Original subtitles

R. D. Bansal Presents

Joi Baba Felunath The Elephant God

Starring Soumitra Chatterjee

Utpal Dutta, Santosh Dutta, Siddhartha Chatterjee

Camera: Soumendu Royoy

Editor: Dulal Dutta

World Rights: R. D. B. & CO.

Story, Screenplay, Music, Direction: Satyajit Ray

Then the god said: "This is terrible."

"How can we conquer this Buffalo Demon?"

"No god can kill him because of the boon he got from the Lord Brahma."

Now Vishnu was furious, and he breathed fire.

Shiva breathed fire too and so did all the other gods.

From the fire emerged the Goddess Durga.

She had ten arms with a weapon for each.

With these weapons, she sat on the back of her bahan.

What's a bahan?

Her mount. That lion is her mount.

A lion goes with Durga, a mouse goes with Ganesh,

a peacock goes with Kartik.

An owl goes with Lakshmi.

And a swan goes with Saraswati.

So Durga got on the lion to fight the Buffalo Demon.

Is this all true?

The old seers say so!

Then they must be real.

The Buffalo Demon is real, the Monkey God is real.

Captain Spark is real, Tarzan is real.

Uncle Bikash!

Gandaria, the Gangster's come!

- Is Mr. Ghosal in? - Which Mr. Ghosal?

- Mr. Umanath Ghosal. - Yes.

Tell him that Maganlal Meghraj is here.

Ruku, go and tell your father. Please come in.

- Have I met you? - My name's Bikash Sinha.

- Are you related to Umanath? - No. I just live here.

What brings you back here after so long?

Have a seat.

How long has it been?

Seems like ages. I graduated in 50', and you a year later.

Well, what can I do for you?

I saw you yesterday at the Fish Guru's prayer meeting.

So I thought I'd drop in and see you.

We come here every autumn.

My father and grandfather are both here, you know.

- And your Elephant God? - The Elephant God?

My goodness, you still remember?

Have you got it?

Of course. It's almost a part of our family now.

Will you show it to me?

How can I? It's in my father's safe, and the key's in his drawer.

Doesn't he ever show it to anybody?

You're not just anybody.

Your reputation's not so good, you know.

Big money begets bad name.

Make some yourself, and you'll know.

How you make your money is important too, isn't it?

There's rumor you're exporting our art treasures...

and the Americans are paying you high prices.

I'm offering you, rupees.

Cash. I've got it with me.

But you haven't even seen it. How can you offer so much?

Studded with precious gems.

How did you know? I've never told you.

Why! Father wrote this.

And I've never seen it.

25,000, Umanath.

I know your business isn't doing well.

I know you've got debts too.

If you want that statuette, you'd have to steal it.

I'm sorry. It's not for sale.

30,000, Umanath.

Usually, I don't ask for things I want.

I just take them.

And they cost me nothing.

I'm being up front with you.

Sorry, Maganlal.

Is that your last word?

That's my last word.

Who's that?

Better rest your hands.

Or your arms will start to ache.

Do you know how many temples there are in Benares?

How many?

Felu, how many temples are there in Benares?

Millions.

Sign here.

- Do you have attached baths? - Oh, yes.

No common bathroom for me.

- Are you Mr. Chakravarty? - Yes.

My name's Lalmohan Ganguly.

Oh! Welcome.

This is Mr. Felu Mitter.

And this is Tapesh Mitter.

My brother-in-law's told me all about you.

Is this where we sign?

Just a formality.

You're the oldest. You sign.

Just write L. Ganguly and party. I'll fill in the rest.

Your brother-in-law lives next door to me.

So I asked him if he could book us for ten days at the Calcutta Lodge.

Your pen name's Jatadhar, isn't it?

Not quite. It's Jatayu.

My new book's just coming out, The Creeping Crocodile.

Take their bags to Room 3.

I've given you a room with four beds.

You get settled. See you later.

What about water?

You'll get a servant to get you whatever you want.

Not bad!

It's not quite the Circuit House in Jodhpur, but this'll do.

Let's choose our beds, Tapesh.

Do you want this one by the window?

- The street's on that side, isn't it? - Yes.

For purposes of writing, this is better.

And you'll have a good, sturdy companion.

- Sturdy? - Look at that.

Fastidious, isn't he?

I think he brought this too.

Such a big mirror?

He doesn't need it for just shaving his chin.

A bodybuilder!

See how my assistant's catching on?

This road goes straight to the bathing place called the Ten-Horse Ghat.

What a place! Gives you a holy feeling just to set foot in it.

