&t &! the Mo(+' (ar"e!ho+se)4I a% o!'# (o&!( for a '&tt'e t&%e) O! off&c&a' b+s&!ess) M# serv&ce &s a!x&o+s to (et %e a$a#fro% Cha!"rapore for a b&t) It &s ob'&(e" to va'+e %e h&(h'#* b+t "oes !ot care for %e) Thes&t+at&o! &s so%e$hat h+%oro+s)44hat &s the !at+re of the b+s&!ess6 &'' &t 'eave #o+ %+ch spare t&%e64

4E!o+(h to see %# fr&e!"s)44I expecte" #o+ to %a,e s+ch a rep'#) 7o+ are a fa&thf+' fr&e!") Sha'' $e !o$ ta', abo+tso%eth&!( e'se644&''&!('#) hat s+b9ect644Poetr#*4 he sa&"* $&th tears &! h&s e#es) 4 3et +s "&sc+ss $h# poetr# has 'ost the po$er of %a,&!( %e! brave) M# %other2s father $as a'so a poet* a!" fo+(ht a(a&!st #o+ &! the M+t&!#) I%&(ht e1+a' h&% &f there $as a!other %+t&!#) As &t &s* I a% a "octor* $ho has $o! a case a!"has three ch&'"re! to s+pport* a!" $hose ch&ef s+b9ect of co!versat&o! &s off&c&a' p'a!s)443et +s ta', abo+t poetr#)4 He t+r!e" h&s %&!" to the &!!oc+o+s s+b9ect) 47o+ peop'e aresa"'# c&rc+%sta!ce") hatever are #o+ to $r&te abo+t6 7o+ ca!!ot sa#* 2The rose &s fa"e"*2 for ever%ore) e ,!o$ &t2s fa"e") 7et #o+ ca!2t have patr&ot&c poetr# of the 2I!"&a* %# I!"&a2 t#pe*

$he! &t2s !obo"#2s I!"&a)44I '&,e th&s co!versat&o!) It %a# 'ea" to so%eth&!( &!terest&!()447o+ are 1+&te r&(ht &! th&!,&!( that poetr# %+st to+ch '&fe) he! I ,!e$ #o+ f&rst* #o+ +se"



&t as a! &!ca!tat&o!)44I $as a ch&'" $he! #o+ ,!e$ %e f&rst) Ever#o!e $as %# fr&e!" the!) The /r&e!": a Pers&a!express&o! for Go") 0+t I "o !ot $a!t to be a re'&(&o+s poet e&ther)44I hope" #o+ $o+'" be)44h#* $he! #o+ #o+rse'f are a! athe&st644There &s so%eth&!( &! re'&(&o! that %a# !ot be tr+e* b+t has !ot #et bee! s+!()4

4Exp'a&! &! "eta&')44So%eth&!( that the H&!"+s have perhaps fo+!")443et the% s&!( &t)44H&!"+s are +!ab'e to s&!()44C#r&'* #o+ so%et&%es %a,e a se!s&b'e re%ar,) That $&'' "o for poetr# for the prese!t) 3et+s !o$ ret+r! to #o+r E!('&sh v&s&t)44e have!2t "&sc+sse" poetr# for t$o seco!"s*4 sa&" the other* s%&'&!()0+t A.&. $as a""&cte" to ca%eos) He he'" the t&!# co!versat&o! &! h&s ha!"* a!" fe't &tep&to%&.e" h&s prob'e%) /or a! &!sta!t he reca''e" h&s $&fe* a!"* as happe!s $he! a %e%or# &s&!te!se* the past beca%e the f+t+re* a!" he sa$ her $&th h&% &! a 1+&et H&!"+ 9+!('e !at&vestate* far a$a# fro% fore&(!ers) He sa&": 4 I s+ppose #o+ $&'' v&s&t M&ss Q+este")4

4If I have t&%e) It $&'' be stra!(e see&!( her &! Ha%pstea")44hat &s Ha%pstea"644A! art&st&c a!" tho+(htf+' '&tt'e s+b+rb of 3o!"o!44A!" there she '&ves &! co%fort: #o+ $&'' e!9o# see&!( her) ) ) ) Dear %e* I2ve (ot a hea"acheth&s eve!&!() Perhaps I a% (o&!( to have cho'era) &th #o+r per%&ss&o!* I2'' 'eave ear'#)44he! $o+'" #o+ '&,e the carr&a(e644Do!2t tro+b'eI2'' b&,e)440+t #o+ have!2t (ot #o+r b&c#c'e) M# carr&a(e fetche" #o+'et &t ta,e #o+ a$a#)44So+!" reaso!&!(*4 he sa&"* tr#&!( to be (a#) 4I have !ot (ot %# b&c#c'e) 0+t I a% see! tooofte! &! #o+r carr&a(e) I a% tho+(ht to ta,e a"va!ta(e of #o+r (e!eros&t# b# Mr) Ra% Cha!")4He $as o+t of sorts a!" +!eas#) The co!versat&o! 9+%pe" fro% top&c to top&c &! a bro,e!bac,e"fash&o!) The# $ere affect&o!ate a!" &!t&%ate* b+t !oth&!( c'&c,e" t&(ht)4A.&.* #o+ have for(&ve! %e the st+p&" re%ar, I %a"e th&s %or!&!(644he! #o+ ca''e" %e a '&tt'e rotter6447es* to %# eter!a' co!f+s&o!) 7o+ ,!o$ ho$ fo!" I a% of #o+)44That &s !oth&!(* of co+rse- $e a'' of +s %a,e %&sta,es) I! a fr&e!"sh&p s+ch as o+rs a fe$s'&ps are of !o co!se1+e!ce)40+t as he "rove off* so%eth&!( "epresse" h&%a "+'' pa&! of bo"# or %&!"* $a&t&!( to r&seto the s+rface) he! he reache" the b+!(a'o$ he $a!te" to ret+r! a!" sa# so%eth&!( ver#affect&o!ate- &!stea"* he (ave the sa&s a heav# t&p* a!" sat "o$! ('oo%&'# o! the be"* a!" Hassa!%assa(e" h&% &!co%pete!t'#) The e#ef'&es ha" co'o!&.e" the top of a! a'%e&ra- the re"

sta&!s o! the "+rr# $ere th&c,er* for Moha%%e" 3at&f ha" s'ept here "+r&!( h&s &%pr&so!%e!ta!" spat a (oo" "ea'- the tab'e "ra$er $as scarre" $here the po'&ce ha" force" &t ope!- ever#th&!(&! Cha!"rapore $as +se" +p* &!c'+"&!( the a&r) The tro+b'e rose to the s+rface !o$: he$as s+sp&c&o+s- he s+specte" h&s fr&e!" of &!te!"&!( to %arr# M&ss Q+este" for the sa,e of her %o!e#* a!" of (o&!( to E!('a!" for that p+rpose)4H+.oor6 4for he ha" %+ttere")43oo, at those f'&es o! the ce&'&!() h# have #o+ !ot "ro$!e" the%644H+.oor* the# ret+r!)443&,e a'' ev&' th&!(s)4To "&vert the co!versat&o!* Hassa! re'ate" ho$ the ,&tche!bo# ha" ,&''e" a s!a,e* (oo"*

b+t ,&''e" &t b# c+tt&!( &t &! t$o* ba"* beca+se &t beco%es t$o s!a,es)

4he! he brea,s a p'ate* "oes &t beco%e t$o p'ates644G'asses a!" a !e$ teapot $&'' s&%&'ar'# be re1+&re"* a'so for %#se'f a coat)4A.&. s&(he") Each for h&%se'f) O!e %a! !ee"s a coat* a!other a r&ch $&fe- each approaches



h&s (oa' b# a c'ever "eto+r) /&e'"&!( ha" save" the (&r' a f&!e of t$e!t# tho+sa!" r+pees* a!"!o$ fo''o$e" her to E!('a!") If he "es&re" to %arr# her* a'' $as exp'a&!e"- she $o+'" br&!( h&%a 'ar(er "o$r#) A.&. "&" !ot be'&eve h&s o$! s+sp&c&o!sbetter &f he ha"* for the! he $o+'" have"e!o+!ce" a!" c'eare" the s&t+at&o! +p) S+sp&c&o! a!" be'&ef co+'" &! h&s %&!" ex&st s&"e b#s&"e) The# spra!( fro% "&ffere!t so+rces* a!" !ee" !ever &!ter%&!('e) S+sp&c&o! &! the Or&e!ta'&s a sort of %a'&(!a!t t+%o+r* a %e!ta' %a'a"#* that %a,es h&% se'fco!sc&o+s a!" +!fr&e!"'#

s+""e!'#- he tr+sts a!" %&str+sts at the sa%e t&%e &! a $a# the ester!er ca!!ot co%prehe!")It &s h&s "e%o!* as the ester!er2s &s h#pocr&s#) A.&. $as se&.e" b# &t* a!" h&s fa!c# b+&'t a sata!&ccast'e* of $h&ch the fo+!"at&o! ha" bee! 'a&" $he! he ta',e" at D&',+sha +!"er the stars)The (&r' ha" s+re'# bee! C#r&'2s %&stress $he! she stoppe" &! the Co''e(eMoha%%e" 3at&f $asr&(ht) 0+t $as that a''6 Perhaps &t $as C#r&' $ho fo''o$e" her &!to the cave) ) ) ) No- &%poss&b'e)C#r&' ha"!2t bee! o! the 8a$a Do' at a'') I%poss&b'e) R&"&c+'o+s) 7et the fa!c# 'eft h&% tre%b'&!($&th %&ser#) S+ch treacher#&f tr+e$o+'" have bee! the $orst &! I!"&a! h&stor#- !oth&!( sov&'e* !ot eve! the %+r"er of Af.+' 8ha! b# S&va9&) He $as sha,e!* as tho+(h b# a tr+th* a!" to'"Hassa! to 'eave h&%)

Next "a# he "ec&"e" to ta,e h&s ch&'"re! bac, to M+ssoor&e) The# ha" co%e "o$! for thetr&a'* that he %&(ht b&" the% fare$e''* a!" ha" sta#e" o! at Ha%&"+''ah2s for the re9o&c&!(s) Ma9or

Roberts $o+'" (&ve h&% 'eave* a!" "+r&!( h&s abse!ce /&e'"&!( $o+'" (o off to E!('a!") The&"ea s+&te" both h&s be'&efs a!" h&s s+sp&c&o!s) Eve!ts $o+'" prove $h&ch $as r&(ht* a!" preserve*&! e&ther case* h&s "&(!&t#)/&e'"&!( $as co!sc&o+s of so%eth&!( host&'e* a!" beca+se he $as rea''# fo!" of A.&. h&s opt&%&s%fa&'e" h&%) Trave''&!( '&(ht &s 'ess eas# as soo! as affect&o! &s &!vo've") U!ab'e to 9o(for$ar" &! the sere!e hope that a'' $o+'" co%e r&(ht* he $rote a! e'aborate 'etter &! the rather %o"er! st#'e: 4It &s o! %# %&!" that #o+ th&!, %e a pr+"e abo+t $o%e!) I ha" rather #o+tho+(ht a!#th&!( e'se of %e) If I '&ve &%peccab'# !o$* &t &s o!'# beca+se I a% $e'' o! thefort&esa per&o" of rev&s&o!) I! the e&(ht&es I sha'' rev&se a(a&!) A!" before the !&!et&es co%eIsha'' be rev&se"5 0+t* a'&ve or "ea"* I a% abso'+te'# "evo&" of %ora's) Do ,&!"'# (rasp th&s abo+t%e)4 A.&. "&" !ot care for the 'etter at a'') It h+rt h&s "e'&cac#) He '&,e" co!f&"e!ces* ho$ever (ross* b+t (e!era'&.at&o!s a!" co%par&so!s a'$a#s repe''e" h&%) 3&fe &s !ot a sc&e!t&f&c %a!+a')He rep'&e" co'"'#* re(rett&!( h&s &!ab&'&t# to ret+r! fro% M+ssoor&e before h&s fr&e!" sa&'e": 4 0+tI %+st ta,e %# poor '&tt'e ho'&"a# $h&'e I ca!) A'' %+st be eco!o%# he!cefor$ar"* a'' hopes of 8ash%&r have va!&she" for ever a!" ever) he! #o+ ret+r! I sha'' be s'av&!( far a$a# &! so%e!e$ post)4A!" /&e'"&!( $e!t* a!" &! the 'ast (+tter&!(s of Cha!"raporeheave! a!" earth both 'oo,&!('&,e toffeethe I!"&a!2s ba" fa!c&es $ere co!f&r%e") H&s fr&e!"s e!co+ra(e" the%* for tho+(h the# ha" '&,e" the Pr&!c&pa'* the# fe't +!eas# at h&s (ett&!( to ,!o$ so %+ch abo+t the&r

pr&vate affa&rs) Mah%o+" A'& soo! "ec'are" that treacher# $as afoot) Ha%&"+''ah %+r%+re"*4Certa&!'# of 'ate he !o 'o!(er a""resse" +s $&th h&s for%er fra!,!ess*4 a!" $ar!e" A.&. 4!ot to

expect too %+ch he a!" she are* after a''* both %e%bers of a!other race)4 4here are %#t$e!t# tho+sa!" r+pees64 he tho+(ht) He $as abso'+te'# &!"&ffere!t to %o!e#!ot %ere'# (e!ero+s$&th &t* b+t pro%pt'# pa#&!( h&s "ebts $he! he co+'" re%e%ber to "o so#et these r+peesha+!te" h&s %&!"* beca+se he ha" bee! tr&c,e" abo+t the%* a!" a''o$e" the% to escapeoverseas* '&,e so %+ch of the $ea'th of I!"&a) C#r&' $o+'" %arr# M&ss Q+este"he (re$ certa&!of &t* a'' the +!exp'a&!e" res&"+e of the Marabar co!tr&b+t&!() It $as the !at+ra' co!c'+s&o! of the horr&b'e se!se'ess p&c!&c* a!" before 'o!( he pers+a"e" h&%se'f that the $e""&!( ha" act+a''#ta,e! p'ace)CHAPTER IIE(#pt $as char%&!(a (ree! str&p of carpet a!" $a',&!( +p a!" "o$! &t fo+r sorts of a!&%a'sa!" o!e sort of %a!) /&e'"&!(2s b+s&!ess too, h&% there for a fe$ "a#s) He ree%bar,e" at

A'exa!"r&abr&(ht b'+e s,#* co!sta!t $&!"* c'ea! 'o$ coast'&!e* as a(a&!st the &!tr&cac&es of 0o%ba#) Crete $e'co%e" h&% !ext $&th the 'o!( s!o$# r&"(e of &ts %o+!ta&!s* a!" the! ca%e;e!&ce) As he 'a!"e" o! the p&a..etta a c+p of bea+t# $as '&fte" to h&s '&ps* a!" he "ra!, $&th a



se!se of "&s'o#a't#) The b+&'"&!(s of ;e!&ce* '&,e the %o+!ta&!s of Crete a!" the f&e'"s of E(#pt*stoo" &! the r&(ht p'ace* $hereas &! poor I!"&a ever#th&!( $as p'ace" $ro!() He ha" for(otte!the bea+t# of for% a%o!( &"o' te%p'es a!" '+%p# h&''s- &!"ee"* $&tho+t for%* ho$ ca! there be

bea+t#6 /or% sta%%ere" here a!" there &! a %os1+e* beca%e r&(&" thro+(h !ervo+s!ess eve!* b+t oh these Ita'&a! ch+rches5 Sa! G&or(&o sta!"&!( o! the &s'a!" $h&ch co+'" scarce'# haver&se! fro% the $aves $&tho+t &t* the Sa'+te ho'"&!( the e!tra!ce of a ca!a' $h&ch* b+t for &t*

