N. Francis Xavier
Part XXXVII
(Continued after summer break)
Hemraj’s men quickly built a shelter to spend the night. Harpal showed them a dry spot to cook the food. Hemraj recognized the island as North Reef Island. He used to come sometimes to hunt the whistling teals that abounded on the island. That was one occasion when Mr Portman would give him his shot gun. Every shot brought down the teals in dozens. They would feast on roast teal in the evening. Hemraj regretted not having a shot gun now. But the men can set up some snares on the perches where the birds spent the night.
Harpal sat close to Hemraj, regarding him as his savior. Just when he thought he would die of starvation the boat came as if sent by God. He would like to know what Hemraj’s plans were, once they set out again.
“Bhayyaji, tell me my duties on the boat. I’m ready to do anything. I can pull a good oar. I have some experience in steering the boat also.
“You tell me your plans Harpal”, Hemraj said. “Once we clear the coral reefs on the west it is the open sea. It is not going to be smooth sailing. We are not sure where we are going to land. We don’t know what kind of reception we may get once we touch the shore. Are you prepared to stay with us and face the dangers?
“Bhayya, I’ll stay with you even unto death. Haven’t we all got a fresh lease of life when we were sent to the islands after commutation of our death sentences? I am not afraid of death. I’ll stand by you come what may.
“What is your destination once we reach the mainland Harpal? Do you have anyone who would shelter you? You know how many people who managed to escape, have been recaptured after being betrayed by their own family members and brought back to the islands!”
Harpal was aware that the other members of the group were keenly listening to their conversation. He must convince them that he was not a liability to them.
“I’m sure you all know Goodur, the good convict”, Harpal started. “Well, my village is about five miles from his. Before he gained absolute release, thanks to the recommendations of Gen. Stewart he told me that if I should ever manage to return he would shelter me and give me a job. So my destination would be Ferozepur district.
Hemraj remembered the meeting with UngadeAmey, the Jarawa chiefa few days ago. Goodur got his pardon for capturing the Jarawas and establishing friendly relations with them. He must be a happy man in his own village now.
“But, Goodur is a Muslim. Would he shelter you and not betray you to the police?”,Hemraj’s question was pointed. If Harpal is captured then they would all be rounded up sooner or later.
“No Bhayya, Goodur would never do that. I have full faith in him. Perhaps you don’t know his story. He’s not an ordinary murderer. What he did was an honour killing, under ‘extenuating’ circumstances.
“What do you mean by ‘extenuating’ circumstances?”,Meena asked.
“Well, Goodur belonged to a humble but respectable family in Bustee village in the once prosperous Ferozepur district of undivided Punjab. A devout Muslim, he looked forward to employment in the army in the bustling cantonment town.
“Trouble started when the village strong man’s family sought his sister’s hand in marriage. Mullah Bhattie was a sirdar, a powerful local leader, but belonging to a different sect. Marriages between the two sects were taboo. Goodur’s family turned down the offer.
“One daythe girl suddenly disappeared from home. The family was shocked. Some said it was an elopement while others said she had been kidnapped by Bhattie’s men. Family honour was at stake.
“Goodur gathered some young men and went to the house of Bhattie to demand the return of his sister. In the ensuing altercation hot words were exchanged and then blows. Suddenly Bhattie lay dead, with a single dagger thrust from Goodur. The family honour was redeemed.
“Immediately Goodur rushed to the nearest police station, presented the murder weapon and reported what had taken place. He felt that he would be let off with a light sentence as he was only trying to protect the honour of his family. But the presiding judge, in the light of the new directives from the government, saw in Goodur an able bodied young man who could provide free labour for at least twenty years in the new outpost of the Empire coming up in the Andamans, if he survived.
“Goodur was slapped in irons and put on board the ‘fire-boat’. After sailing for about six days the steamer docked at Chatham. Goodur was among the first batches of convicts brought to the Islands.
“The first thought in his mind was escape. There were many convict mutineers who were constantly planning escape. Aga, one of the leaders convinced them that there was a land route leading to Burma. Many escaped but nothing was heard of them. Those recaptured were executed mercilessly by Maj. Walker. Goodur also tried to escape once but returned after a few days of aimless wandering in the jungle. He realised there was no hope of escape. The only chance was to obtain absolute release for some good action.
“A willing worker, he soon rose to the coveted rank of Jemadar in the convict hierarchy. He was assigned duties with J.N. Homfray who took over the Andamanese Homes from Rev. Corbyn.
“Soon Goodur became the trusted lieutenant of MrHomfray. He helped Homfray capture Onges and Jarawas and befriend them. It was for this he was granted absolute pardon. He’s a man of honour and I’m sure he would keep his word.
Hemraj and the others seemed convinced by Harpal’s story. Harpal had just earned himself a place on the boat to freedom.
***
To be continued….
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