You don't write devotional tales, do you?

You're right. What one really wants are thrills.

I've been running this hotel for 26 years.

This is the first time we've had three famous people in one room.

Three?

A famous sleuth, an eminent writer...

and a champion muscleman.

Mr. World? Gunomoy Bagchi?

- Ever seen his muscle work? - Yes, on TV.

I was watching him at lunch yesterday.

His biceps bulged every time he reached his hand to his mouth.

17 inches around, he said.

- 17. - That's what he said.

What's yours?

I wear a 16-inch collar.

Please do come in. I've asked for tea.

Do you know Inspector Tiwari?

- Mahendra Tewari of Allahabad? - Yes. He's posted here now.

He was a big help to me on a case in Allahabad.

I ran into him today. He said he'll come and see you.

Is there anything exciting happening here now?

I don't know if it would interest you, but there's a new holy man in town.

- Yes, the Fish Guru. - Fish Guru?

He swam all the way from Prayag to Benares.

- Swam? - That's what they say.

Swimming the English Channel must be like child's play to him.

He holds daily meetings at the riverbank.

Lots of people come to see him. Hymns are sung.

And he gives a shalka talisman to a chosen few every day.

What's a shalka?

Shalka is Sankrit for fish-scale.

Yes, wouldn't you like a shalka, Mr. Ganguly?

Spare me! But I must say he looks most impressive.

Tell me, are they real followers, or are they just pretending?

Oh, no. The best of Benares are here.

That one there in the black jacket. He's the manager of a big bank.

Next to him is the great scholar, Mahesh Bachaspati.

The bald man is a well-known university professor.

But the most important follower is...

There he is.

Maganlal Meghraj. Haven't you heard of him?

Is he the one whose Calcutta house was robbed?

- Might be robbed here, too. - Does he have a home here?

A home, a houseboat, a guesthouse for pilgrims.

He sits in the place of honor facing the guru.

Crooks often show off their piety.

It looks like he's carrying a gift for the guru.

The guru isn't wanting for comfort, you know.

I'm told he doesn't stay long in one place.

- Is Patna next on his itinerary? - Who knows?

Will he just dive into the river and swim down?

One Brahma, one Sun, one Moon!

Most impressive.

Whether or not he can swim, he's sure got a personality.

Two hands, two feet, two eyes, two ears.

Three tenses, three sanctuaries.

Four Vedas, four ages.

Five Elements, five rivers, five senses, five Pandavas.

One, two, three, four, five!

Very fishy.

An odd tattoo on the guru's arm.

I must say your eyes are sharp, I didn't notice them.

Tapesh, have a look.

It's an airplane. Kesto has one like it.

And Kesto's not very holy.

Excuse me.

Ten forms of Durga, ten performances of the horse sacrifice.

Ten incarnations of Vishnu.

The Turtle, The Boar, The Man-lion, The Dwarf...

Parashuram, Ram, Balaram, the Buddha, Kalki, and...

the Fish!

Guru! Hail, Fish Guru!

May I introduce Mr. Ghosal, Mrs. Ghosal.

Famous detective, Mr. Felu Mitter.

Well-known mystery writer, Mr. Ganguly.

And Tapesh Mitter.

- Do you live in Benares? - My father does.

We come every year.

Their family's been here 60 years.

Are you at the Calcutta Lodge?

Yes, at my lodge.

Are you here on a case?

No, just a vacation.

I'm asking because I might need your help.

There was a theft in our house two days ago.

My father's very upset.

Didn't you inform the police?

Father doesn't have much faith in the police.

Well, Mitter's here!

That's what I was thinking.

I'll ask Father. If he agrees, I'll let you know.

All right.

Please excuse us.

I've heard a lot about you.

But I've never had the pleasure of seeing you perform.

I'm giving a show at the Bengali Club on the 7th.

Please come if you can.

Do your biceps really measure 17 inches?

17½.

Feel it.

Why, it's like an iron rod.

Triceps.

I see. That was biceps, and this is triceps.

And what comes after triceps?

Quadriceps.

What have you done to yourself? You're just bulging with muscles.

400 this side, 400 that side.

I raise my eyebrows. That's muscles.

Open my mouth. Muscles.

Chew my food. Muscles.

There's a muscle behind every movement we make.

And each has a name?

Each and every one.

Write it all down. You can use it in your book.

How little we know.

I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it.

What dedication!

- Discipline, too. - Of course.

Let me have him for two months. I'll make a new man of him.

How about it, Tapesh?

No, thanks!

Can you bend iron rods?

Oh, yes. With my teeth.

