Inspector Mondol came in the evening—a slim, brisk and efficient man. He had heard of Feluda, as it turned out. ‘You solved the case of that double murder in Kharagpur, didn’t you? In 1978?’ he asked. I remembered the case well. A goonda had been hired to kill one of a pair of identical twins. He didn’t want to take any risks, so he killed both. Feluda’s name became quite well known after he solved this case. ‘Yes,’ Feluda replied. ‘What do you think of the present case?’ ‘It’s difficult to say. The chief suspect has run away, as you know. There is no doubt that he did it, but I am still doubtful about his motive.’ ‘Are you aware that the man walked away with a most valuable object?’ ‘What! Why, no one mentioned this before!’ ‘Well, Mr Niyogi realized it after you had gone. Er . . . I had something to do with this discovery.’ ‘I can believe that. What was it?’ ‘A painting. It was in the studio. Perhaps Bankim Babu caught the man in the act.’ ‘Yes, that would certainly give him a strong motive.’ ‘Have you questioned the journalist?’ ‘Yes, of course. To tell you the truth, I find it distinctly odd that two virtual strangers were staying in the same house as guests. But Robin Babu seemed perfectly straightforward. Besides, we found some fingerprints on that bronze statue. They didn’t match his.’ ‘Did you try and trace Rudrasekhar’s taxi? WBT 4122?’ ‘That’s terrific, you’ve got quite a memory! Yes, we did find the taxi. It took Rudrasekhar from here to a hotel in Sadar Street. But he wasn’t there. We’re making enquiries at other hotels, but so far we haven’t had any luck. If he wants to sell what he stole, he’s most likely to do that in Calcutta, isn’t he?’ ‘No, one can’t be too sure about that.’ ‘Why not? You mean he may leave the city?’ ‘He may even leave the country.’ ‘You don’t say—’ ‘I think there’s a flight to Hong Kong today.’ ‘Hong Kong? It will become a case for Interpol if he goes to Hong Kong. I couldn’t do a thing if he left the country!’ ‘I’m not absolutely sure that that is where he’s gone. But even if you cannot do anything to help, I’ve got to at least try and catch him.’ ‘You will go to Hong Kong?’ Nobo Kumar failed to hide his surprise.

‘I have to make a few enquiries first. Then I shall decide.’ ‘Well, if you do decide to go, let me know. I know a Bengali businessman there. Purnendu Pal. He and I were at college together. He runs a shop for Indian handicrafts. I believe he’s doing quite well.’ ‘All right. I’ll take his address from you.’ ‘I’ll get him to come and meet you at the airport. If necessary, you can even stay at his flat.’ Inspector Mondol rose. ‘Good luck!’ he said. ‘I’ll keep you posted.’ He left.