After Dick had taken a hot bath, Lakshmi rubbed a sweet-smelling ointment into the deep scratches on his arm and along his back. She gave him one of her father's white cotton kurta pyjama outfits to wear while she washed his shirt for him. He was beginning to feel less tense.

'But why do you think they attacked you, Dick? Does it have anything to do with what you told me at lunchtime? Why would anyone try to kill you? Because I'm sure that's what they were trying to do.'

'And they might have succeeded if it hadn't been for you, Lakshmi. I don't know how to thank you. They must have been trailing us all day, just waiting for the right opportunity. It frightens me to think about it. Anvway, I'm sure you're right - it must be connected to the inquiries I've been making. Someone obviously wants to stop me very badly.'

'Dick, don't you think you should give up this scheme of yours? What good can it do you? It is not good to become obsessed by revenge.'

'I can't stop now. I've got almost all the information I need. Why should they get away with all the terrible things they've been doing for so many years? Do you realise how much suffering they've caused other people, and I don't just mean me - look at your own father... No. I can't stop now. All I need to do is to decide how I'm going to use the information I've got so as to cause them the most trouble.'

There was a long pause. Lakshmi looked worried and upset. Eventually she broke the awkward silence.

'I don't think it is right to take revenge. People are punished for their actions by what they become. God arranges punishment. We should leave it to him.'

'But that's just fatalism,' said Dick, 'and it means that criminals all over the place get away with the most dreadful crimes against other people.'

'Please think about what I have said,' said Lakshmi, 'if only because I believe you are now in great danger. And... and... I am afraid of what they might do to you.'

She left the room in tears and did not return for over an hour. Dick sat alone with his thoughts.

It was six by the time she came back. Dick had decided what he had to do. He rose to leave.

'I must go back to Bangalore, Lakshmi. Tomorrow I'll fly to Madras. I need to speak to the Visvanathans face-to-face. I should have done it before. Then at least they'll know what they're up against.'

'But Dick, that's walking into trouble. Please don't do it.'

'Don't worry, Lakshmi. I've had an idea. It will be my life insurance policy. I'll tell you about it in a minute.'