$o+'" !ot be the Gra!" Ca!a'5 I! the o'" +!"er(ra"+ate "a#s he ha" $rappe" h&%se'f +p &! the%a!#co'o+re" b'a!,et of St) Mar,2s* b+t so%eth&!( %ore prec&o+s tha! %osa&cs a!" %arb'es$as offere" to h&% !o$: the har%o!# bet$ee! the $or,s of %a! a!" the earth that +pho'"sthe%* the c&v&'&.at&o! that has escape" %+""'e* the sp&r&t &! a reaso!ab'e for%* $&th f'esh a!"

b'oo" s+bs&st&!() r&t&!( p&ct+re postcar"s to h&s I!"&a! fr&e!"s* he fe't that a'' of the% $o+'"%&ss the 9o#s he exper&e!ce" !o$* the 9o#s of for%* a!" that th&s co!st&t+te" a ser&o+s barr&er)The# $o+'" see the s+%pt+o+s!ess of ;e!&ce* !ot &ts shape* a!" tho+(h ;e!&ce $as !otE+rope* &t $as part of the Me"&terra!ea! har%o!#) The Me"&terra!ea! &s the h+%a! !or%)he! %e! 'eave that ex1+&s&te 'a,e* $hether thro+(h the 0osphor+s or the P&''ars of Herc+'es*the# approach the %o!stro+s a!" extraor"&!ar#- a!" the so+ther! ex&t 'ea"s to the stra!(estexper&e!ce of a'') T+r!&!( h&s bac, o! &t #et a(a&!* he too, the tra&! !orth$ar"* a!" te!"er ro%a!t&c

fa!c&es that he tho+(ht $ere "ea" for ever* f'o$ere" $he! he sa$ the b+tterc+ps a!""a&s&es of ?+!e)PART III: TEMP3ECHAPTER IIISo%e h+!"re"s of %&'es $est$ar" of the Marabax H&''s* a!" t$o #ears 'ater &! t&%e* Professor

Nara#a! Go"bo'e sta!"s &! the prese!ce of Go") Go" &s !ot bor! #etthat $&'' occ+r at%&"!&(htb+t He has a'so bee! bor! ce!t+r&es a(o* !or ca! He ever be bor!* beca+se He &s the3or" of the U!&verse* $ho tra!sce!"s h+%a! processes) He &s* $as !ot* &s !ot* $as) He a!"Professor Go"bo'e stoo" at oppos&te e!"s of the sa%e str&p of carpet)4T+,ara%* T+,ara%*Tho+ art %# father a!" %other a!" ever#bo"#)T+,ara%* T+,ara%*Tho+ art %# father a!" %other a!" ever#bo"#)T+,ara%* T+,ara%*Tho+ art %# father a!" %other a!" ever#bo"#)T+,ara%* T+,ara%*Tho+ art %# father a!" %other a!" ever#bo"#)T+,ara% ) ) )4Th&s corr&"or &! the pa'ace at Ma+ ope!e" thro+(h other corr&"ors &!to a co+rt#ar") It $as of

bea+t&f+' har" $h&te st+cco* b+t &ts p&''ars a!" va+'t&!( co+'" scarce'# be see! beh&!" co'o+re"ra(s* &r&"esce!t ba''s* cha!"e'&ers of opa1+e p&!, ('ass* a!" %+r,# photo(raphs fra%e" croo,e"'#)

At the e!" $as the s%a'' b+t fa%o+s shr&!e of the "#!ast&c c+'t* a!" the Go" to be bor!$as 'ar(e'# a s&'ver &%a(e the s&.e of a teaspoo!) H&!"+s sat o! e&ther s&"e of the carpet $herethe# co+'" f&!" roo%* or overf'o$e" &!to the a"9o&!&!( corr&"ors a!" the co+rt#ar"H&!"+s* H&!"+so!'#* %&'"feat+re" %e!* %ost'# v&''a(ers* for $ho% a!#th&!( o+ts&"e the&r v&''a(es passe"&! a "rea%) The# $ere the to&'&!( r#ot* $ho% so%e ca'' the rea' I!"&a) M&xe" $&th the% sat afe$ tra"es%e! o+t of the '&tt'e to$!* off&c&a's* co+rt&ers* sc&o!s of the r+'&!( ho+se) Schoo'bo#s,ept &!eff&c&e!t or"er) The asse%b'# $as &! a te!"er* happ# state +!,!o$! to a! E!('&sh cro$"*&t seethe" '&,e a be!ef&ce!t pot&o!) he! the v&''a(ers bro,e cor"o! for a ('&%pse of the s&'ver &%a(e* a %ost bea+t&f+' a!" ra"&a!t express&o! ca%e &!to the&r faces* a bea+t# &! $h&ch there$as !oth&!( perso!a'* for &t ca+se" the% a'' to rese%b'e o!e a!other "+r&!( the %o%e!t of &ts&!"$e''&!(* a!" o!'# $he! &t $as $&th"ra$! "&" the# revert to &!"&v&"+a' c'o"s) A!" so $&th the

%+s&c) M+s&c there $as* b+t fro% so %a!# so+rces that the s+%tota' $as +!tra%%e''e") The bra#&!( ba!(&!( croo!&!( %e'te" &!to a s&!('e %ass $h&ch tra&'e" ro+!" the pa'ace before 9o&!&!(the th+!"er) Ra&! fe'' at &!terva's thro+(ho+t the !&(ht)



It $as the t+r! of Professor Go"bo'e2s cho&r) As M&!&ster of E"+cat&o!* he (a&!e" th&s spec&a'ho!o+r) he! the prev&o+s (ro+p of s&!(ers "&sperse" &!to the cro$"* he presse" for$ar" fro%the bac,* a'rea"# &! f+'' vo&ce* that the cha&! of sacre" so+!"s %&(ht be +!&!terr+pte") He $as

barefoot a!" &! $h&te* he $ore a pa'e b'+e t+rba!- h&s (o'" p&!ce!e. ha" ca+(ht &! a 9as%&!e(ar'a!"* a!" 'a# s&"e$a#s "o$! h&s !ose) He a!" the s&x co''ea(+es $ho s+pporte" h&% c'ashe"the&r c#%ba's* h&t s%a'' "r+%s* "ro!e" +po! a portab'e har%o!&+%* a!" sa!(:

4T+,ara%* T+,ara%*Tho+ art %# father a!" %other a!" ever#bo"#)T+,ara%* T+,ara%*Tho+ art %# father a!" %other a!" ever#bo"#)T+,ara%* T+,ara% ) ) )4The# sa!( !ot eve! to the Go" $ho co!fro!te" the%* b+t to a sa&!t- the# "&" !ot o!e th&!($h&ch the !o!H&!"+ $o+'" fee' "ra%at&ca''# correct- th&s approach&!( tr&+%ph of I!"&a $as a%+""'e Bas $e ca'' &t* a fr+strat&o! of reaso! a!" for%) here $as the Go" H&%se'f* &! $hoseho!o+r the co!(re(at&o! ha" (athere"6 I!"&st&!(+&shab'e &! the 9+%b'e of H&s o$! a'tar* h+""'e"o+t of s&(ht a%&" &%a(es of &!fer&or "esce!t* s%othere" +!"er rose'eaves* overh+!( b#o'eo(raphs* o+tb&a.e" b# (o'"e! tab'ets represe!t&!( the Ra9ah2s a!cestors* a!" e!t&re'# obsc+re"*

$he! the $&!" b'e$* b# the tattere" fo'&a(e of a ba!a!a) H+!"re"s of e'ectr&c '&(hts ha" bee! '&t &! H&s ho!o+r B$or,e" b# a! e!(&!e $hose th+%ps "estro#e" the rh#th% of the h#%!)7et H&s face co+'" !ot be see!) H+!"re"s of H&s s&'ver "&shes $ere p&'e" aro+!" H&% $&th the%&!&%+% of effect) The &!scr&pt&o!s $h&ch the poets of the State ha" co%pose" $ere h+!($here the# co+'" !ot be rea"* or ha" t$&tche" the&r "ra$&!(p&!s o+t of the st+cco* a!" o!e of the% Bco%pose" &! E!('&sh to &!"&cate H&s +!&versa'&t# co!s&ste"* b# a! +!fort+!ate s'&p of the"ra+(hts%a!* of the $or"s* 4Go" s& 3ove)4Go" s& 3ove) Is th&s the f&rst %essa(e of I!"&a64T+,ara%* T+,ara% ) ) )4co!t&!+e" the cho&r* re&!force" b# a s1+abb'e beh&!" the p+r"ah c+rta&!* $here t$o %otherstr&e" to p+sh the&r ch&'"re! at the sa%e %o%e!t to the fro!t) A '&tt'e (&r'2s 'e( shot o+t '&,e a!ee') I! the co+rt#ar"* "re!che" b# the ra&!* the s%a'' E+ropea!&.e" ba!" st+%b'e" off &!to a$a't.) 4N&(hts of G'a"!ess4 the# $ere p'a#&!() The s&!(ers $ere !ot pert+rbe" b# th&s r&va'* the#'&ve" be#o!" co%pet&t&o!) It $as 'o!( before the t&!# f ra(%e!t of Professor Go"bo'e that atte!"e"to o+ts&"e th&!(s "ec&"e" that h&s p&!ce!e. $as &! tro+b'e* a!" that +!t&' &t $as a"9+ste"he co+'" !ot choose a !e$ h#%!) He 'a&" "o$! o!e c#%ba'* $&th the other he c'ashe"the a&r* $&th h&s free ha!" he f+%b'e" at the f'o$ers ro+!" h&s !ec,) A co''ea(+e ass&ste" h&%)S&!(&!( &!to o!e a! other2s (re# %o+staches* the# "&se!ta!('e" the cha&! fro% the t&!se' &!to$h&ch &t ha" s+!,) Go"bo'e co!s+'te" the %+s&cboo,* sa&" a $or" to the "r+%%er* $ho bro,erh#th%* %a"e a th&c, '&tt'e b'+r of so+!"* a!" pro"+ce" a !e$ rh#th%) Th&s $as %ore exc&t&!(*the &!!er &%a(es &t evo,e" %ore "ef&!&te* a!" the s&!(ers2 express&o!s beca%e fat+o+s a!" 'a!(+&")

The# 'ove" a'' %e!* the $ho'e +!&verse* a!" scraps of the&r past* t&!# sp'&!ters of "eta&'*e%er(e" for a %o%e!t to %e't &!to the +!&versa' $ar%th) Th+s Go"bo'e* tho+(h she $as !ot&%porta!t to h&%* re%e%bere" a! o'" $o%a! he ha" %et &! Cha!"rapore "a#s) Cha!ce bro+(hther &!to h&s %&!" $h&'e &t $as &! th&s heate" state* he "&" !ot se'ect her* she happe!e" to occ+r a%o!( the thro!( of so'&c&t&!( &%a(es* a t&!# sp'&!ter* a!" he &%pe''e" her b# h&s sp&r&t+a' forceto that p'ace $here co%p'ete!ess ca! be fo+!") Co%p'ete!ess* !ot reco!str+ct&o!) H&s se!ses(re$ th&!!er* he re%e%bere" a $asp see! he for(ot $here* perhaps o! a sto!e) He 'ove" the$asp e1+a''#* he &%pe''e" &t '&,e$&se* he $as &%&tat&!( Go") A!" the sto!e $here the $aspc'+!(co+'" he ) ) ) !o* he co+'" !ot* he ha" bee! $ro!( to atte%pt the sto!e* 'o(&c a!" co!sc&o+seffort ha" se"+ce"* he ca%e bac, to the str&p of re" carpet a!" "&scovere" that he $as"a!c&!( +po! &t) Up a!" "o$!* a th&r" of the $a# to the a'tar a!" bac, a(a&!* c'ash&!( h&s c#%ba's*

h&s '&tt'e 'e(s t$&!,'&!(* h&s co%pa!&o!s "a!c&!( $&th h&% a!" each other) No&se* !o&se* theE+ropea!&.e" ba!" 'o+"er* &!ce!se o! the a'tar* s$eat* the b'a.e of '&(hts* $&!" &! the ba!a!as*!o&se* th+!"er* e'eve!f&ft# b# h&s $r&st$atch* see! as he thre$ +p h&s ha!"s a!" "etache" the



t&!# reverberat&o! that $as h&s so+') 3o+"er sho+ts &! the cro$") He "a!ce" o!) The bo#s a!"%e! $ho $ere s1+att&!( &! the a&s'es $ere '&fte" forc&b'# a!" "roppe" $&tho+t cha!(&!( the&r shapes &!to the 'aps of the&r !e&(hbo+rs) Do$! the path th+s c'eare" a"va!ce" a '&tter)It $as the a(e" r+'er of the state* bro+(ht a(a&!st the a"v&ce of h&s ph#s&c&a!s to $&t!essthe 0&rth cere%o!#)

No o!e (reete" the Ra9ah* !or "&" he $&sh &t- th&s $as !o %o%e!t for h+%a! ('or#) Nor

co+'" the '&tter be set "o$!* 'est &t "ef&'e" the te%p'e b# beco%&!( a thro!e) He $as '&fte" o+tof &t $h&'e &ts feet re%a&!e" &! a&r* a!" "epos&te" o! the carpet c'ose to the a'tar* h&s &%%e!se bear" $as stra&(hte!e"* h&s 'e(s t+c,e" +!"er h&%* a paper co!ta&!&!( re" po$"er $as p'ace"&! h&s ha!") There he sat* 'ea!&!( a(a&!st a p&''ar* exha+ste" $&th &''!ess* h&s e#es %a(!&f&e" b#%a!# +!she" tears)He ha" !ot to $a&t 'o!() I! a 'a!" $here a'' e'se $as +!p+!ct+a'* the ho+r of the 0&rth $aschro!o%etr&ca''# observe") Three %&!+tes before &t $as "+e* a 0rah%a! bro+(ht forth a %o"e'of the v&''a(e of Go,+' Bthe 0eth'ehe% &! that !eb+'o+s stor# a!" p'ace" &t &! fro!t of the a'tar)The %o"e' $as o! a $oo"e! tra# abo+t a #ar" s1+are- &t $as of c'a#* a!" $as (a&'# b'+e a!"$h&te $&th strea%ers a!" pa&!t) Here* +po! a cha&r too s%a'' for h&% a!" $&th a hea" too 'ar(e*sat 8&!( 8a!sa* $ho &s Hero"* "&rect&!( the %+r"er of so%e I!!oce!ts* a!" &! a cor!er* s&%&'ar'#

proport&o!e"* stoo" the father a!" %other of the 3or"* $ar!e" to "epart &! a "rea%) The %o"e'$as !ot ho'#* b+t %ore tha! a "ecorat&o!* for &t "&verte" %e! fro% the act+a' &%a(e of the Go"*a!" &!crease" the&r sacre" be$&'"er%e!t) So%e of the v&''a(ers tho+(ht the 0&rth ha" occ+rre"*sa#&!( $&th tr+th that the 3or" %+st have bee! bor!* or the# co+'" !ot see H&%) 0+t the c'oc, str+c, %&"!&(ht* a!" s&%+'ta!eo+s'# the re!"&!( !ote of the co!ch bro,e forth* fo''o$e" b# thetr+%pet&!( of e'epha!ts- a'' $ho ha" pac,ets of po$"er thre$ the% at the a'tar* a!" &! the ros#"+st a!" &!ce!se* a!" c'a!(&!( a!" sho+ts* I!f&!&te 3ove too, +po! &tse'f the for% of SHRI8RISHNA* a!" save" the $or'") A'' sorro$ $as a!!&h&'ate"* !ot o!'# for I!"&a!s* b+t forfore&(!ers*

b&r"s* caves* ra&'$a#s* a!" the stars- a'' beca%e 9o#* a'' 'a+(hter- there ha" !ever bee! "&sease!or "o+bt* %&s+!"ersta!"&!(* cr+e't#* fear) So%e 9+%pe" &! the a&r* others f'+!( the%se'ves

pro!e a!" e%brace" the bare feet of the +!&versa' 'over- the $o%e! beh&!" the p+r"ahs'appe" a!" shr&e,e"- the '&tt'e (&r' s'&ppe" o+t a!" "a!ce" b# herse'f* her b'ac, p&(ta&'s f'#&!()