And lift weights?

No, I don't do that.

- Why? Who do you want me to pick up? You? - No!

There's a call for you, sir.

So soon?

Just look at that!

Do something! I feel queasy.

That boy won't listen to us. Let's go inside.

- You're Mr. Felu Mitter? - Yes.

Please come in. Mr. Ghosal is expecting you.

Please sit down.

Why, this is a palace!

How do you feel?

They're painting the idol, Felu.

Why, it's just like the ones they make in Bengal.

Benares is a second home for Bengalis.

- Thousands of them live here. - Really?

My sister's coming on the 7th.

Be at the station. It's the Kanpur Express.

We were admiring the idol.

My father loves detective stories.

Which may be why he agreed at once when he heard your name.

- So he reads detective stories? - All the time. Ever since he retired.

- English? Or Bengali? - Both.

By the way, is the boy up on the roof your son?

Ruku? He's the only child in the family.

The way he was standing on the parapet looked dangerous.

And he kept shooting at us with a toy gun.

Call Ruku. He's on the roof. Say his father wants him.

Let me tell you why I've sent for you.

The stolen article is an idol of Ganesh.

Three inches high, solid gold, studded with precious gems.

Nowadays it's worth about 100,000 rupees.

- Where was it made? - In Nepal. It was brought from there.

You see that portrait?

That's my great grandfather, Dr. Radhanath Ghosal.

He was house physician to a Nepalese prince.

Once he saved the prince's life when he was gravely ill.

So the prince gave him the Ganesh as a reward?

And ever since then, things have happened in the family...

which led us to believe that the Ganesh brings good luck.

- Did these things happen in Nepal? - No.

My grandfather came to Benares soon after he acquired the Ganesh.

He settled here and had a flourishing medical practice.

This house was built by him.

Three days ago, a man came and asked me to sell him the Ganesh.

He offered 30,000 rupees.

- His name? - Maganlal Meghraj.

- Did you know him before? - We were in college together.

You refused to sell it?

It doesn't belong to me.

Radhanath brought it. It's kept in my father's safe here, and I live in Calcutta.

How did he take your refusal to sell?

He wasn't very pleased.

When did the theft take place?

The next day. When father woke up in the morning...

he found the safe open, the key hanging in the lock...

and the Ganesh gone.

Any reason to suspect anybody in the house?

The servants have all been with us a long time.

Besides, there's only myself, my wife, Father...

Grandfather and Bikash.

And your son.

Were you standing on the parapet?

Why? What if you had fallen?

- Don't you know you shouldn't do that? - Captain Spark stands on parapets.

- Who? - Captain Spark.

A daredevil character in a mystery series.

He climbs on parapets of buildings 85 stories high.

And walks with his feet in the air and his head down.

Who gives these books to him? You?

- Nowadays, every boy- - Don't give him anymore.

Kids get crazy ideas from these crazy books.

If I ever catch you reading this stuff again, I'll lock you up.

Now go.

Who's Bikash?

He's the son of one of my father's employees.

He was orphaned as a boy and has lived here ever since.

What does he do?

He works around the house and works for a Hindi journal as well.

May we meet your father?

Of course. He's waiting for you.

By the way, Father's a little eccentric.

And he doesn't know Maganlal came to see me.

Is that a gramophone?

My grandfather, he's 84.

He was very fond of music at one time.

Now there's a man employed full-time to work the turntable and play the records.

Father, they're here.

Let's see how tall a detective you are.

Six foot?

Yes, sir.

- And you? - Five foot-five.

I'm not interested in how tall you are.

Sleuths in storybooks usually have sidekicks.

Holmes has Watson, Poirot has Hastings.

Our own Byomkesh has Ajit. Is that what you are?

He is my friend, Mr. Ganguly.

You could call this young man my sidekick though. His name is Tapesh.

Well, you seem reliable enough.

But you three musketeers mustn't get in each other's way, or there'll be too many cooks.

Come into my room now.

I kept this out for you. A picture of my Ganesh.

It's beautiful.

Not just beautiful, it's a work of art.

That's the main thing. I don't believe in this "luck" stuff.

No three-inch statuette can change a man's life.

Now watch me, Mr. Detective.

This is the drawer. The key to my safe is kept here.

I'll open it.

This is the key.

Now follow me.

This is the safe.

I turn the handle and pull.

This is the drawer where the Ganesh was kept.

It's empty now.

How did you find the safe after the theft?

Open. The drawer out. The key hanging in the lock.

This is where I sleep.

I went to bed at 10:30 that night.

- Is that when you usually go to bed? - More or less.

