N. Francis Xavier
Part XXXII,(Continued from last week)
Moulvi Jaffer Thaneswari waited at Aberdeen Jetty for the ferry to Ross. He could see the boat, pulled by lascars, leave the jetty at Ross and head towards Aberdeen. In a few minutes the boat arrived, moving clumsily under the control of a new coxswain, and bumped hard against the landing. Hemraj’s absence was being felt. Four ladies in flowing white dresses and bonnets stepped out and opened their parasols. They greeted the Moulvi who returned the greeting in English. The boatman invited him on board and gave him a comfortable seat. The men pushed off and headed towards Ross.
“Moulvi Saab seems to have got invitation from CC Saab”, the boatman said.
“Yes Kaleem, I don’t know what he wants to speak about, but yesterday I got a message. I hope it is nothing serious,” Thaneswari said. “By the way, you must improve your boat-handling skills. You almost damaged the boat while bringing it alongside”.
“Oh, yes sir, my fault. You see, I was still learning from Hemraj, when, er, that escape happened”.
“You’ll learn with experience Kaleem. Watch the boatmen of the SS Nancowry. Learn the orders”.
“Jee Maulvi Saab”, Kaleem said as he ordered the oarsmen to stop. The boat came along side, more gently this time. Thaneswari got out, thanked the boatman and started walking towards the Chief Commissioner’s imposing office-cum-residence. People bowed and salaamed to him all along. He passed the club and then the church. The Chaplain also greeted him from the top of the steps.
The sentry at Government House, from the European Infantry, rifle in hand and wearing a khaki uniform challenged the Maulvi. He was a newcomer from England, yet to learn Hindustani and oriental manners. But the Maulvi knew him. He was Robert Butolph, the drummer of ‘A’ Company of Her Majesty’s 93rd Regiment.
“How do you do Robert? Hope to listen to your drum when you come to play at Aberdeen on Saturday”, the Maulvi said in chaste English.
Robert’s face broke into a big smile. He felt happy that his skill with drums was being appreciated by the natives too.
“Oh, thanks. What’s the purpose of your visit?”.
“I’m Maulvi Jaffer Thaneswari. I’ve been summoned by CC sir”, Thaneswari said.
Robert checked a register inside the sentry-box, ticked the name with a pencil and let him go in.
A massive iron gate blocked the entrance to the main building. It was ornamental, unlike the ugly gates of the Viper prison. Thaneswari knew it was made from the steel hoops of the barrels in which most of the provisions for the settlement were brought. Skilled blacksmiths beat and bent them into the required shape to fashion the gate.
The uniformed Sikh orderly behind the gate knew the Maulvi.
“Sat Sri Akal Gurnam Singh”, the Maulvi greeted him.
The orderly returned the greeting and opened a smaller gate. Thaneswari walked in and sat on a wooden bench.
“CC Saab will be down in a moment. He will meet you in the anteroom”, the orderly said.
Many paintings and photographs adorned the walls of the building. Some of the paintings were done by the Memsahibs and some by the convicts. Most of the photographs were taken by Mr. Portman.
A bell rang, announcing the arrival of Col. Cadell. His footsteps were heard on the stairs; heels clicked and arms presented. Cadell entered the office through the back door.
The front door was opened and the orderly asked Thaneswari to enter.
“Assalaam Aleykum, Maulvi Saab,” Cadell said as Thaneswari entered the room.
“Waleykum assalam sir, good morning. You look very handsome sir,” Thaneswari said as he bowed and walked towards Cadell’s desk. He knew Cadell liked flattery. Cadell was wearing a starched uniform displaying all his medals and the Victoria Cross.
“Thank you Maulvi Saab. I called you today to congratulate you for the excellent translation you have done of Maj. Protheroe’s book. It appears it may sell many copies. You may get a decent amount from the sale proceeds so that you’ll be rich man when you get home. I’m expecting orders for your absolute pardon and release”.