Not a! or(# of the bo"#- the tra"&t&o! of that shr&!e forba"e &t) 0+t the h+%a! sp&r&t ha" tr&e" b# a "esperate co!tort&o! to rav&sh the +!,!o$!* f'&!(&!( "o$! sc&e!ce a!" h&stor# &! thestr+(('e* #es* bea+t# herse'f) D&" &t s+ccee"6 0oo,s $r&tte! after$ar"s sa# 47es)4 0+t ho$* &f there &s s+ch a! eve!t* ca! &t be re%e%bere" after$ar"s6 Ho$ ca! &t be expresse" &! a!#th&!(

b+t &tse'f6 Not o!'# fro% the +!be'&ever are %#ster&es h&"* b+t the a"ept h&%se'f ca!!ot reta&!the%) He %a# th&!,* &f he chooses* that he has bee! $&th Go"* b+t as soo! as he th&!,s &t* &t

beco%es h&stor#* a!" fa''s +!"er the r+'es of t&%e)5 A cobra of pap&er%ch !o$ appeare" o! the carpet* a'so a $oo"e! cra"'e s$&!(&!( fro% a

fra%e) Professor Go"bo'e approache" the 'atter $&th a re" s&', !ap,&! &! h&s ar%s) The !ap,&!$as Go"* !ot that &t $as* a!" the &%a(e re%a&!e" &! the b'+r of the a'tar) It $as 9+st a !ap,&!*fo'"e" &!to a shape $h&ch &!"&cate" a bab#2s) The Professor "a!"'e" &t a!" (ave &t to the Ra9ah*$ho* %a,&!( a (reat effort* sa&"* 4I !a%e th&s ch&'" Shr& 8r&sh!a*4 a!" t+%b'e" &t &!to the cra"'e)Tears po+re" fro% h&s e#es* beca+se he ha" see! the 3or"2s sa'vat&o!) He $as too $ea, to exh&b&tthe s&', bab# to h&s peop'e* h&s pr&v&'e(e &! for%er #ears) H&s atte!"a!ts '&fte" h&% +p* a!e$ path $as c'eare" thro+(h the cro$"* a!" he $as carr&e" a$a# to a 'ess sacre" part of the

pa'ace) There* &! a roo% access&b'e to ester! sc&e!ce b# a! o+ter sta&rcase* h&s ph#s&c&a!* Dr)A.&.* a$a&te" h&%) H&s H&!"+ ph#s&c&a!* $ho ha" acco%pa!&e" h&% to the shr&!e* br&ef'# reporte"h&s s#%pto%s) As the ecstas# rece"e"* the &!va'&" (re$ fretf+') The b+%p&!( of thestea% e!(&!e that $or,e" the "#!a%o "&st+rbe" h&%* a!" he as,e" for $hat reaso! &t ha" bee!

&!tro"+ce" &!to h&s ho%e) The# rep'&e" that the# $o+'" e!1+&re* a!" a"%&!&stere" a se"at&ve)Do$! &! the sacre" corr&"ors* 9o# ha" seethe" to 9o''&t#) It $as the&r "+t# to p'a# var&o+s(a%es to a%+se the !e$'# bor! Go"* a!" to s&%+'ate h&s sports $&th the $a!to! "a&r#!&a&"s of



0r&!"aba!) 0+tter p'a#e" a pro%&!e!t part &! these) he! the cra"'e ha" bee! re%ove"* the pr&!c&pa' !ob'es of the state (athere" to(ether for a! &!!oce!t fro'&c) The# re%ove" the&r t+rba!s*a!" o!e p+t a '+%p of b+tter o! h&s forehea"* a!" $a&te" for &t to s'&"e "o$! h&s !ose&!to h&s %o+th) 0efore &t co+'" arr&ve* a!other sto'e +p beh&!" h&%* s!atche" the %e't&!( %orse'*a!" s$a''o$e" &t h&%se'f) A'' 'a+(he" ex+'ta!t'# at "&scover&!( that the "&v&!e se!se of h+%o+r co&!c&"e" $&th the&r o$!) 4Go" s& 'ove54 There &s f+! &! heave!) Go" ca! p'a# pract&ca'

9o,es +po! H&%se'f* "ra$ cha&rs a$a# fro% be!eath H&s o$! poster&ors* set H&s o$! t+rba!s o!f&re* a!" stea' H&s o$! pett&coats $he! He bathes) 0# sacr&f&c&!( (oo" taste* th&s $orsh&pach&eve" $hat Chr&st&a!&t# has sh&r,e": the &!c'+s&o! of %err&%e!t) A'' sp&r&t as $e'' as a'' %atter %+st part&c&pate &! sa'vat&o!* a!" &f pract&ca' 9o,es are ba!!e"* the c&rc'e &s &!co%p'ete) Hav&!(s$a''o$e" the b+tter* the# p'a#e" a!other (a%e $h&ch cha!ce" to be (racef+': the fo!"'&!( of Shr& 8r&sh!a +!"er the s&%&'&t+"e of a ch&'") A prett# re" a!" (o'" ba'' &s thro$!* a!" he $hocatches &t chooses a ch&'" fro% the cro$"* ra&ses &t &! h&s ar%s* a!" carr&es &t ro+!" to be caresse")A'' stro,e the "ar'&!( creat+re for the Creator2s sa,e* a!" %+r%+r happ# $or"s) Thech&'" &s restore" to h&s pare!ts* the ba'' thro$! o!* a!" a!other ch&'" beco%es for a %o%e!tthe or'"2s "es&re) A!" the 3or" bo+!"s h&ther a!" th&ther thro+(h the a&s'es* cha!ce* a!" thesport of cha!ce* &rra"&at&!( '&tt'e %orta's $&th H&s &%%orta'&t#) ) ) ) he! the# ha" p'a#e" th&s

'o!( e!o+(ha!" be&!( exe%pt fro% bore"o%* the# p'a#e" &t a(a&! a!" a(a&!* the# p'a#e" &ta(a&! a!" a(a&!the# too, %a!# st&c,s a!" h&t the% to(ether* $hac, s%ac,* as tho+(h the#fo+(ht the Pa!"ava $ars* a!" threshe" a!" ch+r!e" $&th the%* a!" 'ater o! the# h+!( fro%the roof of the te%p'e* &! a !et* a (reat b'ac, earthe!$are 9ar* $h&ch $as pa&!te" here a!"there $&th re"* a!" $reathe" $&th "r&e" f&(s) No$ ca%e a ro+s&!( sport) Spr&!(&!( +p* the#str+c, at the 9ar $&th the&r st&c,s) It crac,e"* bro,e* a!" a %ass of (reas# r&ce a!" %&', po+re"o! to the&r faces) The# ate a!" s%eare" o!e a!other2s %o+ths a!" "&ve" bet$ee! each other2s'e(s for $hat ha" bee! pashe" +po! the carpet) Th&s $a# a!" that sprea" the "&v&!e %ess* +!t&'the '&!e of schoo'bo#s* $ho ha" so%e$hat fe!"e" off the cro$"* bro,e for the&r share) Thecorr&"ors*the co+rt#ar"* $ere f&''e" $&th be!&(! co!f+s&o!) A'so the f'&es a$o,e a!" c'a&%e" the&r share of Go"2s bo+!t#) There $as !o 1+arre''&!(* o$&!( to the !at+re of the (&ft* for b'esse" &sthe %a! $ho co!fers &t o! a!other* he &%&tates Go") A!" those 4&%&tat&o!s*4 those 4s+bst&t+t&o!s*4co!t&!+e" to f'&c,er thro+(h the asse%b'# for %a!# ho+rs* a$a,&!( &! each %a!* accor"&!(to h&s capac&t#* a! e%ot&o! that he $o+'" !ot have ha" other$&se) No "ef&!&te &%a(e s+rv&ve"-at the 0&rth &t $as 1+est&o!ab'e $hether a s&'ver "o'' or a %+" v&''a(e* or a s&', !ap,&!* or a! &!ta!(&b'e sp&r&t* or a p&o+s reso'+t&o!* ha" bee! bor!) Perhaps a'' these th&!(s5 Perhaps!o!e5 Perhaps a'' b&rth &s a! a''e(or#5 St&''* &t $as the %a&! eve!t of the re'&(&o+s #ear) It ca+se"stra!(e tho+(hts) Covere" $&th (rease a!" "+st* Professor Go"bo'e ha" o!ce %ore "eve'ope"the '&fe of h&s sp&r&t) He ha"* $&th &!creas&!( v&v&"!ess* a(a&! see! Mrs) Moore* a!" ro+!" her fa&!t'# c'&!(&!( for%s of tro+b'e) He $as a 0rah%a!* she Chr&st&a!* b+t &t %a"e !o "&ffere!ce* &t

%a"e !o "&ffere!ce $hether she $as a tr&c, of h&s %e%or# or a te'epath&c appea') It $as h&s"+t#* as &t $as h&s "es&re* to p'ace h&%se'f &! the pos&t&o! of the Go" a!" to 'ove her* a!" to p'ace h&%se'f &! her pos&t&o! a!" to sa# to the Go"* 4Co%e* co%e* co%e* co%e)4 Th&s $as a'' heco+'" "o) Ho$ &!a"e1+ate5 0+t each accor"&!( to h&s o$! capac&t&es* a!" he ,!e$ that h&s o$!$ere s%a'') 4O!e o'" E!('&sh$o%a! a!" o!e '&tt'e* '&tt'e $asp*4 he tho+(ht* as he steppe" o+t of the te%p'e &!to the (re# of a po+r&!( $et %or!&!() 4It "oes !ot see% %+ch* st&'' &t &s %ore tha!I a% %#se'f)4CHAPTER I;Dr) A.&. 'eft the pa'ace at the sa%e t&%e) As he ret+r!e" to h&s ho+se$h&ch stoo" &! a

p'easa!t (ar"e! f+rther +p the %a&! street of the to$!he co+'" see h&s o'" patro! pa""'&!(a!" caper&!( &! the s'+sh ahea") 4H+''o54 he ca''e"* a!" &t $as the $ro!( re%ar,* for the "evotee

&!"&cate" b# c&rc+'ar (est+res of h&s ar%s that he "&" !ot "es&re to be "&st+rbe") He a""e"*4Sorr#*4 $h&ch $as r&(ht* for Go"bo'e t$&ste" h&s hea" t&'' &t "&"!2t be'o!( to h&s bo"#* a!" sa&"&! a stra&!e" vo&ce that ha" !o co!!ect&o! $&th h&s %&!": 4He arr&ve" at the E+ropea! G+est



Ho+se perhapsat 'east poss&b'#)44D&" he6 S&!ce $he!640+t t&%e $as too "ef&!&te) He $ave" h&s ar% %ore "&%'# a!" "&sappeare") A.&. ,!e$ $ho4he4 $as /&e'"&!(b+t he ref+se" to th&!, abo+t h&%* beca+se &t "&st+rbe" h&s '&fe* a!" he st&''tr+ste" the f'oo"s to preve!t h&% fro% arr&v&!() A f&!e '&tt'e r&ver &ss+e" fro% h&s (ar"e! (atea!" (ave h&% %+ch hope) It $as &%poss&b'e that a!#o!e co+'" (et across fro% Deora &! s+ch

$eather as th&s) /&e'"&!(2s v&s&t $as off&c&a') He ha" bee! tra!sferre" fro% Cha!"rapore* a!"se!t o! a to+r thro+(h Ce!tra' I!"&a to see $hat the re%oter states $ere "o&!( $&th re(ar" toE!('&sh e"+cat&o!) He ha" %arr&e"* he ha" "o!e the expecte" $&th M&ss Q+este"* a!" A.&. ha"!o $&sh to see h&% a(a&!)4Dear o'" Go"bo'e*4 he tho+(ht* a!" s%&'e") He ha" !o re'&(&o+s c+r&os&t#* a!" ha" !ever "&scovere" the %ea!&!( of th&s a!!+a' a!t&c* b+t he $as $e'' ass+re" that Go"bo'e $as a "ear o'" %a!) He ha" co%e to Ma! thro+(h h&% a!" re%a&!e" o! h&s acco+!t) &tho+t h&% he co+'"!ever have (raspe" prob'e%s so tota''# "&ffere!t fro% those of Cha!"rapore) /or here thec'eava(e $as bet$ee! 0rah%a! a!" !o!0 rah%a!- Mos'e%s a!" E!('&sh $ere 1+&te o+t of ther+!!&!(* a!" so%et&%es !ot %e!t&o!e" for "a#s) S&!ce Go"bo'e $as a 0rah%a!* A.&. $as o!ea'so for p+rposes of &!tr&(+e: the# $o+'" ofte! 9o,e abo+t &t to(ether) The f&ss+res &! the I!"&a!

so&' are &!f&!&te: H&!"+&s%* so so'&" fro% a "&sta!ce* &s r&ve! &!to sects a!" c'a!s* $h&ch ra"&atea!" 9o&!* a!" cha!(e the&r !a%es accor"&!( to the aspect fro% $h&ch the# are approache")St+"# &t for #ears $&th the best teachers* a!" $he! #o+ ra&se #o+r hea"* !oth&!( the# have to'"#o+ 1+&te f&ts) A.&.* the "a# of h&s &!a+(+rat&o!* ha" re%ar,e": 4I st+"# !oth&!(* I respect4%a,&!( a! exce''e!t &%press&o!) There $as !o$ a %&!&%+% of pre9+"&ce a(a&!st h&%) No%&!a''#+!"er a H&!"+ "octor* he $as rea''# ch&ef %e"&c&!e %a! to the co+rt) He ha" to "rop &!oc+'at&o!a!" s+ch ester! $h&%s* b+t eve! at Cha!"rapore h&s profess&o! ha" bee! a (a%e*ce!ter&!( ro+!" the operat&!( tab'e* a!" here &! the bac,$oo"s he 'et h&s &!str+%e!ts r+st* ra!h&s '&tt'e hosp&ta' at ha'f stea%* a!" ca+se" !o +!"+e a'ar%)H&s &%p+'se to escape fro% the E!('&sh $as so+!") The# ha" fr&(hte!e" h&% per%a!e!t'#*a!" there are o!'# t$o react&o!s a(a&!st fr&(ht: to ,&c, a!" screa% o! co%%&ttees* or to retreatto a re%ote 9+!('e* $here the sah&b se'"o% co%es) H&s o'" 'a$#er fr&e!"s $a!te" h&% to stop &!0r&t&sh I!"&a a!" he'p a(&tate* a!" %&(ht have preva&'e"* b+t for the treacher# of /&e'"&!() The!e$s ha" !ot s+rpr&se" h&% &! the 'east) A r&ft ha" ope!e" bet$ee! the% after the tr&a' $he!C#r&' ha" !ot 9o&!e" &! h&s process&o!- those a"vocac&es of the (&r' ha" &!crease" &t- the! ca%ethe postcar"s fro% ;e!&ce* so co'"* so +!fr&e!"'# that a'' a(ree" that so%eth&!( $as $ro!(-a!" f&!a''#* after a s&'e!ce* the expecte" 'etter fro% Ha%pstea") Mah%o+" A'& $as $&th h&% atthe t&%e) 4So%e !e$s that $&'' s+rpr&se #o+) I a% to %arr# so%eo!e $ho% #o+ ,!o$) ) ) )4 He"&" !ot rea" f+rther) 4 Here &t co%es* a!s$er for %e4 a!" he thre$ &t to Mah%o+" A'&) S+bse1+e!t'etters he "estro#e" +!ope!e") It $as the e!" of a foo'&sh exper&%e!t) A!" tho+(h so%et&%esat the bac, of h&s %&!" he fe't that /&e'"&!( ha" %a"e sacr&f&ces for h&%* &t $as !o$ a''

co!f+se" $&th h&s (e!+&!e hatre" of the E!('&sh) 4I a% a! I!"&a! at 'ast*4 he tho+(ht* sta!"&!(%ot&o!'ess &! the ra&!)3&fe passe" p'easa!t'#* the c'&%ate $as hea'th# so that the ch&'"re! co+'" be $&th h&% a'' the#ear ro+!"* a!" he ha" %arr&e" a(a&!!ot exact'# a %arr&a(e* b+t he '&,e" to re(ar" &t as o!ea!" he rea" h&s Pers&a!* $rote h&s poetr#* ha" h&s horse* a!" so%et&%es (ot so%e sh&,ar $h&'ethe (oo" H&!"+s 'oo,e" the other $a#) H&s poe%s $ere a'' o! o!e top&cOr&e!ta' $o%a!hoo")4The p+r"ah %+st (o*4 $as the&r b+r"e!* 4other$&se $e sha'' !ever be free)4 A!" he "ec'are"Bfa!tast&ca''# that I!"&a $o+'" !ot have bee! co!1+ere" &f $o%e! as $e'' as %e! ha" fo+(htat P'ass#) 40+t $e "o !ot sho$ o+r $o%e! to the fore&(!er 4!ot exp'a&!&!( ho$ th&s $as to be%a!a(e"* for he $as $r&t&!( a poe%) 0+'b+'s a!" roses $o+'" st&'' pers&st* the pathos of "efeate"Is'a% re%a&!e" &! h&s b'oo" a!" co+'" !ot be expe''e" b# %o"er!&t&es) I''o(&ca' poe%s

