fourteen

‘What do you mean by disappeared?’

‘I’m sorry, sir, nobody has any idea where they might have gone. The police station was in a state of shambles. The maharaja has taken over control of law enforcement.’

‘Did you find any of his old deputies or constables?’

‘None, sir. It’s as if he never existed.’

Warren Hastings stood by his desk, looking out at the Bay of Bengal. He was getting sick of the oppressive heat of Madras. When he had received news of the Morris brothers’ deaths, he had sent men to Kumbakonam to arrest Rama or, if he couldn’t be found, his family. But now, Rama had escaped Hastings’ own clutches, and his family was untraceable. Annoyed, he tapped his fingers on the table top for a few minutes before turning around and telling the soldier, ‘Very well, Captain. Take a squad of men and search the village of Damar, less than ten miles from Kanchipuram. That is where he comes from—he probably sent his family there, and will join them soon. Also, send out some men to get whatever information you can about the wife’s family.’

‘Very good, sir.’

‘Oh, and Captain …’

The young soldier turned around to face the governor general. He had no idea what Hastings wanted with this provincial. Didn’t he realize that it was practically impossible to locate a native if he wanted to disappear?

‘Yes, sir?’

‘Don’t mention this to anyone, will you?’

‘Yes, sir.’ The soldier saluted smartly and left.

Two days later, Hastings was discussing prices with a group of weavers when he was told that Captain Johnston had returned. He quickly wound up his negotiations, agreeing to what the weavers wanted, before sending them away. After all, it wasn’t such a large amount, and the company could afford to pay the actual value of something for a change. The two surprised but grateful natives had hardly left the room when the young captain was ushered in.

‘Yes, captain? Do you have good news for me?’ Hastings asked.

‘I’m afraid not, sir. Neither Ramaswami Aiyar, or his family have been seen in Damar. No new families have moved into the village either.’

‘All right,’ Hastings said, annoyed by this turn of events, ‘and the wife’s family?’

‘They were living on Brahmin Street for many years, sir. They left about a year after their only daughter married Aiyar, and they told everyone they knew that they were moving to Thanjavur to be with their daughter and son-in-law.’

‘Are you telling me we have no idea where to find this man?’ Hastings asked, raising his voice.

‘I have sent out notices to all the Presidencies and all the friendly kingdoms, sir. Is there anything else I should do?’

Hastings thought about it long and hard. There really wasn’t much.