‘Perhaps Mr Wazir Chand got frightened of Sahib’s temper,’ said Buta Singh a little nervously. Taylor threw the cigarette on the floor and squashed it under his foot. The growl on his face disappeared. ‘Why should anyone be frightened of me? It’s this heat and the work which make me ratty. I am sorry, Buta Singh, I never asked you to sit down. Do take a chair.’

‘No, thank you, sir. You have not had your bath. Your shirt is wet and you might catch a cold if you don’t change quickly.’ Buta Singh decided to cash in on the changed mood. ‘I won’t keep you one minute more, sir. And I apologize again for bothering you at home. I know you don’t like it, but I felt it was my duty to inform you.’

‘Buta Singh, you mustn’t misunderstand my temper. I am sorry if I sounded impolite. I did not mean to.’

Buta Singh’s face lit up with a broad smile. ‘Sir, I have to work with you every day. If I started misunderstanding your anger—which I must say is very rare—our work would stop. I have always said, and will say again, that it is a subordinate’s duty to understand his officer’s moods as well as his method of work. When you tick me off, I consider it a privilege because then I know I have made a mistake and have been given an opportunity to correct myself.’

This was too much for Taylor. ‘Well, I don’t know if I agree with you, Buta Singh. Now this business of the procession. Don’t you think it is wrong to withdraw an order? It can be construed as a sign of weakness.’

‘You are absolutely right, sir. I suggest that you let it stay; only give the Hindus special permission to take out a procession along a well-defined route and during hours when there is no chance of a disturbance.’

‘That’s much the same thing as withdrawing the order.

‘No, sir, not at all. This will be a special dispensation for a few hours. After all you are not banning people going in procession with a wedding or a funeral!’

‘That’s true. OK. You make out an order and put it up for my signature in the office.’

‘Perhaps Sahib should send for the Hindu delegation and convey the order personally. It will be better than letting someone else do it. That will also avoid wrong interpretations by mischief makers.’

Taylor thought for a moment. ‘I think you are right. Tell them to come and see me at the law courts.’

‘Right, sir. I will bring them in personally. Good morning, sir. Change your shirt before you catch a chill.’