I'm in the habit of taking a little opium.

After 8 o'clock, I'm not too alert.

That night, about 1:30...

I heard the sound of a drawer being opened.

I shouted and the thief went away.

Now look here.

You know what these are, Mr. Watson?

Detective fiction.

Yes, and I've pored over them all.

So don't try to get clever.

If you can catch the thief, I'll make it worth your while.

Otherwise, zero.

- Two questions. - Yes?

Why did you send for me?

You could've handled the case yourself.

If I were as young and strong as you are, I would have.

Do you suspect anybody?

None of the servants. I'll say that much.

The rest you figure out.

I warned you.

- Can we go up on the roof? - Certainly. Take a look around.

I'll send Bikash along. He'll help you.

Is this Captain Spark's room?

And what about Spark's helper?

There is one.

- Raxit? - Yes.

Khudiram Rakshit. Raxit for short.

With Captain Spark around, how could the Ganesh be stolen?

That was bad, wasn't it?

The Ganesh is with a king.

What king?

An African King.

How do you know?

Captain Spark knows.

Can't he get it back from the king?

- Spark will get it back. - You think so?

Or it'll go to Atlantis.

- The lost city at the bottom of the sea? - Yes.

He certainly knows the mystery series.

Nandy has a story about Atlantis in it.

May we have a look at Captain Spark's room?

Are you a detective?

Do you have an electric harpoon?

No.

An X-Ray gun?

Then what do you have?

It's not on me.

What is it?

A revolver.

Does it shoot?

How many bullets?

Six.

I'll let you see it if you promise...

not to climb up on that parapet again.

I have another weapon that's invisible.

- What? - My brains. They're here in my head.

They can shoot into people's minds...

and tell me what they're up to.

They're telling me Captain Spark speaks in riddles.

Do you know any riddles?

It's strange, it's tricky, you chew it, it's sticky.

You know any riddles?

Five good neighbors, five in a row, eat a handful, strike a blow,

Five more join them, now they're ten. Glad to meet you gentlemen.

Five good neighbors, five in a row

Eat a handful, strike a blow

Five more come, and now they're ten

Glad to meet you, gentlemen!

Correct?

We'll go now, Captain Spark.

Your grandpa's given me a case.

If I can't solve it, it'll be my good name.

What's your name?

Call me Captain Felu.

Otherwise, Felu Mitter.

Please come in. We've ordered tea.

- What's Ruku's full name? - Rukinikumar.

- Are you Raxit? - Who?

Captain Spark's assistant.

I wouldn't be surprised.

Last year, he was Tin Tin, and I was Captain Haddock.

When did the painting start?

- When did you start painting, Shoshi? - Saturday.

- Does he stay here? - No. In Ganesh Mahalla.

The festival starts the day after tomorrow.

Will you finish painting by then?

Oh, yes.

Let's go to your room.

Were you here when Maganlal came the other day?

Yes. It was I who received him.

- How long was he here? - Half an hour or so.

- Were you in your room at that time? - Yes.

What were you doing?

I was listening to music.

Yes, it was Akhtar, singing a ghazal.

- What station? - Lucknow.

- How long have you been living here? - 20 years.

- Do you like it? - I'm used to it.

I hope you realize that your position is a bit shaky?

What's so strange about that?

I'm nobody here. Just a hanger-on.

But if I wanted to steal the Ganesh, I'd have done it a long time ago.

I've had plenty of opportunities.

My situation's been bad for a long time.

Why should I need money all of a sudden?

Does anybody else need it?

I'm sorry. I can't talk about that.

If it makes things better for you, it'd be a mistake not to tell me.

Don't forget you had a reason to steal and the opportunity. Both.

Reason?

To get yourself out of your situation.

If you have anything to say, say it.

I can always find out if you're telling the truth or not.

Umanath's business hasn't been doing too well lately.

You can ask around...

and find out easily.

Tea, Felu!

Is the food all right?

Salt? Seasoning?

I'd no idea you could get fish like this in Benares.

- I went to a lot of trouble to find this cook. - Don't let him go. Not while we're here.

Don't worry if you don't solve the case in ten days.

I'll keep three beds reserved for you.

Thanks. But if we're going to solve it at all, we'll know within ten days.

No, no. You mustn't talk of failing.

You'll have a grand success, and it'll make your visit something to remember.

Let's see.

Mr. Ganguly seems very quiet.

Of all the daredevil heroes he's dreamed up over the years...

the boy had to pick Captain Spark.

- No wonder he's glum. - How right you are.

So you're not our only popular mystery writer?

