N. Francis Xavier
Part XXXI, (Continued from last week)
Santiago’s story convinced the fugitives that he was not sent to look for them. He would, of course, on his return, report the matter to Cadell. But, by that time, God willing they would be too far for any pursuit.
“How long do you propose to camp here, Santiago?”, Hemraj asked.
“Well, a month, perhaps, or even two. Kwangtung will come after a fortnight with some supplies. I’ll send a report and some convict gangs may come to commence plantation work. That was the plan. What are your plans Hemraj?”.
Hemraj stiffened. Was Santiago trying to extract information from him? He should give a misleading reply so that any pursuers will be thrown off their scent.
“We’re thinking of halting at Coco Island for some time, and then head for Burma”, he told Santiago.
Santiago fell silent for a while.
“Hemraj, you’re my friend. I have also come here as a convict, just like you. My status is but slightly better than yours, because of the colour of my skin. Otherwise I too am just a number in the convict register maintained by Col. Cadell. I promise you I’ll never reveal our meeting to anyone, but I have to share some information so that you may choose a safe route for your escape”.
Santiago sounded sincere enough.
“What information?” Hemraj enquired.
“Even you might have heard about it. Right from the days of Gen. Barwell there have been many proposals for leasing out Greater Coco Island. It was believed Barwell was planning to give it to some party with whom he had some underhand dealings.
“As per the standard practice a tender has to be floated for the lease. When the tender was published three businessmen from Calcutta applied for the lease. Two Parsis, Eduljee and Pestonjee, and one Guzdar have placed bids for Great Coco. One Mr. W.A. Sheppard had placed a bid for Little Coco. Just when the tenders were being finalized a new person stepped in.
“Sherlock Hare was believed to be close to Gen. Barwell. It was also rumoured that he paid a fat bribe to Barwell to get the lease. Sherlock Hare outbid the others by offering 10,000 rupees per annum for Great Coco. He also offered to by the government steamer Constance for 5000 rupees.
“The haste with which Sherlock Hare’s bid was accepted led to the belief that it was shady deal. It was widely believed that Barwell tried to sell of the island. The other contenders Eduljee and Pestonjee and one D. Mohammad and Company of Calcutta who applied for trading rights in Nicobar complained to the government. Gen. Barwell was removed and Col. Cadell posted in his place.
“Cadell, being an upright man demanded that Sherlock pay his rent on time. Sherlock defaulted on the payments claiming he could not harvest enough coconuts to make a profit. Cadell cancelled the lease immediately, but Sherlock went to court in London.
During the investigation it was also revealed that Sherlock had a history of mental illness. Finally the lease was cancelled and the control given to the Chief Commissioner of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ships are frequently plying to the island as Col. Cadell wanted to build some fortifications there recognizing the strategic importance of the Island. It would be foolish on your part to go the Coco Islands in the present situation.
Hemraj understood that Santiago was telling the truth. But still he did not want to disclose to him the course he has charted in his mind.
“Well, Santiago, we propose to leave by first light tomorrow. We shall avoid Coco Island but head directly for the Burmese coast. But do report the matter to Col.Cadell when you go back. Also give him this rifle. I fired only one shot from it. I don’t need it anymore.” Hemraj returned the weapon and the cartridges to Santiago.
Hemraj understood that the gun would be a liability once reached mainland India. It would draw the attention of the people and help recapture. By insisting that Santiago report the matter to Cadell he can put the manhunt off their scent by sending them towards Burma instead of India.
“I wish you all the best my friends,” Santiago said as he shook hands with them all.
The men dragged the whaler to the sea and launched her in preparation for next morning’s sail. All the stores have been stowed carefully on the boat. The water casks were filled. Half the crew slept on the boat while the others slept in the camp, waiting for daybreak. ( To be continued…)
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