Both the buffaloes were of equal strength. It was difficult to predict the winner. Suddenly, one gave up, turned around and started to run. The winner stood unmoving. The White official let go of the reins and cheered loudly in his language.

‘Strange, isn’t it, that when animals fight and one wins, the winner never chases the loser away, unlike human beings,’ said the native official.

The White official seemed to appreciate the comment, ‘Just like men have some special positive qualities in them, so do animals.’

Once the herd had disappeared the two men entered the Kottaiyar house.

Taken aback, Govindappa Nayyakkar rushed to welcome them, slightly embarrassed when the White official shook hands with him.

The guests were served milk. The White official complimented him on its taste and freshness.

He was informed that the milk of any cow from the region was always fresh and tasty because of their fodder—Bermuda grass, cotton seeds and spring water.

In return for their reception, the White official presented a foreign handmade sword to Govindappa Nayakkar who excitedly accepted the gift.

The White official requested a private audience. It took a while to disperse the eagerly gathered crowd from the compound.

During the meeting, the native official sat between the two as a translator.

‘Durai would like to appoint you the village representative on behalf of the Company. He wants to know your opinion.’

Astounded, Govindappa Nayakkar tried looking at his brothers’ faces for a clue. They were a little distance away and therefore could not hear what had transpired. But Krishnappa Nayyakar could read from his elder brother’s expression that he needed an urgent consultation.

32

‘GIVE ME TIME, PLEASE. LET me think about it,’ Govindappa Nayakkar requested. The officials agreed and left.

Akkayya did not join in the discussion. Instead he was examining the sword. He flicked the sword and swished it swiftly. He demonstrated the flick to those around him.

The news about the White official’s visit spread across the village like fire.

Govindappa Nayakkar invited all the village elders to his house to discuss this development.

No one could reach an immediate decision. Only cock-feather Chinnayya Nayakkar had a comment. He screwed up his face as if he were tasting something sour and said, ‘What kind of face is that? Nothing regal about it! He looks like a white mouse …’

Some men laughed aloud. Pedakondhu Kottayya remarked, ‘The chap who came along looked like a king, didn’t he?’

Everyone seemed to have taken kindly to the native official.

‘Did you see the White man’s strange eyes?’ asked Selvapillai.

He is only used to appreciating our women’s eyes, which are like black bees, thought Govindappa Nayakkar. No wonder he found the White man’s eyes strange.

The village had already heard about the Company taking over several places in the country. Govindappa Nayakkar thought he should first consult Mangaiathaar Ammal. They went as a group to her. When she was told the news, she stayed silent for some time.