Thaneswari knew that nothing was proved against him in the Ambala trials. The stay in the islands had been fruitful. He was never treated as a convict. He thanked Maj. Protheroe in his heart for it. He also thanked Master Ram Sarup who taught him English.
“Thank you very much sir. May the Almighty bless you, and may you too have a good term as Chief Commissioner”, Thaneswari replied in English as he sat in the chair facing the huge desk of Col. Cadell. He couldn’t help notice the shiny new revolver in its holster in the belt of Col. Cadell. The fear of assassination still loomed large on the minds of the Administrators of the penal colony.
“I also called you to ask about some personal matters Maulvi Saab. You must keep this confidential”, Cadell said, lowering his voice.
“Jee Saabji, whatever you say saabji”, Thaneswari replied, as he braced himself for the questions.
“I was told that Maulvi Syed Allauddin of Hyderbad has some miraculous powers. Is it true that he heals the sick through his powers?”, Cadell asked.
“Sir, Maulvi Allauddin is a very pious Muslim. He prays for the sick. It is the Almighty who heals them. There are no miraculous powers. But, he did heal many people when Cholera struck the Deccan soon after the Mutiny. He was a fugitive from the secret police of the Nizam, hiding in some villages in Telangana at that time. People there consider him a saint”.
“Would it be possible, Maulvi, through his powers to find out the whereabouts of Hemraj? You know how important it is for me to recapture him”.
“Our spiritual powers are for helping the people Colonel Saab, not to harm them. Hemraj is liked by everyone in the settlement. Even your predecessor Gen. Barwell liked him and recommended his case for release. It was the frustration of being denied the release he legitimately deserved that drove him to make this desperate attempt”, Thaneswari said.
Cadell remained silent for a while.
“Well, if you get any information from the convicts please pass it on to me Maulvi Saab. What else is happening in Port Blair? Have you heard from your friend Maj. Protheroe?”
“Yes sir, he did write. He wanted to know the welfare of the people in Protheroepur, the village he founded. People call it Prothrapur though.”
“Oh, yes. I know how these names get corrupted. It won’t be long when Cadellgunj becomes Cattlegunj. But every officer wants a village named after him. What can I do?”
“Sir, people are happy with the names, as the officers worked hard to develop those settlements. However….”, Thaneswari paused.
“However?, what’s that about? Tell me Maulvi saab. This will be between us”.
“Sir, Mr Baghail Singh has unofficially named a village after himself, calling it Baghail Singhpura. People don’t like it. They prefer the old name ‘Haathi Taapu’.”
“Is that so? Why? Don’t people like good old Sardar Baghail Singh? After all he’s an Indian”.
“Sir, Baghail Singh was only a Sub-Inspector in Punjab Police. However, he got promoted so fast after coming here. There are so many charges of corruption against him. He takes bribes from the convicts and businessmen also. He’s been telling people that would leave the Islands with a ‘Rai Bahadur’ title and a land grant of 500 acres in Gujranwala district of his native Punjab. People are terrified of him.”
“Oh, I’ll check this out Maulvi Saab. But, you can’t deny that he is an efficient police officer. I’m amazed at the speed with which he solves the crimes here. He’s of the opinion that Hemraj is still here, somewhere in the northern islands, to hoodwink us and make good his escape when we call off the search.”
“I agree with you sir. Baghail Singh has a good network of informers. But he’s the most corrupt officer in Port Blair.”
“Alright Maulvi Saab, I’ll remember your words. Do convey my greetings to Maulvi Allauddin. I’ll call him too one of these days. And, any information about Hemraj, please convey to me personally. You are always welcome here.”
“Thank you Saabji. I will surely let you know. Khuda Hafiz”. Thanewsari rose up to go.
“Kuda Hafiz Maulvi Saab”. Cadell rang the bell. Gurnam opened the door for Thaneswari. The meeting was over. (To be continued….)
Leave a Reply