An Astrologers Day and Other Stories Part 9

I dont believe it, said the newcomer.

Well and good. Dont believe it, said Rajam Iyer carelessly.

I never do it except under extreme provocation.

Do you think I am an infant ?

I implore you, my man, not to believe me. Have you heard of a thing called ju-jitsu ? Well, this is a simple trick in ju-jitsu perhaps known to half a dozen persons in the whole of South India.

You said you would kick me, said the newcomer.

Well, isnt this worse ?

asked Rajam Iyer. He drew a line on the newcomers face between his left ear and mouth, muttering

I must admit you have a tolerably good face and round figure. But imagine yourself going about the streets with your mouth under your left ear He chuckled at the vision.

I.

expect at Jalarpet station there will be a huge crowd outside our compartment to see you/

9 The newcomer

FELLOW-FEELING 59.

stroked his chin thoughtfully. Rajam Iyer continued : I felt it my duty to explain the whole thing to you beforehand. I am not as hot headed as you are. I have some consideration for your wife and children.

It will take some time for the kids to recognize papa when he returns home with his mouth under How many children have you ?

Four.

And then think of it, said Rajam Iyer : You will have to take your food under your left ear, and you will need the a.s.sistance of your wife to drink water. She will have to pour it in.

I will go to a doctor, said the newcomer.

Do go, replied Rajam Iyer, and I will give you a thousand rupees if you find a doctor. You may try even European doctors.

The newcomer stood ruminating with knitted brow.

Now prepare, shouted Rajam Iyer, one blow on the right cheek. I will jerk your left ear, and your mouth The newcomer suddenly ran to the window and leaned far out of it. Rajam decided to leave the compartment at Jalarpet.

But the moment the train stopped at Jalarpet station, the newcomer grabbed his bag and jumped out. He moved away at a furious pace and almost knocked down a coconut-seller and a person carrying a trayload of coloured toys. Rajam Iyer felt it would not be necessary for him to get out now. He leaned through the window and cried, Look here !

The newcomer turned.

Shall I keep a seat for you ?

asked Rajam Iyer.

No, my ticket is for Jalaipet, the newcomer answered and quickened his pace.

60 FELLOW-FEELING.

The train had left Jalarpet at least a mile behind.

The meek pa.s.senger still sat shrunk in a corner of the seat. Rajam Iyer looked over his spectacles and said : Lie down if you like.

53.

The meek pa.s.senger proceeded to roll himself into a ball. Rajam Iyer added, Did you hear that bully say that his ticket was for Jalarpet ?

Yes.

Well, he lied, u he is in the fourth compartment from here. I saw him get into it just as the train started.

Though the meek pa.s.senger was too grateful to doubt this statement, one or two other pa.s.sengers looked at Rajam Iyer sceptically.

8.

THE WATCHMAN.

THERE was still a faint splash of red on the western horizon. The watchman stood on the tank bund and took a final survey. All the people who had come for evening walks had returned to their homes. Not a soul anywhere except that obstinate angler, at the northern end, who sat with his feet in water, sadly gazing on his rod. It was no use bothering about him : he would sit there till midnight, hoping for a catch.

The Taluk office gong struck nine. The watchman was satisfied that no trespa.s.sing cattle had sneaked in through the wire fencing. As he turned to go, he saw, about a hundred yards away, a shadowy figure moving down the narrow stone steps that led to the waters edge. He thought for a second that it might be a ghost. He dismissed the idea, and went up to investigate. If it was anyone come to bathe at this hour . From the top step he observed that it was a womans form. She stooped over the last step and placed something on it possibly a letter. She then stepped into knee-deep water, and stood there, her hands pressed together in prayer. Unmistakable signs always to be followed by the police and gruesome details, bringing the very worst possible reputation to a tank.

He shouted, Gome out, there, come out of ik The form looked up from the water.

Dont stand

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62 THE WATCHMAN.

there and gaze. Youll catch a cold, come up whoever you are He raced down the steps and picked up the letter. He hurriedly lit his lamp, and turned its wick, till it burnt brightly, and held it up, murmuring :

I dont like this. Why is everyone coming to the same tank ? If you want to be dead, throw yourself under an engine, he said.

The light fell upon the others face. It was a young girls, wet with tears. He felt a sudden pity. He said, Sit down, sit down and rest no, no go up two more steps and sit down. Dont sit so near the water She obeyed. He sat down on the last step between her and the water, placed the lantern on the step, took out a piece of tobacco and put it in his mouth. She buried her face in her hands, and began to sob. He felt troubled and asked : Why dont you rise and go home, lady ?

She sputtered through her sob :

I have no home in this world !

Dont tell me ! Surely, you didnt grow up without a home all these years !

said the watchman.

I lost my mother when I was five years old she said.

I thought so replied the watchman, and added, and your father married again and you grew up under the care ofyour step-mother ?

Yes, yes, how do you know ?