‘You two can do some more sightseeing today,’ said Feluda, the next morning after breakfast. ‘Try and see Swayambhu, Pashupatinath and Patan. That should be enough for a day. Let’s go to Sun Travels. They should be able to arrange a car.’ We bumped into Mr Batra the minute we stepped out of the hotel. This must be telepathy, I thought. He smiled as he greeted us. But his face grew grave almost instantly. ‘That man is back here,’ he told us. ‘A colleague of mine saw him yesterday, coming out of a jeweller’s shop on New Road.’ ‘Did your colleague think you had returned unexpectedly from Pokhara?’ Mr Batra smiled again. ‘No, and I’ll tell you why. You see, my “twin” appears to be rather partial to bright colours. Yesterday he was wearing a shocking pink pullover and green shirt. People who know me well would never mistake him for me. But anyway, I went to the police and told them about it. I happen to know a sub-inspector.’ ‘What did he say?’ ‘I feel much reassured by what he said. Apparently, the police already know about this man. They think he’s involved in smuggling, but is being protected by someone rich and influential. So the police can’t actually do anything until he makes a false move.’ ‘Didn’t you tell him about the inconvenience he has caused you? He did buy that kukri in your name, you know.’ ‘Yes, yes. I asked the sub-inspector if this man could commit a crime, and then get me framed. Do you know what the sub-inspector did? He burst out laughing. He said, “Please Mr Batra, don’t think the Nepal Police are so stupid!”’ ‘Well, that’s that, then. Surely now you’re feeling a lot better?’ ‘Well, yes”. I am much relieved, I must admit. And I think you should also relax a little. Why should you spend your entire stay in Kathmandu simply chasing a criminal? Tell you what, why don’t you spend a day at the new forest bungalow our company has just built in the Rapti valley, in the Terai? It’s a really wonderful spot. I need only a few hours’ notice to get a car to pick you up. In fact, if I happen to be free, I can join you myself. What do you say?’ The very mention of the Terai made my heart jump for joy. Lalmohan Babu’s eyes were shining, too. ‘Let’s see how it goes,’ said Feluda noncommittally. Thank goodness he didn’t reject the idea outright. Mr Batra said ‘Goodbye’ and left. ‘Why didn’t you tell him about what we saw in that pig alley?’ Lalmohan Babu asked curiously. ‘Because,’ Feluda replied, ‘it is not my wont to divulge every detail of my investigation to all and sundry. And certainly not to someone I have met only briefly.’ ‘I see. I understand. Felu Babu, I have learnt,’ said Jatayu, chastened.

On the way back to our room, we ran into Mr Bhowmik on the stairs. ‘Can