At the cultural group’s rehearsal, Robin told Neelmani he would go off to Ranchi early morning next day to bring Saamu Chacha, the souvenirs and also his parents. She would have to hold fort while he was away; right from overseeing everything, she would, in fact, act as master of ceremonies (MC) in his absence. At first, Neelmani appeared as if apprehensive, then reasserting herself, said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll manage.’
Mr Miller, seeing Robin ready to set off after breakfast, cautioned him, ‘Come back soon. You’ll have to give the welcome speech, only then will the function start.’ Robin contradicted him saying, ‘Uncle, it’s the elders who should be doing that.’ But Mr Miller disagreed.
The driver of the cab that was to take Robin was still sleeping. Robin hollered out to him and soon they were on the road. Robin’s first stop was Saamu Chacha’s house, then the printing press where the souvenirs were packed and kept ready. Then he instructed the taxi driver to go straight to the Kanke Mental Asylum. He asked Saamu Chacha to wait in the car, saying he would return soon. He managed to get an interview with Bahadur Oraon, thanks to the efforts of Pranav Chacha. Bahadur Oraon came and took his position behind the barred gate. He asked Robin, ‘How are you? So your foundation day is today?’ Robin said, ‘Yes, this evening. Mummy and Papa too are arriving. They have expressed the desire to meet you. Neelmani was busy with today’s programme so she was unable to make it here. Your self-reliance group is putting up a programme.’ ‘May your desires be fulfilled,’ said Bahadur Oraon. Robin naturally bent down to touch his feet and sought his blessings. Bahadur Oraon was overcome with emotion.
Soon after, Robin along with Saamu Munda, drove off to the airport, which was agog with activity. There were a lot of policemen. Perhaps some VIP is coming, Robin thought. Again leaving Saamu Munda in the taxi, he went off by himself. He wanted to ascertain the flight timing. Once beyond the portico, he suddenly found himself surrounded by policemen as well as some higher officials. ‘What is this, why are you behaving like this?’ It was then that an officer said sharply, ‘Are you Robin McGowan?’Robin answered, ‘Yes, I am Robin McGowan.’ The officer answered, ‘Then you are under arrest.’ Looking at his subordinate officer, he said, ‘Show him the warrant.’ In a trice, the policeman handcuffed Robin who was screaming shrilly, ‘What are you doing? What is the matter?’ ‘You are a foreign agent,’ the officer said. Just then Saamu Munda came rushing. He had watched the goings-on for a while. In anger, he had torn his clothes. He was screaming wildly, ‘Wrong! You are doing something very wrong to an innocent boy.’ The officer said, ‘He is an enemy of the country.’ Saamu Munda shouted, ‘You are an enemy of the country, you bastard, you dog!’ The officer barked, ‘Who is this old man? Probably a tout of this fellow. They are known to pay these poor men for passing information. Get him out.’ Some policemen started thrashing Saamu Munda. Robin, even though handcuffed, lurched forward to prevent them from hurting Saamu Chacha. Saamu Munda lay in a heap, his tattered clothes bespattered with blood. The flight carrying Dennis and Liza was already circling the Ranchi airport. But they dragged Robin into a jeep, taking him into police custody.
Meanwhile evening had descended on McCluskieganj. The field next to the Panchayat Bhawan, which was the venue for the celebration, was lit up with myriad fairy bulbs. There was a standby generator to take care of any power outage. Some joyful songs with musical accompaniment could be heard on the loudspeaker from afar. All participants and guests were in place. The arrangements were perfection personified. The participants for the fancy dress were in readiness as well as were the choicest food items that were to be served; Randolph, Jack and Kitty had given their best. But how could the programme start without Robin? Mr Miller was getting restless. ‘I had repeatedly told Robin to be here on time. Mr Mendez, you really should have gone with him to Ranchi today.’ Khushia Pahan and Tuinyan Ganjhu kept their eyes glued to the road. ‘He will come now.’ But where was Robin?