'&,e the&r $r&ter) 7et the# str+c, a tr+e !ote: there ca!!ot be a %other'a!" $&tho+t !e$ ho%es)I! o!e poe%the o!'# o!e f+!!# o'" Go"bo'e '&,e"he ha" s,&ppe" over the %other'a!"B$ho% he "&" !ot tr+'# 'ove a!" (o!e stra&(ht to &!ter!at&o!a'&t#) 4Ah* that &s bha,t&- ah* %#



#o+!( fr&e!"* that &s "&ffere!t a!" ver# (oo") Ah* I!"&a* $ho see%s !ot to %ove* $&'' (o stra&(htthere $h&'e the other !at&o!s $aste the&r t&%e) Ma# I tra!s'ate th&s part&c+'ar o!e &!to H&!"&6 I!fact* &t %&(ht be re!"ere" &!to Sa!s,r&t a'%ost* &t &s so e!'&(hte!e") 7es* of co+rse* a'' #o+r other

poe%s are ver# (oo" too) H&s H&(h!ess $as sa#&!( to Co'o!e' Ma((s 'ast t&%e he ca%e that $eare pro+" of #o+ 4s&%per&!( s'&(ht'#)Co'o!e' Ma((s $as the Po'&t&ca' A(e!t for the !e&(hbo+rhoo" a!" A.&.2 "e9ecte" oppo!e!t)

The Cr&%&!a' I!vest&(at&o! Depart%e!t ,ept a! e#e o! A.&. ever s&!ce the tr&a'the# ha" !oth&!(act&o!ab'e a(a&!st h&%* b+t I!"&a!s $ho have bee! +!fort+!ate %+st be $atche"* a!" tothe e!" of h&s '&fe he re%a&!e" +!"er observat&o!* tha!,s to M&ss Q+este"2s %&sta,e) Co'o!e'Ma((s 'ear!t $&th co!cer! that a s+spect $as co%&!( to Ma+* a!"* a"opt&!( a p'a#f+' %a!!er*ra''&e" the o'" Ra9ah for per%&tt&!( a Mos'e% "octor to approach h&s sacre" perso!) A fe$ #earsa(o* the Ra9ah $o+'" have ta,e! the h&!t* for the Po'&t&ca' A(e!t the! ha" bee! a for%&"ab'ef&(+re* "esce!"&!( $&th a'' the th+!"ers of E%p&re $he! &t $as %ost &!co!ve!&e!t* t+r!&!( the

po'&t# &!s&"e o+t* re1+&r&!( %otorcars a!" t&(erh+!ts* trees c+t "o$! that &%pe"e" the v&e$fro% the G+est Ho+se* co$s %&',e" &! h&s prese!ce* a!" (e!era''# arro(at&!( the co!tro' of &!ter!a'affa&rs) 0+t there ha" bee! a cha!(e of po'&c# &! h&(h 1+arters) 3oca' th+!"ers $ere !o'o!(er e!"orse"* a!" the (ro+p of '&tt'e states that co%pose" the a(e!c# "&scovere" th&s a!"

be(a! co%par&!( !otes $&th fr+&tf+' res+'t) To see ho$ %+ch* or ho$ '&tt'e* Co'o!e' Ma((s$o+'" sta!"* beca%e a! a(reeab'e (a%e at Ma+* $h&ch $as p'a#e" b# a'' the "epart%e!ts of State) He ha" to sta!" the appo&!t%e!t of Dr) A.&.) The Ra9ah "&" !ot ta,e the h&!t* b+t rep'&e"that H&!"+s $ere 'ess exc'+s&ve tha! for%er'#* tha!,s to the e!'&(hte!e" co%%a!"s of the ;&cero#*a!" he fe't &t h&s "+t# to %ove $&th the t&%es)7es* a'' ha" (o!e $e'' h&therto* b+t !o$* $he! the rest of the state $as p'+!(e" &! &ts fest&va'*he ha" a cr&s&s of a ver# "&ffere!t sort) A !ote a$a&te" h&% at h&s ho+se) There $as !o"o+bt that /&e'"&!( ha" arr&ve" over!&(ht* !or %+ch "o+bt that Go"bo'e ,!e$ of h&s arr&va'* for the !ote $as a""resse" to h&%* a!" he ha" rea" &t before se!"&!( &t o! to A.&.* a!" ha" $r&tte!&! the %ar(&!* 4 Is !ot th&s "e'&(htf+' !e$s* b+t +!fort+!ate'# %# re'&(&o+s "+t&es preve!t %efro% ta,&!( a!# act&o!)4 /&e'"&!( a!!o+!ce" that he ha" &!specte" M+",+' BM&ss Dere,2s for%er

preserve* that he ha" !ear'# bee! "ro$!e" at Deora* that he ha" reache" Ma+ accor"&!( tot&%etab'e* a!" hope" to re%a&! there t$o "a#s* st+"#&!( the var&o+s e"+cat&o!a' &!!ovat&o!s of h&s o'" fr&e!") Nor ha" he co%e a'o!e) H&s $&fe a!" her brother acco%pa!&e" h&%) A!" the! the!ote t+r!e" &!to the sort of !ote that a'$a#s "&" arr&ve fro% the State G+est Ho+se) a!t&!(so%eth&!() No e((s) Mos1+&to !ets tor!) he! $o+'" the# pa# the&r respects to H&s H&(h!ess6as &t correct that a torch'&(ht process&o! $o+'" ta,e p'ace6 If so* %&(ht the# v&e$ &t6 The#"&"!2t $a!t to (&ve tro+b'e* b+t &f the# %&(ht sta!" &! a ba'co!#* or &f the# %&(ht (o o+t &! a

boat) ) ) ) A.&. tore the !ote +p) He ha" ha" e!o+(h of sho$&!( M&ss Q+este" !at&ve '&fe)Treachero+s h&"eo+s harr&"a!5 0a" peop'e a'to(ether) He hope" to avo&" the%* tho+(h th&s%&(ht be "&ff&c+'t* for the# $o+'" certa&!'# be he'" +p for severa' "a#s at Ma+) Do$! co+!tr#*

the f'oo"s $ere eve! $orse* a!" the pa'e (re# faces of 'a,es ha" appeare" &! the "&rect&o! of the As&r(arh ra&'$a# stat&o!)CHAPTER ;3o!( before he "&scovere" Ma+* a!other #o+!( Moha%%e"a! ha" ret&re" therea sa&!t) H&s%other sa&" to h&%* 4/ree pr&so!ers)4 So he too, a s$or" a!" $e!t +p to the fort) He +!'oc,e"a "oor* a!" the pr&so!ers strea%e" o+t a!" res+%e" the&r prev&o+s occ+pat&o!s* b+t the po'&ce$ere too %+ch a!!o#e" a!" c+t off the #o+!( %a!2s hea") I(!or&!( &ts abse!ce* '&e %a"e h&s$a# over the roc,s that separate the fort a!" the to$!* ,&''&!( po'&ce%e! as he $e!t* a!" hefe'' o+ts&"e h&s %other2s ho+se* hav&!( acco%p'&she" her or"ers) Co!se1+e!t'# there are t$oshr&!es to h&% to"a#that of the Hea" above* a!" that of the 0o"# be'o$a!" the# are $orsh&ppe"

b# the fe$ Moha%%e"a!s $ho '&ve !ear* a!" b# H&!"+s a'so) 4There &s !o Go" b+t

Go"4- that s#%%etr&ca' &!9+!ct&o! %e'ts &! the %&'" a&rs of Ma!- &t be'o!(s to p&'(r&%a(es a!"+!&vers&t&es* !ot to fe+"a'&s% a!" a(r&c+'t+re) he! A.&. arr&ve"* a!" fo+!" that eve! Is'a% $as&"o'atro+s* he (re$ scor!f+'* a!" 'o!(e" to p+r&f# the p'ace* '&,e A'a%(&r) 0+t soo! he "&"!2t



%&!"* '&,e A,bar) After a''* th&s sa&!t ha" free" pr&so!ers* a!" he h&%se'f ha" 'a&! &! pr&so!) TheShr&!e of the 0o"# 'a# &! h&s o$! (ar"e! a!" pro"+ce" a $ee,'# crop of 'a%ps a!" f'o$ers* a!"$he! he sa$ the% he reca''e" h&s s+ffer&!(s) The Shr&!e of the Hea" %a"e a !&ce short $a', for the ch&'"re!) He $as off "+t# the %or!&!( after the (reat p+9ah* a!" he to'" the% to co%e)?e%&'a he'" h&s ha!") Ah%e" a!" 8ar&% ra! &! fro!t* ar(+&!( $hat the bo"# 'oo,e" '&,e as &tca%e sta((er&!( "o$!* a!" $hether the# $o+'" have bee! fr&(hte!e" &f the# %et &t) He "&"!2t

$a!t the% to (ro$ +p s+perst&t&o+s* so he reb+,e" the%* a!" the# a!s$ere" #es* father* for the# $ere $e'' bro+(ht +p* b+t* '&,e h&%se'f* the# $ere &%perv&o+s to ar(+%e!t* a!" after a po'&te pa+se the# co!t&!+e" sa#&!( $hat the&r !at+res co%pe''e" the% to sa#)A s'&%* ta'' e&(hts&"e" b+&'"&!( stoo" at the top of the s'ope* a%o!( so%e b+shes) Th&s $asthe Shr&!e of the Hea") It ha" !ot bee! roofe"* a!" $as &!"ee" %ere'# a scree!) I!s&"e &tcro+che" a h+%b'e "o%e* a!" &!s&"e that* v&s&b'e thro+(h a (r&''e* $as a tr+!cate" (ravesto!e*s$athe" &! ca'&co) The &!!er a!('es of the scree! $ere c+%bere" $&th bees2 !ests* a!" a (e!t'esho$er of bro,e! $&!(s a!" other aer&a' o""%e!ts ,ept fa''&!(* a!" ha" stre$! the "a%p

pave%e!t $&th the&r f'+e) Ah%e"* appr&.e" b# Moha%%e" 3at&f of the character of the bee*sa&"* 4The# $&'' !ot h+rt +s* $hose '&ves are chaste*4 a!" p+she" bo'"'# &!- h&s s&ster $as %oreca+t&o+s) /ro% the shr&!e the# $e!t to a %os1+e* $h&ch* &! s&.e a!" "es&(!* rese%b'e" a f&rescree!-

the arca"es of Cha!"rapore ha" shr+!, to a f'at p&ece of or!a%e!ta' st+cco* $&th prot+bera!cesat e&ther e!" to s+((est %&!arets) The f+!!# '&tt'e th&!( "&"!2t eve! sta!" stra&(ht*for the roc, o! $h&ch &t ha" bee! p+t $as s'&pp&!( "o$! the h&'') It* a!" the shr&!e* $ere astra!(e o+tco%e of the protests of Arab&a)The# $a!"ere" over the o'" fort* !o$ "eserte"* a!" a"%&re" the var&o+s v&e$s) The sce!er#*accor"&!( to the&r sta!"ar"s* $as "e'&(htf+'the s,# (re# a!" b'ac,* be''#f+'s of ra&! a'' over &t* the earth poc,e" $&th poo's of $ater a!" s'&%# $&th %+") A %a(!&f&ce!t %o!soo! the bestfor three #ears* the ta!,s a'rea"# f+''* b+%per crops poss&b'e) O+t to$ar"s the r&ver Bthe ro+te

b# $h&ch the /&e'"&!(s ha" escape" fro% Deora the "o$!po+r ha" bee! e!or%o+s* the %a&'sha" to be p+''e" across b# ropes) The# co+'" 9+st see the brea, &! the forest trees $here the(or(e ca%e thro+(h* a!" the roc,s above that %ar,e" the s&te of the "&a%o!" %&!e* ('&ste!&!($&th $et) C'ose be!eath $as the s+b+rba! res&"e!ce of the ?+!&or Ra!&* &so'ate" b# f'oo"s* a!"Her H&(h!ess* 'ax abo+t p+r"ah* to be see! pa""'&!( $&th her ha!"%a&"e!s &! the (ar"e! a!"$av&!( her sar& at the %o!,e#s o! the roof) 0+t better !ot 'oo, c'ose be!eath* perhaps!or to$ar"s the E+ropea! G+est Ho+se e&ther) 0e#o!" the G+est Ho+se rose a!other (re#(ree!('oo% of h&''s* covere" $&th te%p'es '&,e '&tt'e $h&te f'a%es) There $ere over t$o h+!"re" (o"s&! that "&rect&o! a'o!e* $ho v&s&te" each other co!sta!t'#* a!" o$!e" !+%ero+s co$s* a!" a''the bete''eaf &!"+str#* bes&"es hav&!( shares &! the As&r(arh %otor o%!&b+s) Ma!# of the%$ere &! the pa'ace at th&s %o%e!t* hav&!( the t&%e of the&r '&ves- others* too 'ar(e or pro+" totrave'* ha" se!t s#%bo's to represe!t the%) The a&r $as th&c, $&th re'&(&o! a!" ra&!)The&r $h&te sh&rts f'+tter&!(* Ah%e" a!" 8ar&% ra! abo+t over the fort* shr&e,&!( $&th 9o#)

Prese!t'# the# &!tersecte" a '&!e of pr&so!ers* $ho $ere 'oo,&!( a&%'ess'# at a! o'" bro!.e (+!)4h&ch of #o+ &s to be par"o!e"64 the# as,e") /or to!&(ht $as the process&o! of the Ch&ef Go"*$he! He $o+'" 'eave the pa'ace* escorte" b# the $ho'e po$er of the State* a!" pass b# the?a&'* $h&ch stoo" "o$! &! the to$! !o$) As He "&" so* tro+b'&!( the $aters of o+r c&v&'&.at&o!*o!e pr&so!er $o+'" be re'ease"* a!" the! He $o+'" procee" to the (reat Ma+ ta!, thatstretche" as far as the G+est Ho+se (ar"e!* $here so%eth&!( e'se $o+'" happe!* so%e f&!a' or s+bs&"&ar# apotheos&s* after $h&ch He $o+'" s+b%&t to the exper&e!ce of s'eep) The A.&. fa%&'#"&" !ot (rasp as %+ch as th&s* be&!( Mos'e%* b+t the v&s&t to the ?a&' $as co%%o! ,!o$'e"(e)S%&'&!(* $&th "o$!cast e#es* the pr&so!ers "&sc+sse" $&th the (e!tr# the&r cha!ces of sa'vat&o!)Except for the &ro!s o! the&r 'e(s* the# rese%b'e" other %e!* !or "&" the# fee' "&ffere!t) /&ve of the%* $ho ha" !ot #et bee! bro+(ht to tr&a'* co+'" expect !o par"o!* b+t a'' $ho ha" bee!

