Page 97 - The English Carnival 7
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Unless of course Swaminathan informed the police.
At the sound of the creaking of boots, they turned and found that Rajam had come. He
was dressed in khaki, and carried under his arm an air-gun that was given to him a
couple of months ago on his birthday. He stood very stiff and said: ‘Here I am, ready.’
‘You are late.’
‘Yes.’
‘We will start.’
Rajam shouldered his gun and fired a shot in the air. Mani was startled. He stood still,
his club down.
‘You heard the shot?’ asked Rajam. The next is going to be into your body, if you are
keen upon a fight.’
‘But this is unfair. I have no gun while you have.... It was to be a hand-to hand fight.’
Then, why have you brought your club? You never said anything about it yesterday.’
Mani hung down his head.
‘What have I done to offend you?’ asked Rajam.
‘You called me a sneak before someone.’
‘That is a lie.’
There was an awkward pause. ‘If this is all the cause of your anger, forget it. I won’t
mind being friends.’
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