Page 139 - Train to Pakistan

pen from his pocket.
‘What are the names of the prisoners?’ he asked, spreading out the sheets on
the table.
‘Jugga badmash and …’

‘Jugga badmash,’ interrupted Hukum Chand, filling in a blank and signing it.
‘Jugga badmash, and …?’ he asked taking the other paper.

‘Iqbal Mohammed or Mohammed Iqbal. I am not sure which.’
‘Not Iqbal Mohammed, Inspector Sahib. Nor Mohammed Iqbal. Iqbal Singh,’
he said, writing with a flourish. The subinspector looked a little stupefied. How
did Hukum Chand know? Had Meet Singh been around calling on the

magistrate?
‘Sir, you should not believe everyone. I examined …’

‘Do you really believe an educated Muslim would dare to come to these parts
in times like these? Do you think any party would be so foolish as to send a
Muslim to preach peace to Sikh peasants thirsting for Muslim blood, Inspector

Sahib? Where is your imagination?’
The subinspector was subdued. It did seem unlikely that an educated man
would risk his neck for any cause. Besides, he had noticed on Iqbal’s right wrist

the steel bangle all Sikhs wear.
‘Your honour must be right, but what has this to do with the preventing of an
attack on the train?’

‘My honour is right,’ said Hukum Chand triumphantly. ‘And you will soon
know why. Think about it on your way to Chundunnugger. As soon as you get
there, release both the men and see that they leave for Mano Majra immediately.

If necessary, get them a tonga. They must be in the village by the evening.’
The subinspector took the papers, and saluted. He sped back to the police
station on his cycle. Gradually, the clouds of confusion lifted from his mind.

Hukum Chand’s plan became as crystal clear as a day after heavy rain.

‘You will find Mano Majra somewhat changed,’ the subinspector remarked,
casually addressing the table in front of him. Iqbal and Jugga stood facing him

on the other side.
‘Why don’t you sit down, Babu Sahib?’ said the subinspector. This time he
spoke directly to Iqbal. ‘Please take a chair. Oi, what is your name? Why don’t
you bring a chair for the Babu Sahib?’ he shouted at a constable. ‘I know you are