co!v&cte" $ere f+'' of hope) The# "&" !ot "&st&!(+&sh bet$ee! the Go" a!" the Ra9ah &! the&r %&!"s* both $ere too far above the%- b+t the (+ar" $as better e"+cate"* a!" ve!t+re" to e!1+&reafter H&s H&(h!ess2s hea'th)



4It a'$a#s &%proves*4 rep'&e" the %e"&c&!e %a!) As a %atter of fact* the Ra9ah $as "ea"*the cere%o!# over!&(ht ha" overtaxe" h&s stre!(th) H&s "eath $as be&!( co!cea'e" 'est the('or# of the fest&va' $ere "&%%e") The H&!"+ ph#s&c&a!* the Pr&vate Secretar#* a!" a co!f&"e!t&a'serva!t re%a&!e" $&th the corpse* $h&'e A.&. ha" ass+%e" the "+t# of be&!( see! &! p+b'&c* a!"%&s'ea"&!( peop'e He ha" '&,e" the r+'er ver# %+ch* a!" %&(ht !ot prosper +!"er h&s s+ccessor*#et he co+'" !ot $orr# over s+ch prob'e%s #et* for he $as &!vo've" &! the &''+s&o! he he'pe" to

create) The ch&'"re! co!t&!+e" to r+! abo+t* h+!t&!( for a fro( to p+t &! Moha%%e" 3at&f2s be"*the '&tt'e foo's) H+!"re"s of fro(s '&ve" &! the&r o$! (ar"e!* b+t the# %+st !ee"s catch o!e +po! the fort) The# reporte" t$o top&s be'o$) /&e'"&!( a!" h&s brother&!'a$* &!stea" of rest&!(after the&r 9o+r!e#* $ere c'&%b&!( the s'ope to the sa&!t2s to%b54Thro$ sto!es64 as,e" 8ar&%)4P+t po$"ere" ('ass &! the&r pa!644Ah%e"* co%e here for s+ch $&c,e"!ess)4 He ra&co" h&s ha!" to s%&te h&s f&rstbor!* b+t a''o$e"&t to be ,&sse" &!stea") It $as s$eet to have h&s so!s $&th h&% at th&s %o%e!t* a!" to,!o$ the# $ere affect&o!ate a!" brave) He po&!te" o+t that the E!('&sh%e! $ere State (+ests*so %+st !ot be po&so!e"* a!" rece&ve"* as a'$a#s* (e!t'e #et e!th+s&ast&c asse!t to h&s $or"s)The t$o v&s&tors e!tere" the octa(o!* b+t r+she" o+t at o!ce p+rs+e" b# so%e bees) H&ther

a!" th&ther the# ra!* beat&!( the&r hea"s- the ch&'"re! shr&e,e" $&th "er&s&o!* a!" o+t of heave!* as &f a p'+( ha" bee! p+''e"* fe'' a 9o''# "o''op of ra&!) A.&. ha" !ot %ea!t to (reet h&sfor%er fr&e!"* b+t the &!c&"e!t p+t h&% &!to a! exce''e!t te%per) He fe't co%pact a!" stro!() Hesho+te" o+t* 4H+''o* (e!t'e%e!* are #o+ &! tro+b'e64The brother&!'a$ exc'a&%e"- a bee ha" (ot h&%)43&e "o$! &! a poo' of $ater* %# "ear s&rhere are p'e!t#) Do!2t co%e !ear %e) ) ) ) I ca!!otco!tro' the%* the# are State bees- co%p'a&! to H&s H&(h!ess of the&r behav&o+r)4 There $as !orea' "a!(er* for the ra&! $as &!creas&!() The s$ar% ret&re" to the shr&!e) He $e!t +p to thestra!(er a!" p+''e" a co+p'e of st&!(s o+t of h&s $r&st* re%ar,&!(* 4Co%e* p+'' #o+rse'f to(ether a!" be a %a!)44Ho$ "o #o+ "o* A.&.* after a'' th&s t&%e6 I hear" #o+ $ere sett'e" &! here*4 /&e'"&!( ca''e"to h&%* b+t !ot &! fr&e!"'# to!es) 4I s+ppose a co+p'e of st&!(s "o!2t s&(!&f#)44Not the 'east) I2'' se!" a! e%brocat&o! over to the G+est Ho+se) I hear" #o+ $ere sett'e" &!there)44h# have #o+ !ot a!s$ere" %# 'etters64 he as,e"* (o&!( stra&(ht for the po&!t* b+t !otreach&!( &t* o$&!( to b+c,ets of ra&!) H&s co%pa!&o!* !e$ to the co+!tr#* cr&e"* as the "rops"r+%%e" o! h&s top&* that the bees $ere re!e$&!( the&r attac,) /&e'"&!( chec,e" h&s a!t&csrather sharp'#* the! sa&": 4Is there a short c+t "o$! to o+r carr&a(e6 e %+st (&ve +p o+r $a',)The $eather2s pest&'e!t&a')447es) That $a#)44Are #o+ !ot co%&!( "o$! #o+rse'f64

A.&. s,etche" a co%&c sa'aa%- '&,e a'' I!"&a!s* he $as s,&'f+' &! the s'&(hter &%pert&!e!ces) 4Itre%b'e* I obe#*4 the (est+re sa&"* a!" &t $as !ot 'ost +po! /&e'"&!() The# $a',e" "o$! a ro+(h path to the roa"the t$o %e! f&rst- the brother&!'a$ Bbo# rather tha! %a! !ext* &! a stateover h&s ar%* $h&ch h+rt- the three I!"&a! ch&'"re! 'ast* !o&s# a!" &%p+"e!ta'' s&x $etthro+(h)4Ho$ (oes &t* A.&.644I! %# +s+a' hea'th)44Are #o+ %a,&!( a!#th&!( o+t of #o+r '&fe here644Ho$ %+ch "o #o+ %a,e o+t of #o+rs644ho &s &! char(e of the G+est Ho+se64 he as,e"* (&v&!( +p h&s s'&(ht effort to recapt+rethe&r &!t&%ac#* a!" (ro$&!( %ore off&c&a'- he $as o'"er a!" ster!er)

4H&s H&(h!ess2s Pr&vate Secretar#* probab'#)44here &s he* the!644I "o!2t ,!o$)4



40eca+se !ot a so+'2s bee! !ear +s s&!ce $e arr&ve")44Rea''#)44I $rote beforeha!" to the D+rbar* a!" as,e" &f a v&s&t $as co!ve!&e!t) I $as to'" &t $as*a!" arra!(e" %# to+r accor"&!('#- b+t the G+est Ho+se serva!ts appear to have !o "ef&!&te&!str+ct&o!s* $e ca!2t (et a!# e((s* a'so %# $&fe $a!ts to (o o+t &! the boat)44There are t$o boats)4

4Exact'#* a!" !o oars)44Co'o!e' Ma((s bro,e the oars $he! here 'ast)44A'' fo+r644He &s a %ost po$erf+' %a!)44If the $eather '&fts* $e $a!t to see #o+r torch'&(ht process&o! fro% the $ater th&s eve!&!(*4he p+rs+e") 4I $rote to Go"bo'e abo+t &t* b+t he has ta,e! !o !ot&ce- &t2s a p'ace of the "ea")44Perhaps #o+r 'etter !ever reache" the M&!&ster &! 1+est&o!)44&'' there be a!# ob9ect&o! to E!('&sh peop'e $atch&!( the process&o!644I ,!o$ !oth&!( at a'' abo+t the re'&(&o! here) I sho+'" !ever th&!, of $atch&!( &t %#se'f)44e ha" a ver# "&ffere!t recept&o! both at M+",+' a!" Deora* the# $ere ,&!"!ess &tse'f atDeora* the Mahara9ah a!" Mahara!& $a!te" +s to see ever#th&!()4

47o+ sho+'" !ever have 'eft the%)44?+%p &!* Ra'ph 4the# ha" reache" the carr&a(e)4?+%p &!* Mr) Q+este"* a!" Mr) /&e'"&!()44ho o! earth &s Mr) Q+este"644Do I %&spro!o+!ce that $e'',!o$! !a%e6 Is he !ot #o+r $&fe2s brother644ho o! earth "o #o+ s+ppose I2ve %arr&e"644I2% o!'# Ra'ph Moore*4 sa&" the bo#* b'+sh&!(* a!" at that %o%e!t there fe'' a!other pa&'f+'of the ra&!* a!" %a"e a %&st ro+!" the&r feet) A.&. tr&e" to $&th"ra$* b+t &t $as too 'ate)4Q+este"6 Q+este"6 Do!2t #o+ ,!o$ that %# $&fe $as Mrs) Moore2s "a+(hter64He tre%b'e"* a!" $e!t p+rp'&sh (re#- he hate" the !e$s* hate" hear&!( the !a%e Moore)4Perhaps th&s exp'a&!s #o+r o"" att&t+"e644A!" pra# $hat &s $ro!( $&th %# att&t+"e644The prepostero+s 'etter #o+ a''o$e" Mah%o+" A'& to $r&te for #o+)44Th&s &s a ver# +se'ess co!versat&o!* I co!s&"er)44Ho$ever "&" #o+ %a,e s+ch a %&sta,e64 sa&" /&e'"&!(* %ore fr&e!"'# tha! before* b+tscath&!( a!" scor!f+') 4It2s a'%ost +!be'&evab'e) I sho+'" th&!, I $rote #o+ ha'f a "o.e! t&%es*%e!t&o!&!( %# $&fe b# !a%e) M&ss Q+este"5 hat a! extraor"&!ar# !ot&o!54 /ro% h&s s%&'e*A.&. (+esse" that Ste''a $as bea+t&f+') 4M&ss Q+este" &s o+r best fr&e!"* she &!tro"+ce" +s* b+t )) ) $hat a! a%a.&!( !ot&o!) A.&.* $e %+st thrash th&s %&s+!"ersta!"&!( o+t 'ater o!) It &s c'ear'#so%e "ev&'tr# of Mah%o+" A'&2s) He ,!o$s perfect'# $e'' I %arr&e" M&ss Moore) He ca''e" her2Heas'op2s s&ster2 &! h&s &!so'e!t 'etter to %e)4

The !a%e $o,e f+r&es &! h&%) 4So she &s* a!" here &s Heas'op2s brother* a!" #o+ h&s brother&!'a$* a!" (oo"b#e)4 Sha%e t+r!e" &!to a ra(e that bro+(ht bac, h&s se'frespect) 4hat "oes&t %atter to %e $ho #o+ %arr#6 Do!2t tro+b'e %e here at Ma+ &s a'' I as,) I "o !ot $a!t #o+* I"o !ot $a!t o!e of #o+ &! %# pr&vate '&fe* $&th %# "#&!( breath I sa# &t) 7es* #es* I %a"e a foo'&sh

b'+!"er- "esp&se %e a!" fee' co'") I tho+(ht #o+ %arr&e" %# e!e%#) I !ever rea" #o+r 'etter)Mah%o+" A'& "ece&ve" %e) I tho+(ht #o+2" sto'e! %# %o!e#* b+t 4he c'appe" h&s ha!"sto(ether* a!" h&s ch&'"re! (athere" ro+!" h&%4 &t2s as &f #o+ sto'e &t) I for(&ve Mah%o+" A'& a''th&!(s* beca+se he 'ove" %e)4 The! pa+s&!(* $h&'e the ra&! exp'o"e" '&,e p&sto's* he sa&"* 4 M#heart &s for %# o$! peop'e he!cefor$ar"*4 a!" t+r!e" a$a#) C#r&' fo''o$e" h&% thro+(h the%+"* apo'o(&.&!(* 'a+(h&!( a '&tt'e* $a!t&!( to ar(+e a!" reco!str+ct* po&!t&!( o+t $&th &rrefra(ab'e'o(&c that he ha" %arr&e"* !ot Heas'op2s betrothe"* b+t Heas'op2s s&ster) hat "&ffere!ce

"&" &t %a,e at th&s ho+r of the "a#6 He ha" b+&'t h&s '&fe o! a %&sta,e* b+t he ha" b+&'t &t) Spea,&!(&! Ur"+* that the ch&'"re! %&(ht +!"ersta!"* he sa&": 4P'ease "o !ot fo''o$ +s* $ho%ever #o+ %arr#) I $&sh !o E!('&sh%a! or E!('&sh$o%a! to be %# fr&e!")4



He ret+r!e" to the ho+se exc&te" a!" happ#) It ha" bee! a! +!eas#* +!ca!!# %o%e!t $he!Mrs) Moore2s !a%e $as %e!t&o!e"* st&rr&!( %e%or&es) 4Es%&ss Es%oor ) ) )4as tho+(h she $asco%&!( to he'p h&%) She ha" a'$a#s bee! so (oo"* a!" that #o+th $ho% he ha" scarce'#'oo,e" at $as her so!* Ra'ph Moore* Ste''a a!" Ra'ph* $ho% he ha" pro%&se" to be ,&!" to*a!" Ste''a ha" %arr&e" C#r&')CHAPTER ;I

A'' the t&%e the pa'ace cease" !ot to thr+% a!" t+%t+%) The reve'at&o! $as over* b+t &tseffect 'aste"* a!" &ts effect $as to %a,e %e! fee' that the reve'at&o! ha" !ot #et co%e) Hopeex&ste" "esp&te f+'f&'%e!t* as &t $&'' be &! heave!) A'tho+(h the Go" ha" bee! bor!* H&s

process&o!'oose'# s+ppose" b# %a!# to be the b&rthha" !ot ta,e! p'ace) I! !or%a' #ears*the %&""'e ho+rs of th&s "a# $ere s&(!a'&.e" b# perfor%a!ces of (reat bea+t# &! the pr&vateapart%e!ts of the Ra9ah) He o$!e" a co!secrate" tro+pe of %e! a!" bo#s* $hose "+t# &t $asto "a!ce var&o+s act&o!s a!" %e"&tat&o!s of h&s fa&th before h&%) Seate" at h&s ease* he co+'"$&t!ess the Three Steps b# $h&ch the Sav&o+r asce!"e" the +!&verse to the "&sco%f&t+re of I!"ra*a'so the "eath of the "ra(o!* the %o+!ta&! that t+r!e" &!to a! +%bre''a* a!" the sa""h+$ho B$&th co%&c res+'ts &!vo,e" the Go" before "&!&!() A'' c+'%&!ate" &! the "a!ce of the%&',%a&"e!s before 8r&sh!a* a!" &! the st&'' (reater "a!ce of 8r&sh!a before the %&',%a&"e!s*

