The Mystery of the Fort

“Ramkishore-babu, you are becoming far too agitated—this is not good for your health. Let us end this conversation for today; we can continue another time.”

Ramkishore-babu, regaining a measure of composure, replied, “No, Doctor, this matter cannot be postponed. Today I am here, tomorrow I may not be—I want to settle all affairs before I go. Himanshu-babu, you have heard how I wish to arrange my property; there is no need for further discussion. Please begin preparing the documents. The sooner the deeds are registered, the better.”

“Very well, so it shall be. Let us take our leave for today, then.” Himanshu-babu rose to his feet. Only then did everyone notice that the three of us had been standing near the doorway, silent and unmoving, like figures in a tableau.

Ramkishore raised his brows and called out, “Who is there?”

Pandey stepped forward and said, “It is I. Two friends from Calcutta have come to visit; I brought them to see the fort.” He introduced Byomkesh and myself by name.

Ramkishore greeted us warmly. “Come, come. Please, be seated.” Yet it seemed he had not heard Byomkesh’s name before.

Banshidhar and Muralidhar took their leave. Dr. Ghatak, upon seeing us, appeared momentarily surprised and a little embarrassed, but then raised his hand in greeting. After exchanging a few words with the doctor, the lawyer Himanshu-babu departed with him. Left in the room were the three of us, and on the other side, Ramkishore-babu, his steward Chandmohan, and his son-in-law Monilal.

Ramkishore called out, “Who’s there? Bring some light, and prepare tea.”

Chandmohan replied, “I’ll see to it—” and got up to leave. Chandmohan was dark-skinned and thin, but his eyes gleamed with cunning. As he left, he cast a long, searching sidelong glance at Byomkesh.

A few words of polite conversation followed. Ramkishore’s manner with outsiders was gentle and gracious. Then Byomkesh said, “I hear that Ishan-babu died here from snakebite. I knew him once—I was his student.”

“Is that so!” Ramkishore looked at Byomkesh with startled eyes. “My eldest son as well— What can I say, Ishan was the friend of my soul, a friend from childhood. That he should come to my house and die in such an accident—I shall never live down this shame.” From his tone, it seemed he was unaware of any suspicion regarding the cause of death.

Byomkesh, expressing sympathy, said, “A most tragic affair. Was he also your brother’s friend?”

Ramkishore, after a brief silence, replied with a touch of emphasis, “Yes. But my brother passed away nearly thirty years ago.”

“Oh—so in recent times, it was you with whom he was close. Tell me, before he came here this time, who in this house knew him? You did. And—?”

“And my steward Chandmohan knew him.”

“Your driver is an old hand—didn’t he know him as well?”

“Yes, Bulaki Lal knew him.”

“And your eldest son, perhaps, was also his student?”

Clearing his throat, Ramkishore said, “Yes.”

As