Their Lordships Request: A Harry Heron Adventure (111 page)

             
A
robed
attendant
intercepted
them
as
they
tried
to
return
to
the
entrance.
Smiling,
bowing
but
insistent,
he
ushered
them
to
the
opposite
end
of
the
building
and
out
through
a
door
into
a
street
behind.
To
Harry
'
s
surprise
and
relief
a
child,
also
robed
as
a
temple
servant,
was
waiting
with
their
shoes.
He
parted
with
a
small
coin,
saying,
"
Thank
you,
that
is
most
kind.
"

             
A
rickshaw
puller
now
drew
up
and
with
much
bowing
and
smiling
conveyed
the
idea
that
they
should
board
his
chariot.

             
Kit
was
dubious,
but
Harry
felt
emboldened
and
said,
"
Come
on
then,
the
fellow
undoubtedly
knows
the
way
to
the
Company
office.
"
To
the
rickshaw
man
he
said,
"
Take
–
us
–
to
–
the
Company
–
office
–
please.
"

             
This
drew
a
broad
grin
from
the
recipient
who
responded
in
good,
if
accented,
English,
"
Certainly,
sah.
You
look
for
good
food?
Perhaps
nice
place
to
meet
friends?
"

             
Kit
burst
out
laughing.
"
Oh
famous!
Harry,
your
face
is
a
study.
"
To
the
rickshaw
man
he
said,
"
Yes,
take
us
to
the
Merchant
'
s
centre
please.
We
have
a
fancy
to
try
some
of
the
local
dishes.
Is
there
a
good
place
we
may
try?
"

             
"
One
rupee,
sah,
and
I
show
you
temples
and
markets
on
the
way.
"

             
"
One
rupee?
"
Harry
thought
carefully
of
what
this
sum
represented
and
then
said,
"
Very
well,
show
us
these
sights.
"

***

             
The
rupee
was
a
good
investment
as
it
turned
out
for
they
were
now
taken
on
a
fascinating
tour
through
the
winding
streets,
passing
a
decorated
mosque,
its
striped
façade
and
onion
domed
turrets
giving
it
a
strong
resemblance
to
the
temple
architecture.
Everywhere
market
stalls
abounded
and
the
variety
of
goods
on
sale
astonished
them.
Everything,
from
gossamer
delicate
fabrics
to
silks,
cotton
goods
and
linen
was
on
sale
and
then,
of
course,
there
were
the
tea
sellers
and
the
spice
merchants.
The
rickshaw
threaded
its
way
through
the
crowded
streets,
their
human
horse
and
guide
cheerfully
maintaining
a
running
commentary
on
the
sights
and
customs
as
he
pulled
them
through
the
throng.
When
they
finally
drew
to
a
stop
the
sun
was
dipping
toward
the
hills
far
to
the
west.

             
"
At
least
it
is
a
short
walk
to
the
landing
stage
from
here,
"
Kit
said
while
Harry
paid
the
rickshaw
man.

             
"
True,
"
Harry
said
absently,
as
he
quietly
added
a
second
rupee
to
the
fare.
"
What
is
your
name?
"
He
asked
cutting
off
an
explosion
of
effusive
thanks.

             
"
Guptah,
sah.
"
The
man
'
s
smile
seemed
likely
to
split
his
face
in
half
as
he
added,
"
I
wait
for,
sah.
Good
food
in
that
place,
sah.
Many
officer
eat
there.
"

             
Harry
followed
the
pointed
finger
and
said
to
Kit,
"
That
sounds
like
a
good
recommendation.
Shall
we
try
it?
Guptah
here
says
he
will
wait
and
take
us
back
to
the
ship.
"

             
"
Will
he?
"
Kit
grinned.
"
Come
on
then,
let
us
see
what
delights
they
have
to
offer.
"

             
The
scent
of
strongly
spiced
food
rolled
out
to
meet
them
as
the
traditionally
dressed
owner
greeted
them
at
the
door.

             
"
Welcome,
sahibs,
"
he
said,
bowing.
"
You
wish
to
eat?
"

             
"
We
do.
"
Kit
took
charge.
"
But
we
need
some
refreshment
first
and
wish
to
sit
where
we
may
watch
the
street.
"

             
The
man
smiled
and
nodded.
"
This
way,
sah.
"
He
led
them
to
the
back
of
the
shop
and
up
a
flight
of
stairs,
then
forward
to
a
wide
verandah.
Here
they
found
themselves
joining
other
Europeans
and,
to
their
surprise,
Mister
Bell
and
the
third
and
fourth
lieutenants
as
well.