$he! the %+s&c a!" the %+s&c&a!s s$&r'e" thro+(h the "ar, b'+e robes of the actors &!to the&r t&!se' cro$!s* a!" a'' beca%e o!e) The Ra9ah a!" h&s (+ests $o+'" the! for(et that th&s $as a"ra%at&c perfor%a!ce* a!" $o+'" $orsh&p the actors) Noth&!( of the sort co+'" occ+r to"a#*

beca+se "eath &!terr+pts) It &!terr+pte" 'ess here tha! &! E+rope* &ts pathos $as 'ess po&(!a!t*&ts &ro!# 'ess cr+e') There $ere t$o c'a&%a!ts to the thro!e* +!fort+!ate'#* $ho $ere &! the pa'ace!o$ a!" s+specte" $hat ha" happe!e"* #et the# %a"e !o tro+b'e* beca+se re'&(&o! &s a'&v&!( force to the H&!"+s* a!" ca! at certa&! %o%e!ts f'&!( "o$! ever#th&!( that &s pett# a!"te%porar# &! the&r !at+res) The fest&va' f'o$e" o!* $&'" a!" s&!cere* a!" a'' %e! 'ove" eachother* a!" avo&"e" b# &!st&!ct $hatever co+'" ca+se &!co!ve!&e!ce or pa&!)A.&. co+'" !ot +!"ersta!" th&s* a!# %ore tha! a! avera(e Chr&st&a! co+'") He $as p+..'e"that Ma+ sho+'" s+""e!'# be p+r(e" fro% s+sp&c&o! a!" se'fsee,&!() A'tho+(h '&e $as a! o+ts&"er*a!" exc'+"e" fro% the&r r&tes* the# $ere a'$a#s part&c+'ar'# char%&!( to h&% at th&s t&%e-he a!" h&s ho+seho'" rece&ve" s%a'' co+rtes&es a!" prese!ts* 9+st beca+se he $as o+ts&"e) Heha" !oth&!( to "o a'' "a#* except to se!" the e%brocat&o! over to the G+est Ho+se* a!" to$ar"ss+!set he re%e%bere" &t* a!" 'oo,e" ro+!" h&s ho+se for a 'oca' pa''&at&ve* for the "&spe!sar#$as sh+t) He fo+!" a t&! of o&!t%e!t be'o!(&!( to Moha%%e" 3at&f* $ho $as +!$&''&!(&t sho+'" be re%ove"* for %a(&c $or"s ha" bee! spo,e! over &t $h&'e &t $as be&!( bo&'e" "o$!*

b+t A.&. pro%&se" that he $o+'" br&!( &t bac, after app'&cat&o! to the st&!(s: he $a!te" a! exc+sefor a r&"e)The process&o! $as be(&!!&!( to for% as he passe" the pa'ace) A 'ar(e cro$" $atche" the'oa"&!( of the State pa'a!1+&!* the pro$ of $h&ch protr+"e" &! the for% of a s&'ver "ra(o!2s

hea" thro+(h the 'oft# ha'fope!e" "oor) Go"s* b&( a!" '&tt'e* $ere (ett&!( aboar") He averte"h&s e#es* for he !ever ,!e$ ho$ %+ch he $as s+ppose" to see* a!" !ear'# co''&"e" $&th theM&!&ster of E"+cat&o!) 4Ah* #o+ %&(ht %a,e %e 'ate 4%ea!&!( that the to+ch of a !o!H&!"+$o+'" !ecess&tate a!other bath- the $or"s $ere spo,e! $&tho+t %ora' heat) 4Sorr#*4 sa&" A.&.)The other s%&'e"* a!" a(a&! %e!t&o!e" the G+est Ho+se part#* a!" $he! he hear" that /&e'"&!(2s$&fe $as !ot M&ss Q+este" after a''* re%ar,e" 4Ah* !o* he %arr&e" the s&ster of Mr)Heas'op) Ah* exact'#* I have ,!o$! that for over a #ear 4a'so $&tho+t heat) 4h# "&" #o+ !otte'' %e6 7o+r s&'e!ce p'+!(e" %e &!to a prett# p&c,'e)4 Go"bo'e* $ho ha" !ever bee! ,!o$! tote'' a!#o!e a!#th&!(* s%&'e" a(a&!* a!" sa&" &! "eprecat&!( to!es: 4Never be a!(r# $&th %e) Ia%* as far as %# '&%&tat&o!s per%&t* #o+r tr+e fr&e!"- bes&"es* &t &s %# ho'# fest&va')4 A.&. a'$a#sfe't '&,e a bab# &! that stra!(e prese!ce* a bab# $ho +!expecte"'# rece&ves a to#) He s%&'e"

a'so* a!" t+r!e" h&s horse &!to a 'a!e* for the cr+sh &!crease") The S$eepers2 0a!" $as arr&v&!()P'a#&!( o! s&eves a!" other e%b'e%s of the&r profess&o!* the# %arche" stra&(ht at the (ateof the pa'ace $&th the a&r of a v&ctor&o+s ar%#) A'' other %+s&c $as s&'e!t* for th&s $as r&t+a''#



the %o%e!t of the Desp&se" a!" Re9ecte"- the Go" co+'" !ot &ss+e fro% h&s te%p'e +!t&' the+!c'ea! S$eepers p'a#e" the&r t+!e* the# $ere the spot of f&'th $&tho+t $h&ch the sp&r&t ca!!otcohere) /or a! &!sta!t the sce!e $as %a(!&f&ce!t) The "oors $ere thro$! ope!* a!" the $ho'eco+rt $as see! &!s&"e* barefoot a!" "resse" &! $h&te robes- &! the fa&r$a# stoo" the Ar, of the3or"* covere" $&th c'oth of (o'" a!" f'a!,e" b# peacoc, fa!s a!" b# st&ff c&rc+'ar ba!!ers of cr&%so!) It $as f+'' to the br&% $&th stat+ettes a!" f'o$ers) As &t rose fro% the earth o! the

sho+'"ers of &ts bearers* the fr&e!"'# s+! of the %o!soo!s sho!e forth a!" f'oo"e" the $or'"$&th co'o+r* so that the #e''o$ t&(ers pa&!te" o! the pa'ace $a''s see%e" to spr&!(* a!" p&!, a!" (ree! s,e&!s of c'o+" to '&!, +p the +pper s,#) The pa'a!1+&! %ove") ) ) ) The 'a!e $as f+''of State e'epha!ts* $ho $o+'" fo''o$ &t* the&r ho$"ahs e%pt# o+t of h+%&'&t#) A.&. "&" !ot pa#atte!t&o! to these sa!ct&t&es* for the# ha" !o co!!ect&o! $&th h&s o$!- he fe't bore"* s'&(ht'#c#!&ca'* '&,e h&s o$! "ear E%peror 0ab+r* $ho ca%e "o$! fro% the !orth a!" fo+!" &! H&!"+sta!!o (oo" fr+&t* !o fresh $ater or $&tt# co!versat&o!* !ot eve! a fr&e!")The 'a!e 'e" 1+&c,'# o+t of the to$! o! to h&(h roc,s a!" 9+!('e) Here he "re$ re&! a!" exa%&!e"the (reat Ma+ ta!,* $h&ch 'a# expose" be!eath h&% to &ts re%otest c+rve) Ref'ect&!(the eve!&!( c'o+"s* &t f&''e" the !ether$or'" $&th a! e1+a' sp'e!"o+r* so that earth a!" s,# 'ea!tto$ar" o!e a!other* abo+t to c'ash &! ecstas#) He spat* c#!&ca' a(a&!* %ore c#!&ca' tha! before)

/or &! the ce!tre of the b+r!&she" c&rc'e a s%a'' b'ac, b'ot $as a"va!c&!(the G+est Ho+se boat) Those E!('&sh ha" &%prov&se" so%eth&!( to ta,e the p'ace of oars* a!" $ere procee"&!(&! the&r $or, of patro''&!( I!"&a) The s&(ht e!"eare" the H&!"+s b# co%par&so!* a!" 'oo,&!(

bac, at the %&',$h&te h+%p of the pa'ace* he hope" that the# $o+'" e!9o# carr#&!( the&r &"o'abo+t* for at a'' eve!ts &t "&" !ot pr# &!to other peop'e2s '&ves) Th&s pose of 4see&!( I!"&a4 $h&chha" se"+ce" h&% to M&ss Q+este" at Cha!"rapore $as o!'# a for% of r+'&!( I!"&a- !o s#%path#'a# beh&!" &t- he ,!e$ exact'# $hat $as (o&!( o! &! the boat as the part# (a.e" at the steps"o$! $h&ch the &%a(e $o+'" prese!t'# "esce!"* a!" "ebate" ho$ !ear the# %&(ht ro$ $&tho+t(ett&!( &!to tro+b'e off&c&a''#)He "&" !ot (&ve +p h&s r&"e* for there $o+'" be serva!ts at the G+est Ho+se $ho% he co+'"1+est&o!- a '&tt'e &!for%at&o! !ever co%es a%&ss) He too, the path b# the so%bre pro%o!tor#that co!ta&!e" the ro#a' to%bs) 3&,e the pa'ace* the# $ere of s!o$# st+cco* a!" ('ea%e" b#the&r &!ter!a' '&(ht* b+t the&r ra"&a!ce (re$ (host'# +!"er approach&!( !&(ht) The pro%o!tor#$as covere" $&th 'oft# trees* a!" the fr+&tbats $ere +!hoo,&!( fro% the bo+(hs a!" %a,&!(,&ss&!( so+!"s as the# (ra.e" the s+rface of the ta!,- ha!(&!( +ps&"e "o$! a'' the "a#* the#ha" (ro$! th&rst#) The s&(!s of the co!te!te" I!"&a! eve!&!( %+'t&p'&e"- fro(s o! a'' s&"es*co$"+!(

b+r!&!( eter!a''#- a f'oc, of be'ate" hor!b&''s overhea"* 'oo,&!( '&,e $&!(e" s,e'eto!s asthe# f'appe" across the ('oa%&!() There $as "eath &! the a&r* b+t !ot sa"!ess- a co%pro%&seha" bee! %a"e bet$ee! "est&!# a!" "es&re* a!" eve! the heart of %a! ac1+&esce")The E+ropea! G+est Ho+se stoo" t$o h+!"re" feet above the $ater* o! the crest of a roc,#

a!" $oo"e" sp+r that 9+tte" fro% the 9+!('e) 0# the t&%e A.&. arr&ve"* the $ater ha" pa'e" to af&'% of %a+ve(re#* a!" the boat va!&she" e!t&re'#) A se!tr# s'ept &! the G+est Ho+se porch*'a%ps b+r!e" &! the cr+c&for% of the "eserte" roo%s) He $e!t fro% o!e roo% to a!other*&!1+&s&t&ve*a!" %a'&c&o+s) T$o 'etters '#&!( o! the p&a!o re$ar"e" h&%* a!" he po+!ce" a!" rea"the% pro%pt'#) He $as !ot asha%e" to "o th&s) The sa!ct&t# of pr&vate correspo!"e!ce has!ever bee! rat&f&e" b# the East) Moreover* Mr) Mc0r#"e ha" rea" a'' h&s 'etters &! the past* a!"sprea" the&r co!te!ts) O!e 'etterthe %ore &!terest&!( of the t$o$as fro% Heas'op to /&e'"&!()It thre$ '&(ht o! the %e!ta'&t# of h&s for%er fr&e!"* a!" &t har"e!e" h&% f+rther a(a&!sth&%) M+ch of &t $as abo+t Ra'ph Moore* $ho appeare" to be a'%ost a! &%bec&'e) 4Ha!" o! %#

brother $he!ever s+&ts #o+) I $r&te to #o+ beca+se he &s s+re to %a,e a ba" b+!"erb+st)4

The!: 4I 1+&te a(ree'&fe &s too short to cher&sh (r&eva!ces* a'so I2% re'&eve" #o+ fee' ab'e toco%e &!to '&!e $&th the Oppressors of I!"&a to so%e exte!t) e !ee" a'' the s+pport $e ca!(et) I hope that !ext t&%e Ste''a co%es %# $a# she $&'' br&!( #o+ $&th her* $he! I $&'' %a,e



#o+ as co%fortab'e as a bache'or ca!&t2s certa&!'# t&%e $e %et) M# s&ster2s %arr&a(e to #o+co%&!( after %# %other2s "eath a!" %# o$! "&ff&c+'t&es "&" +pset %e* a!" I $as +!reaso!ab'e)It &s abo+t t&%e $e %a"e &t +p proper'#* as #o+ sa#'et +s 'eave &t at fa+'ts o! both s&"es) G'a"abo+t #o+r so! a!" he&r) he! !ext a!# of #o+ $r&te to A"e'a* "o (&ve her so%e sort of %essa(efro% %e* for I sho+'" '&,e to %a,e %# peace $&th her too) 7o+ are '+c,# to be o+t of 0r&t&shI!"&a at the prese!t %o%e!t) I!c&"e!t after &!c&"e!t* a'' "+e to propa(a!"a* b+t $e ca!2t 'a#

o+r ha!"s o! the co!!ect&!( threa") The 'o!(er o!e '&ves here* the %ore certa&! o!e (ets thatever#th&!( ha!(s to(ether) M# perso!a' op&!&o! &s* &t2s the ?e$s)4Th+s far the re"!ose" bo#) A.&. $as "&stracte" for a %o%e!t b# b'+rre" so+!"s co%&!(fro% over the $ater- the process&o! $as +!"er $a#) The seco!" 'etter $as fro% M&ss Q+este"to Mrs) /&e'"&!() It co!ta&!e" o!e or t$o &!terest&!( to+ches) The $r&ter hope" that 4Ra'ph $&''e!9o# h&s I!"&a %ore tha! I "&" %&!e*4 a!" appeare" to have (&ve! h&% %o!e# for th&s p+rpose4%# "ebt $h&ch I sha'' !ever repa# &! perso!)4 hat "ebt "&" M&ss Q+este" &%a(&!e sheo$e" the co+!tr#6 He "&" !ot re'&sh the phrase) Ta', of Ra'ph2s hea'th) It $as a'' 4Ste''a a!"Ra'ph*4 eve! 4C#r&'4 a!" 4Ro!!#4a'' so fr&e!"'# a!" se!s&b'e* a!" $r&tte! &! a sp&r&t he co+'"!ot co%%a!") He e!v&e" the eas# &!terco+rse that &s o!'# poss&b'e &! a !at&o! $hose $o%e!are free) These f&ve peop'e $ere %a,&!( +p the&r '&tt'e "&ff&c+'t&es* a!" c'os&!( the&r bro,e! ra!,s

a(a&!st the a'&e!) Eve! Heas'op $as co%&!( &!) He!ce the stre!(th of E!('a!"* a!" &! a sp+rt of te%per he h&t the p&a!o* a!" s&!ce the !otes ha" s$o''e! a!" st+c, to(ether &! (ro+ps of threes* he pro"+ce" a re%ar,ab'e !o&se)4Oh* oh* $ho &s that64 sa&" a !ervo+s a!" respectf+' vo&cehe co+'" !ot re%e%ber $herehe ha" hear" &ts to!es before) So%eth&!( %ove" &! the t$&'&(ht of a! a"9o&!&!( roo%) He rep'&e"*4State "octor* r&""e! over to e!1+&re* ver# '&tt'e E!('&sh*4 s'&ppe" the 'etters &!to h&s

poc,et* a!" to sho$ that he ha" free e!tr# to the G+est Ho+se* str+c, the p&a!o a(a&!)Ra'ph Moore ca%e &!to the '&(ht)hat a stra!(e'oo,&!( #o+th* ta''* pre%at+re'# a(e"* the b&( b'+e e#es fa"e" $&th a!x&et#*the ha&r &%pover&she" a!" to+s'e"5 Not a t#pe that &s ofte! exporte" &%per&a''#) The "octor &!A.&. tho+(ht* 40or! of too o'" a %other*4 the poet fo+!" h&% rather bea+t&f+')4I $as +!ab'e to ca'' ear'&er o$&!( to press+re of $or,) Ho$ are the ce'ebrate" beest&!(s64he as,e" patro!&.&!('#)4II $as rest&!(* the# tho+(ht I ha" better- the# throb rather)4H&s t&%&"&t# a!" ev&"e!t 4!e$!ess4 ha" co%p'&cate" effects o! the %a'co!te!t) Spea,&!(threate!&!('#* he sa&"* 4Co%e here* p'ease* a''o$ %e to 'oo,)4 The# $ere pract&ca''# a'o!e* a!"he co+'" treat the pat&e!t as Ca''e!"ar ha" treate" N+re""&!)47o+ sa&" th&s %or!&!(44The best of "octors %a,e %&sta,es) Co%e here* p'ease* for the "&a(!os&s +!"er the 'a%p) Ia% presse" for t&%e)44Ao+(h4

