Vandiyathevan marveled at how cleverly the secret passages in the Kadambur palace had been constructed. He knew only half of their workings, and if he tried to descend or ascend them in haste, danger might befall him. If the crocodile moved while he was halfway down the steps, he would be trapped in the narrow crevice of the wall, left to struggle helplessly.

He carefully checked whether the crocodile remained motionless, then approached the door-bar and prepared to set his foot down. Ah! What was that? Footsteps echoed along the tunnel! Who was coming? Could it be Azhwarkadiyan? Was he searching for him? It would be best to prevent him from reaching this place. No, no—it was not just one person approaching. The sound of footsteps was as if five or six people were coming together. In that case, it might be Idumbankari and his accomplices.

With a single leap, Vandiyathevan sprang away and hid once more behind the tailless monkey. Ah! Had he left the secret passage open? Would that arouse suspicion? No, no! When he had arrived, the passage had already been open. Only after he had climbed up did the passage close itself! Therefore, it was good that it remained open. Look—through the doorway, a head appeared. It was Idumbankari’s head! Now, with one foot on the upper step, he was scanning all around. Only one foot remained below. Perhaps he kept it there to prevent the door from closing by itself!

Oh dear! What is this light on this side? The elephant’s head on the wall was moving aside! The way to the women’s quarters was being revealed! Who was coming through that entrance? Ah, was it not Manimekalai herself, carrying a lamp in her hand!

Idumbankari, in a single bound, climbed up; the way he had come closed behind him. He snatched up his turban cloth and began hurriedly dusting off the tiger skin nearby! What would be the end of this drama?

Manimekalai lifted her lamp and looked all around. When her gaze fell upon Idumbankari, she stared at him in astonishment. Idumbankari stopped dusting and, in turn, looked at Manimekalai with surprise.

“Mother! What is this? Why have you come here at this hour?” he asked.

“Idumba! Is it you? What are you doing here?” Manimekalai inquired. “Amma! Tomorrow, the guests are to be brought here to the hunting pavilion and shown around, aren’t they? That’s why I’m cleaning up. When the young master left for Kanchi, he gave me such instructions.”

“Yes, Idumba! In this entire palace, it is only you and I whom the young master trusts. I was just checking if the arrangements were proper in the room where the Queen of Pazhuvoor will be staying. At that moment, I heard some noise here. I thought it must be you—who else knows the secret ways of this palace? How long have you been working here?”

“It must be more than a naazhigai, mother! There’s still another naazhigai’s worth of work