“I came by around two o’clock to take a look,” Moothapillai said. “There was not a single pod on the tree. So I went away to Kambolam.”

“So then it was definitely theft?” asked the elderly man standing behind Sahib. He was wearing an open coat and canvas shoes.

“Mark my words. From now on, this is exactly how things are going to be run in this country. Even the Chokkans and Sudalais of the world are now up in arms to rule the country, aren’t they? As far as I know, the auction has gone on for decades now. Some twenty or twenty-five years ago, it was only two and a half rupees. Yes, that’s right—nine chakrams. I have won the bid myself several times. This is the first time the auction has fallen through. But this is just the beginning, let me tell you. Soon someone will strip the veshti off your waist even as you are walking down the road. Ask why, and he will say, ‘This is just my second veshti. Anyway, I can see that you are wearing a loincloth. So you are fine.’ Even if a crowd gathers at the scene, they will all support him.”

Everyone standing in front of the carriage erupted in laughter. “Well put!” said the elderly man. Someone else in the crowd asked: “Moothapillai, have you been to the palace of late?”

“Yes. About this time last week I was there, speaking to His Highness. He made me sit with him as an equal and talked to me for a long time.”

“Is he in low spirits?”

“Low spirits? Of course he is in low spirits! What do you expect? We lose a bit of harvest in an auction, and we bawl and scream and carry on like anything. Here an entire kingdom has slipped through his fingers. That must surely hurt a lot. He told me he asked them to go ahead and take it. ‘Take it . . . govern it well . . . treat my people with respect . . . honor Lord Padmanabha.’ He still has his title and status. His possessions, palace, money, staff, driver, maid. He gets to keep them all. And the annual anointing ceremony will happen as usual. But nevertheless, he is feeling down.”

“If he asks for the kingdom back, will they oblige?” the old man in the open coat asked.

The crowd burst into laughter and sniggers. Moothapillai surveyed their faces and realized there were a lot of young men standing there, boys who wouldn’t know anything of the old times. “I am going to the municipal office to file a complaint. Anyone who wants to join me can come with me. Nagaru, let’s go.”

Moothapillai’s carriage set off toward the municipal office. About fifty people followed him.

7

7.