4hat &s the %atter* pra#6447o+r ha!"s are +!,&!")4He starte" a!" ('a!ce" "o$! at the%) The ext&aor"&!ar# #o+th $as r&(ht* a!" he p+t the%

beh&!" h&s bac, before rep'#&!( $&th o+t$ar" a!(er: 4hat the "ev&' have %# ha!"s to "o $&th#o+6 Th&s &s a %ost stra!(e re%ar,) I a% a 1+a'&f&e" "octor* $ho $&'' !ot h+rt #o+)44I "o!2t %&!" pa&!* there &s !o pa&!)44No pa&!644Not rea''#)44Exce''e!t !e$s*4 s!eere" A.&.)40+t there &s cr+e't#)44I have bro+(ht #o+ so%e sa've* b+t ho$ to p+t &t o! &! #o+r prese!t !ervo+s state beco%es

a prob'e%*4 he co!t&!+e"* after a pa+se)4P'ease 'eave &t $&th %e)44Certa&!'# !ot) It ret+r!s to %# "&spe!sar# at o!ce)4 He stretche" for$ar"* a!" the other





&! her 'etters) She 'ove" #o+)447es* #o+r %other $as %# best fr&e!" &! a'' the $or'")4 He $as s&'e!t* p+..'e" b# h&s o$!(reat (rat&t+"e) hat "&" th&s eter!a' (oo"!ess of Mrs) Moore a%o+!t to6 To !oth&!(* &f bro+(htto the test of tho+(ht) She ha" !ot bor!e $&t!ess &! h&s favo+r* !or v&s&te" h&% &! the pr&so!* #etshe ha" sto'e! to the "epths of h&s heart* a!" he a'$a#s a"ore" her) 4Th&s &s o+r %o!soo!* the

best $eather*4 he sa&"* $h&'e the '&(hts of the process&o! $ave" as tho+(h e%bro&"ere" o! a!

a(&tate" c+rta&!) 4Ho$ I $&sh she co+'" have see! the%* o+r ra&!s) No$ &s the t&%e $he! a''th&!(s are happ#* #o+!( a!" o'") The# are happ# o+t there $&th the&r sava(e !o&se* tho+(h $eca!!ot fo''o$ the%- the ta!,s are a'' f+'' so the# "a!ce* a!" th&s &s I!"&a) I $&sh #o+ $ere !ot$&th off&c&a's* the! I $o+'" sho$ #o+ %# co+!tr#* b+t I ca!!ot) Perhaps I $&'' 9+st ta,e #o+ o+to! the $ater !o$* for o!e short ha'fho+r)4as the c#c'e be(&!!&!( a(a&!6 H&s heart $as too f+'' to "ra$ bac,) He %+st s'&p o+t &! the"ar,!ess* a!" "o th&s o!e act of ho%a(e to Mrs) Moore2s so!) He ,!e$ $here the oars $ereh&""e! to "eter the v&s&tors fro% (o&!( o+ta!" he bro+(ht the seco!" pa&r* &! case the# %etthe other boat- the /&e'"&!(s ha" p+she" the%se'ves o+t $&th 'o!( po'es* a!" %&(ht (et &!to"&ff&c+'t&es* for the $&!" $as r&s&!()O!ce o! the $ater* he beca%e eas#) O!e ,&!" act&o! $as $&th h&% a'$a#s a cha!!e' for a!other*

a!" soo! the torre!t of h&s hosp&ta'&t# (+she" forth a!" he be(a! "o&!( the ho!o+rs of Ma+ a!" pers+a"&!( h&%se'f that he +!"erstoo" the $&'" process&o!* $h&ch &!crease" &! '&(htsa!" so+!"s as the co%p'&cat&o!s of &ts r&t+a' "eve'ope") There $as '&tt'e !ee" to ro$* for thefreshe!&!( (a'e b'e$ the% &! the "&rect&o! the# "es&re") Thor!s scratche" the ,ee'* the# ra!&!to a! &s'et a!" start'e" so%e cra!es) The stra!(e te%porar# '&fe of the A+(+st f'oo"$ater

bore the% +p a!" see%e" as tho+(h &t $o+'" 'ast for ever) The boat $as a r+""er'ess "&!(h#)H+""'e" +p &! the ster!* $&th the spare pa&r of oars &! h&s ar%s* the (+est as,e" !o 1+est&o!sabo+t "eta&'s) There $as prese!t'# a f'ash of '&(ht!&!(* fo''o$e" b# a seco!" f'ash'&tt'e re"scratches o! the po!"ero+s s,#) 4as that the Ra9ah64 he as,e")4hat$hat "o #o+ %ea!644Ro$ bac,)440+t there2s !o Ra9ah!oth&!(44Ro$ bac,* #o+ $&'' see $hat I %ea!)4A.&. fo+!" &t har" $or, a(a&!st the a"va!c&!( $&!") 0+t he f&xe" h&s e#es o! the p&! of '&(htthat %ar,e" the G+est Ho+se a!" bac,e" a fe$ stro,es)4There ) ) )4/'oat&!( &! the "ar,!ess $as a ,&!(* $ho sat +!"er a ca!op#* &! sh&!&!( ro#a' robes) ) ) )4I ca!2t te'' #o+ $hat that &s* I2% s+re*4 '&e $h&spere") 4H&s H&(h!ess &s "ea") I th&!, $esho+'" (o bac, at o!ce)4The# $ere c'ose to the pro%o!tor# of the to%bs* a!" ha" 'oo,e" stra&(ht &!to the chhatr& of the Ra9ah2s father thro+(h a! ope!&!( &! the trees) That $as the exp'a!at&o!) He ha" hear" of

the &%a(e%a"e to &%&tate '&fe at e!or%o+s expe!seb+t he ha" !ever cha!ce" to see &t before*tho+(h he fre1+e!t'# ro$e" o! the 'a,e) There $as o!'# o!e spot fro% $h&ch &t co+'" besee!* a!" Ra'ph ha" "&recte" h&% to &t) Hast&'# he p+''e" a$a#* fee'&!( that h&s co%pa!&o! $as!ot so %+ch a v&s&tor as a (+&"e) He re%ar,e"* 4Sha'' $e (c bac, !o$644There &s st&'' the process&o!)44I2" rather !ot (o !earerthe# have s+ch stra!(e c+sto%s* a!" %&(ht h+rt #o+)44A '&tt'e !earer)4A.&. obe#e") He ,!e$ $&th h&s heart that th&s $as Mrs) Moore2s so!* a!" &!"ee" +!t&' h&sheart $as &!vo've" he ,!e$ !oth&!() 4Ra"ha,r&sh!a Ra"ha,r&sh!a Ra"ha,r&sh!a Ra"ha,r&sh!a8r&sh!ara"ha*4 $e!t the cha!t* the! s+""e!'# cha!(e"* a!" &! the &!terst&ce he hear"* a'%ostcerta&!'#* the s#''ab'es of sa'vat&o! that ha" so+!"e" "+r&!( h&s tr&a' at Cha!"rapore)

4Mr) Moore* "o!2t te'' a!#o!e that the Ra9ah &s "ea") It &s a secret st&''* I a% s+ppose" !ot tosa#) e prete!" he &s a'&ve +!t&' after the fest&va'* to preve!t +!happ&!ess) Do #o+ $a!t to (ost&'' !earer64



47es)4He tr&e" to ,eep the boat o+t of the ('are of the torches that be(a! to star the other shore)Roc,ets ,ept (o&!( off* a'so the (+!s) S+""e!'#* c'oser tha! he ha" ca'c+'ate"* the pa'a!1+&! of 8r&sh!a appeare" fro% beh&!" a r+&!e" $a''* a!" "esce!"e" the carve! ('&ste!&!( $atersteps)O! e&ther s&"e of &t the s&!(ers t+%b'e"* a $o%a! pro%&!e!t* a $&'" a!" bea+t&f+' #o+!( sa&!t$&th f'o$ers &! her ha&r) She $as pra&s&!( Go" $&tho+t attr&b+tes th+s "&" she apprehe!" H&%)

Others pra&se" H&% $&tho+t attr&b+tes* see&!( H&% &! th&s or that or(a! of the bo"# or %a!&festat&o!of the s,#) Do$! the# r+she" to the foreshore a!" stoo" &! the s%a'' $aves* a!" a sacre"%ea' $as prepare"* of $h&ch those $ho fe't $orth# partoo,) O'" Go"bo'e "etecte" the

boat* $h&ch $as "r&ft&!( &! o! the (a'e* a!" he $ave" h&s ar%s$hether &! $rath or 9o# A.&.!ever "&scovere") Above stoo" the sec+'ar po$er of Ma+e'epha!ts* art&''er#* cro$"sa!" h&(habove the% a $&'" te%pest starte"* co!f&!e" at f&rst to the +pper re(&o!s of the a&r) G+sts of $&!" %&xe" "ar,!ess a!" '&(ht* sheets of ra&! c+t fro% the !orth* stoppe"* c+t fro% the so+th*

be(a! r&s&!( fro% be'o$* a!" across the% str+(('e" the s&!(ers* so+!"&!( ever# !ote b+t terror*a!" prepar&!( to thro$ Go" a$a#* Go" H&%se'f* B!ot that Go" ca! be thro$! &!to the stor%)Th+s $as He thro$! #ear after #ear* a!" $ere others thro$!'&tt'e &%a(es of Ga!pat&* bas,etsof te!"a# cor!* t&!# ta.&as after Moh+rra%scape(oats* h+s,s* e%b'e%s of passa(e- a passa(e

!ot eas#* !ot !o$* !ot here* !ot to be apprehe!"e" except $he! &t &s +!atta&!ab'e: the Go" to be thro$! $as a! e%b'e% of that)The v&''a(e of Go,+' reappeare" +po! &ts tra#) It $as the s+bst&t+te for the s&'ver &%a(e*$h&ch !ever 'eft &ts ha.e of f'o$ers- o! beha'f of a!other s#%bo'* &t $as to per&sh) A serv&tor too, &t &! h&s ha!"s* a!" tore off the b'+e a!" $h&te strea%ers) He $as !a,e"* broa"sho+'"ere"*th&!$a&ste"the I!"&a! bo"# a(a&! tr&+%pha!t a!" &t $as h&s here"&tar# off&ce toc'ose the (ates of sa'vat&o!) He e!tere" the "ar, $aters* p+sh&!( the v&''a(e before h&%* +!t&'the c'a# "o''s s'&ppe" off the&r cha&rs a!" be(a! to (+tter &! the ra&!* a!" 8&!( 8a!sa $asco!fo+!"e"$&th the father a!" %other of the 3or") Dar, a!" so'&"* the '&tt'e $aves s&ppe"* the! a(reat $ave $ashe" a!" the! E!('&sh vo&ces cr&e" 4Ta,e care54The boats ha" co''&"e" $&th each other)The fo+r o+ts&"ers f'+!( o+t the&r ar%s a!" (rapp'e"* a!"* $&th oars a!" po'es st&c,&!( o+t*revo've" '&,e a %#th&ca' %o!ster &! the $h&r'$&!") The $orsh&ppers ho$'e" $&th $rath or 9o#* asthe# "r&fte" for$ar" he'p'ess'# a(a&!st the serv&tor) ho a$a&te" the%* h&s bea+t&f+' "ar, faceexpress&o!'ess* a!" as the 'ast %orse's %e'te" o! h&s tra#* &t str+c, the%)The shoc, $as %&!+te* b+t Ste''a* !earest to &t* shra!, &!to her h+sba!"2s ar%s* the!reache" for$ar"* the! f'+!( herse'f a(a&!st A.&.* a!" her %ot&o!s caps&.e" the%) The# p'+!(e"&!to the $ar%* sha''o$ $ater* a!" rose str+(('&!( &!to a tor!a"o of !o&se) The oars* the sacre"tra#* the 'etters of Ro!!# a!" A"e'a* bro,e 'oose a!" f'oate" co!f+se"'#) Art&''er# $as f&re"*"r+%s beate!* the e'epha!ts tr+%pete"* a!" "ro$!&&&( a'' a! &%%e!se pea' of th+!"er*

+!acco%pa!&e" b# '&(ht!&!(* crac,e" '&,e a %a''et o! the "o%e)That $as the c'&%ax* as far as I!"&a a"%&ts of o!e) The ra&! sett'e" &! stea"&'# to &ts 9ob of $ett&!( ever#bo"# a!" ever#th&!( thro+(h* a!" soo! spo&'e" the c'oth of (o'" o! the pa'a!1+&!a!" the cost'# "&scshape" ba!!ers) So%e of the torches $e!t o+t* f&re$or,s "&"!2t catch* there

be(a! to be 'ess s&!(&!(* a!" the tra# ret+r!e" to Professor Go"bo'e* $ho p&c,e" +p a fra(%e!tof the %+" a"her&!( a!" s%eare" &t o! h&s forehea" $&tho+t %+ch cere%o!#) hatever ha"happe!e" ha" happe!e"* a!" $h&'e the &!tr+"ers p&c,e" the%se'ves +p* the cro$"s of H&!"+s

be(a! a "es+'tor# %ove bac, &!to the to$!) The &%a(e $e!t bac, too* a!" o! the fo''o$&!( "a#+!"er$e!t a pr&vate "eath of &ts o$!* $he! so%e c+rta&!s of %a(e!ta a!" (ree! $ere 'o$ere"&! fro!t of the "#!ast&c shr&!e) The s&!(&!( $e!t o! eve! 'o!(er ) ) ) ra((e" e"(es of re'&(&o! ) )

) +!sat&sfactor# a!" +!"ra%at&c ta!('es) ) ) ) 4Go" s& 'ove)4 3oo,&!( bac, at the (reat b'+r of the'ast t$e!t#fo+r ho+rs* !o %a! co+'" sa# $here $as the e%ot&o!a' ce!tre of &t* a!# %ore tha!he co+'" 'oc&te the heart of a c'o+")



CHAPTER ;II/r&e!"s a(a&!* #et a$are that the# co+'" %eet !o %ore* A.&. a!" /&e'"&!( $e!t for the&r 'astr&"e &! the Ma+ 9+!('es) The f'oo"s ha" abate" a!" the Ra9ah $as off&c&a''# "ea"* so the G+estHo+se part# $ere "epart&!( !ext %or!&!(* as "ecor+% re1+&re") hat $&th the %o+r!&!( a!"the fest&va'* the v&s&t $as a fa&'+re) /&e'"&!( ha" scarce'# see! Go"bo'e* $ho pro%&se" ever# "a#

to sho$ h&% over the 8&!(E%peror Geor(e /&fth H&(h Schoo'* h&s %a&! ob9ect&ve* b+t a'$a#s%a"e so%e exc+se) Th&s after!oo! A.&. 'et o+t $hat ha" happe!e": the 8&!(E%peror ha" bee! co!verte" &!to a (ra!ar#* a!" the M&!&ster of E"+cat&o! "&" !ot '&,e to a"%&t th&s to h&sfor%er Pr&!c&pa') The schoo' ha" bee! ope!e" o!'# 'ast #ear b# the A(e!t to the Gover!orGe!era'* a!" &t st&'' f'o+r&she" o! paper- he hope" to start &t a(a&! before ts abse!ce $as re%ar,e"a!" to co''ect &ts scho'ars before the# pro"+ce" ch&'"re! of the&r o$!) /&e'"&!( 'a+(he"at the ta!('e a!" $aste of e!er(#* b+t he "&" !ot trave' as '&(ht'# as &! the past- e"+cat&o! $asa co!t&!+o+s co!cer! to h&%* beca+se h&s &!co%e a!" the co%fort of h&s fa%&'# "epe!"e" o! &t)He ,!e$ that fe$ I!"&a!s th&!, e"+cat&o! (oo" &! &tse'f* a!" he "ep'ore" th&s !o$ o! the $&"est(ro+!"s) He be(a! to sa# so!&cth&!( heav# o! the s+b9ect of Nat&ve States* b+t the fr&e!"'&!essof A.&. "&stracte" h&%) Th&s reco!c&'&at&o! $as a s+ccess* a!#ho$) After the f+!!# sh&p$rec,

there ha" bee! !o %ore !o!se!se or b&tter!ess* a!" the# $e!t bac, 'a+(h&!('# to the&r o'"re'at&o!sh&pas &f !oth&!( ha" happe!e") No$ the# ro"e bet$ee! 9o''# b+shes a!" roc,s) Prese!t'#the (ro+!" ope!e" &!to f+'' s+!'&(ht a!" the# sa$ a (rass# s'ope br&(ht $&th b+tterf'&es* a'so acobra* $h&ch cra$'e" across "o&!( !oth&!( &! part&c+'ar* a!" "&sappeare" a%o!( so%e c+star"app'e trees) There $ere ro+!" $h&te c'o+"s &! the s,#* a!" $h&te poo's o! the earth- the h&''s &!the "&sta!ce $ere p+rp'e) The sce!e $as as par,'&,e as E!('a!"* b+t "&" !ot cease be&!( 1+eer)The# "re$ re&!* to (&ve the cobra e'bo$roo%* a!" A.&. pro"+ce" a 'etter that he $a!te" tose!" to M&ss Q+este") A char%&!( 'etter) He $a!te" to tha!, h&s o'" e!e%# for her f&!e behav&o+r t$o #ears bac,: perfect'# p'a&! $as &t !o$ that she ha" behave" $e'') 4As I fe'' &!to o+r 'ar(est Ma+ ta!, +!"er c&rc+%sta!ces o+r other fr&e!"s $&'' re'ate* I tho+(ht ho$ brave M&ssQ+este" $as a!" "ec&"e" to te'' her so* "esp&te %# &%perfect E!('&sh) Thro+(h #o+ I a% happ#here $&th %# ch&'"re! &!stea" of &! a pr&so!* of that I %a,e !o "o+bt) M# ch&'"re! sha'' beta+(ht to spea, of #o+ $&th the (reatest affect&o! a!" respect)44M&ss Q+este" $&'' be (reat'# p'ease") I a% ('a" #o+ have see! her co+ra(e at 'ast)44I $a!t to "o ,&!" act&o!s a'' ro+!" a!" $&pe o+t the $retche" b+s&!ess of the Marabar for ever) I have bee! so "&s(racef+''# hast#* th&!,&!( #o+ %ea!t to (et ho'" of %# %o!e#: as ba" a%&sta,e as the cave &tse'f)44A.&.* I $&sh #o+ $o+'" ta', to %# $&fe) She too be'&eves that the Marabar &s $&pe" o+t)44Ho$ so644I "o!2t) ,!o$* perhaps she %&(ht te'' #o+* she $o!2t te'' %e) She has &"eas I "o!2t share

&!"ee"* $he! I2% a$a# fro% her I th&!, the% r&"&c+'o+s) he! I2% $&th her* I s+ppose beca+seI2% fo!" of her* I fee' "&ffere!t* I fee' ha'f "ea" a!" ha'f b'&!") M# $&fe2s after so%eth&!() 7o+a!" I a!" M&ss Q+este" are* ro+(h'# spea,&!(* !ot after a!#th&!() e 9o( o! as "ece!t'# as $eca!* #o+ a '&tt'e &! fro!ta 'a+"ab'e '&tt'e part#) 0+t %# $&fe &s !ot $&th +s)44hat are #o+ %ea!&!(6 Is Ste''a !ot fa&thf+' to #o+* C#r&'6 Th&s f&''s %e $&th (reat co!cer!)4/&e'"&!( hes&tate") He $as !ot 1+&te happ# abo+t h&s %arr&a(e) He $as pass&o!ate ph#s&ca''#a(a&!the f&!a' f'are+p before the c'&!,ers of %&""'e a(ea!" he ,!e$ that h&s $&fe "&" !ot'ove h&% as %+ch as he 'ove" her* a!" he $as asha%e" of pester&!( her) 0+t "+r&!( the v&s&t toMa+ the s&t+at&o! ha" &%prove") There see%e" a '&!, bet$ee! the% at 'astthat '&!, o+ts&"ee&ther part&c&pa!t that &s !ecessar# to ever# re'at&o!sh&p) I! the 'a!(+a(e of theo'o(#* the&r +!&o!ha" bee! b'esse") He co+'" ass+re A.&. that Ste''a $as !ot o!'# fa&thf+' to h&%* b+t '&,e'# to

beco%e %ore so- a!" tr#&!( to express $hat $as !ot c'ear to h&%se'f* he a""e" "+''# that "&ffere!t peop'e ha" "&ffere!t po&!ts of v&e$) 4If #o+ $o!2t ta', abo+t the Marabar to Ste''a* $h#$o!2t #o+ ta', to Ra'ph6 He &s a $&se bo# rea''#) A!" Bsa%e %etaphor he r&"es a '&tt'e beh&!"



her* tho+(h $&th her)44Te'' h&% a'so* I have !oth&!( to sa# to h&%* b+t he &s &!"ee" a $&se bo# a!" has a'$a#s o!eI!"&a! fr&e!") I part'# 'ove h&% beca+se he bro+(ht %e bac, to #o+ to sa# (oo"b#e) /or th&s &s(oo"b#e* C#r&'* tho+(h to th&!, abo+t &t $&'' spo&' o+r r&"e a!" %a,e +s sa")44No* $e $o!2t th&!, abo+t &t)4 He too fe't that th&s $as the&r 'ast free &!terco+rse) A'' thest+p&" %&s+!"ersta!"&!(s ha" bee! c'eare" +p* b+t soc&a''# the# ha" !o %eet&!(p'ace) He ha"

thro$! &! h&s 'ot $&th A!('oI!"&a b# %arr#&!( a co+!tr#$o%a!* a!" he $as ac1+&r&!( so%e of &ts '&%&tat&o!s* a!" a'rea"# fe't s+rpr&se at h&s o$! past hero&s%) o+'" '&e to"a# "ef# a'' h&so$! peop'e for the sa,e of a stra# I!"&a!6 A.&. $as a %e%e!to* a troph#* the# $ere pro+" of each other* #et the# %+st &!ev&tab'# part) A!"* a!x&o+s to %a,e $hat he co+'" of th&s 'ast after!oo!*he force" h&%se'f to spea, &!t&%ate'# abo+t h&s $&fe* the perso! %ost "ear to h&%) He sa&": 4/ro%her po&!t of v&e$* Ma! has bee! a s+ccess) It ca'%e" herboth of the% s+ffer fro%rest'ess!ess) She fo+!" so%eth&!( sooth&!(* so%e so'+t&o! of her 1+eer tro+b'es here)4 After as&'e!ce%#r&a"s of ,&sses aro+!" the% as the earth "re$ the $ater &! he co!t&!+e": 4 Do #o+,!o$ a!#th&!( abo+t th&s 8r&sh!a b+s&!ess644M# "ear chap* off&c&a''# the# ca'' &t Go,+' Ashta%&) A'' the States off&ces are c'ose"* b+t ho$e'se sho+'" &t co!cer! #o+ a!" %e64

4Go,+' &s the v&''a(e $here 8r&sh!a $as bor!$e''* %ore or 'ess bor!* for there2s the sa%ehover&!( bet$ee! &t a!" a!other v&''a(e as bet$ee! 0eth'ehe% a!" Na.areth) hat I $a!t to"&scover &s &ts sp&r&t+a' s&"e* &f &t has o!e)44It &s +se'ess "&sc+ss&!( H&!"+s $&th %e) 3&v&!( $&th the% teaches %e !o %ore) he! Ith&!, I a!!o# the%* I "o !ot) he! I th&!, I "o!2t a!!o# the%* I "o Perhaps the# $&'' sac, %efor t+%b'&!( o! to the&r "o''s2ho+se- o! the other ha!"* perhaps the# $&'' "o+b'e %# sa'ar#)T&%e $&'' prove) h# so c+r&o+s abo+t the%644It2s "&ff&c+'t to exp'a&!) I !ever rea''# +!"erstoo" or '&,e" the%* except a! occas&o!a' scrapof Go"bo'e) Does the o'" fe''o$ st&'' sa# 2Co%e* co%e6244Oh* pres+%ab'#)4/&e'"&!( s&(he"* ope!e" h&s '&ps* sh+t the%* the! sa&" $&th a '&tt'e 'a+(h* 4 I ca!2t exp'a&!*

beca+se &t &s!2t &! $or"s at a''* b+t $h# "o %# $&fe a!" her brother '&,e H&!"+&s%* tho+(h the#ta,e !o &!terest &! &ts for%s6 The# $o!2t ta', to %e abo+t th&s) The# ,!o$ I th&!, a certa&! s&"eof the&r '&ves &s a %&sta,e* a!" are sh#) That2s $h# I $&sh #o+ $o+'" ta', to the%* for at a''eve!ts #o+2re Or&e!ta')4A.&. ref+se" to rep'#) He "&"!2t $a!t to %eet Ste''a a!" Ra'ph a(a&!* ,!e$ the# "&"!2t $a!tto %eet h&%* $as &!c+r&o+s abo+t the&r secrets* a!" fe't (oo" o'" C#r&' to be a b&t c'+%s#)So%eth&!(!ot a s&(ht* b+t a so+!"f'&tte" past h&%* a!" ca+se" h&% to rerea" h&s 'etter toM&ss Q+este") Ha"!2t '&e $a!te" to sa# so%eth&!( e'se to her6 Ta,&!( o+t h&s pe!* he a""e":4/or %# o$! part* I sha'' he!ceforth co!!ect #o+ $&th the !a%e that &s ver# sacre" &! %# %&!"*!a%e'#* Mrs) Moore)4 he! '&e ha" f&!&she"* the %&rror of the sce!er# $as shattere"* the

%ea"o$ "&s&!te(rate" &!to b+tterf'&es) A poe% abo+t Meccathe Caaba of U!&o!the thor!b+shes$here p&'(r&%s "&e before the# have see! the /r&e!"the# f'&tte" !ext- he tho+(ht of h&s$&fe- a!" the! the $ho'e se%&%#st&c* se%&se!s+o+s overt+r!* so character&st&c of h&s sp&r&t+a''&fe* ca%e to e!" '&,e a 'a!"s'&p a!" reste" &! &ts "+e p'ace* a!" he fo+!" h&%se'f r&"&!( &! the

9+!('e $&th h&s "ear C#r&')4Oh* sh+t +p*4 he sa&") 4Do!2t spo&' o+r 'ast ho+r $&th foo'&sh 1+est&o!s) 3eave 8r&sh!aa'o!e* a!" ta', abo+t so%eth&!( se!s&b'e)4The# "&") A'' the $a# bac, to Ma+ the# $ra!('e" abo+t po'&t&cs) Each ha" har"e!e" s&!ceCha!"rapore* a!" a (oo" ,!oc, abo+t prove" e!9o#ab'e) The# tr+ste" each other* a'tho+(hthe# $ere (o&!( to part* perhaps beca+se the# $ere (o&!( to part) /&e'"&!( ha" 4!o f+rther +sefor po'&te!ess*4 he sa&"* %ea!&!( that the 0r&t&sh E%p&re rea''# ca!2t be abo'&she" beca+se &t2s

r+"e) A.&. retorte"* 4;er# $e''* a!" $e have !o +se for #o+*4 a!" ('are" at h&% $&th abstracthate) /&e'"&!( sa&": 4A$a# fro% +s* I!"&a!s (o to see" at o!ce) 3oo, at the 8&!(E%peror H&(hSchoo'5 3oo, at #o+* for(ett&!( #o+r %e"&c&!e a!" (o&!( bac, to char%s) 3oo, at #o+r poe%s)44



?o''# (oo" poe%s* I2% (ett&!( p+b'&she" 0o%ba# s&"e)44 7es* a!" $hat "o the# sa#6/ree o+r $o%e! a!" I!"&a $&'' be free) Tr# &t* %# 'a") /ree #o+r o$! 'a"# &! the f&rst p'ace* a!"see $ho2'' $ash Ah%e"* 8ar&% a!" ?e%&'a2s faces) A !&ce s&t+at&o!54A.&. (re$ %ore exc&te") He rose &! h&s st&rr+ps a!" p+''e" at h&s horse2s hea" &! the hope &t$o+'" rear) The! he sho+'" fee' &! a batt'e) He cr&e": 4C'ear o+t* a'' #o+ T+rto!s a!" 0+rto!s)e $a!te" to ,!o$ #o+ te! #ears bac,!o$ &t2s too 'ate) If $e see #o+ a!" s&t o! #o+r co%%&ttees*

&t2s for po'&t&ca' reaso!s* "o!2t #o+ %a,e a!# %&sta,e)4 H&s horse "&" rear) 4C'ear o+t*c'ear o+t* I sa#) h# are $e p+t to so %+ch s+ffer&!(6 e +se" to b'a%e #o+* !o$ $e b'a%eo+rse'ves* $e (ro$ $&ser) U!t&' E!('a!" &s &! "&ff&c+'t&es $e ,eep s&'e!t* b+t &! the !ext E+ropea!$araha* aha5 The! &s o+r t&%e)4 He pa+se"* a!" the sce!er#* tho+(h &t s%&'e"* fe'' '&,e a(ravesto!e o! a!# h+%a! hope) The# ca!tere" past a te%p'e to Ha!+%a!Go" so 'ove" the$or'" that he too, %o!,e#2s f'esh +po! h&%a!" past a Sa&v&te te%p'e* $h&ch &!v&te" to '+st*

b+t +!"er the se%b'a!ce of eter!&t#* &t)s obsce!&t&es bear&!( !o re'at&o! to those of o+r f'esha!" b'oo") The# sp'ashe" thro+(h b+tterf'&es a!" fro(s- (reat trees $&th 'eaves '&,e p'ates rosea%o!( the br+sh$oo") The "&v&s&o!s of "a&'# '&fe $ere ret+r!&!(* the shr&!e ha" a'%ost sh+t)4ho "o #o+ $a!t &!stea" of the E!('&sh6 The ?apa!ese64 9eere" /&e'"&!(* "ra$&!( re&!)4No* the Af(ha!s) M# o$! a!cestors)4

4Oh* #o+r H&!"+ fr&e!"s $&'' '&,e that* $o!2t the#644It $&'' be arra!(e"a co!fere!ce of Or&e!ta' states%e!)44It $&'' &!"ee" be arra!(e")44O'" stor# of 2e $&'' rob ever# %a! a!" rape ever# $o%a! fro% Pesha$ar to Ca'c+tta*2 Is+ppose* $h&ch #o+ (et so%e !obo"# to repeat a!" the! 1+ote ever# $ee, &! the <P&o!eer< &!or"er to fr&(hte! +s &!to reta&!&!( #o+5 e ,!o$54 St&'' he co+'"!2t 1+&te f&t &! Af(ha!s at Ma+*a!"* f&!"&!( he $as &! a cor!er* %a"e h&s horse rear a(a&! +!t&' he re%e%bere" that he ha"* or o+(ht to have* a %other'a!") The! he sho+te": 4I!"&a sha'' be a !at&o!5 No fore&(!ers of a!#sort5 H&!"+ a!" Mos'e% a!" S&,h a!" a'' sha'' be o!e5 H+rrah5 H+rrah for I!"&a5 H+rrah5 H+rrah54I!"&a a !at&o!5 hat a! apotheos&s5 3ast cor!er to the "rab !&!etee!thce!t+r# s&sterhoo"5a""'&!( &! at th&s ho+r of the $or'" to ta,e her seat5 She* $hose o!'# peer $as the Ho'# Ro%a!E%p&re* she sha'' ra!, $&th G+ate%a'a a!" 0e'(&+% perhaps5 /&e'"&!( %oc,e" a(a&!) A!"A.&. &! a! a$f+' ra(e "a!ce" th&s $a# a!" that* !ot ,!o$&!( $hat to "o* a!" cr&e": 4Do$! $&thth E '& h h Th t2 t & C' t f '' " b' & , I h t

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A PassageTo India