You have competitors?

That young smart aleck my competitor?

My books sell out in three days and his take three months.

And he's the creator of Captain Spark?

Ask him what's so special about Captain Spark.

What is it?

When he gets a good idea, his forehead sparks.

There's a call for you. Shall I tell him to call back?

No, I'll take it.

Mr. Chakrevarty?

What cooking medium do you use?

Mr. Mitter?

My name is Maganlal Meghraj.

I saw you yesterday at the prayer meeting

- How did you know me? - There are ways of finding out, Mr. Mitter.

I can see that.

- What are you doing this afternoon? - Why?

Come over. I want to have a talk with you.

I don't know where you live.

- Do you know Gyan Bepi? - Yes.

My man will be there. Blue shirt. Name's Monohar.

He'll bring you.

There will be two others with me.

- Are they with you? - Yes.

Bring them along. I'll be expecting you.

Do you think we ought to go?

You're under no obligation to come.

It'd be a pity to miss the opportunity.

But if he offers drinks, don't accept.

Why not?

Who knows what's in them?

Where are you?

Right here, in front of you.

It's so bright outside.

Please sit down, wherever you like.

I've heard good things about you.

- I've heard about you too. - Not such good things, I'm sure.

Is he your brother?

My cousin, Tapesh.

And he? An uncle?

He's my friend, Lalmohan Ganguly.

Lalmohan, Mohanlal, Maganlal. We're all good "Lals."

Bring us sherbet.

We've just had lunch.

So what?

You've walked a long way from your hotel.

You must be thirsty.

Are we thirsty, Felu?

I don't know about you, but I am.

Have you come here on a vacation?

That was the idea.

Then why did you change your mind?

It's my own mind.

I'm free to change it, aren't I?

I realize that, but why're you wasting time?

There's so much to see here. All the holy temples.

There's my houseboat. You can have...

a free trip on the river.

It'll make you feel fine after a breath of fresh Ganges air.

Why're you wasting time at the Ghosals?

You forget I'm a professional detective.

Mr. Ghosal has engaged my services.

I must finish my job before I can think of pleasure.

What's your fee?

That depends on the job.

Here's 2,000 rupees.

Take it and forget about the job.

I don't accept money for nothing.

But what do you expect to do?

It'll do you no good to catch the thief, you know.

- What do you mean? - The thief is your own employer!

What are you saying?

Don't you know that Umanath stole the Ganesh...

from his father's safe and sold it to me for 30,000 rupees?

Don't you know about the state his business is in?

Or how many debts he has?

Can you go to his father and say...

"Here's your son, he stole the Ganesh"?

Umanath refused to sell it to you.

But he changed his mind afterwards.

He brought me the Ganesh at the prayer meeting...

and I paid him the money in 100-rupee notes.

Prayers said and business done.

You're a clever man, Mr. Mitter.

Extraordinarily clever.

If you found out too much...

Umanath and I would both be in trouble.

So take the money and drop the case. Please.

So the Ganesh is with you?

Yes, it is.

May I have a look at it?

What makes you think I'd keep it here...

when my Calcutta residence has been robbed?

Only to find out if what you're saying is true...

or I'll have to continue the investigation.

You think I'm lying?

If what you say is not true, it must be a lie.

You refuse to believe me?

Take that money and have a good time with your friends.

I don't take bribes, Mr. Maganlal.

So you'll continue?

Call Arjun...

and bring the box and the screen.

Well, Mr. Lal?

Don't you like the sherbet?

Don't worry, that sherbet's harmless.

I don't approve of poison.

Other things are more effective.

Are these knives from Kanchennagar?

Are you up to it?

I've a little fever, but I can manage.

You sure you can do it?

Ever seen a knife-throwing act, young man?

The Raja of Harbanspur had a private circus.

Arjun was the knife thrower there.

Now he's with my circus.

Well, if you'll excuse us.

What do you mean?

- It's 2:30, you know. - So what?

I'm sure you'd like a nap.

Oh, no. Let Arjun show you his act, then you can go.

Ready?

Start.

Come along, Uncle.

What do you think you're doing?

Uncle will stand in front of the screen...

and Arjun will perform.

You think you can get away with this?

You stupid ass, I'll break your bones!

Didn't I tell you to shoot only if he draws a gun?

And can't you aim straight?

I'll dock your pay for the vase.

You're covered by two guns in the two ventilators.

Don't dare say a word.

You've insulted me by implying I'm a liar.

If you behave, you won't get hurt.

Neither will your uncle.

But I can't guarantee your safety...

if you insist on proceeding.

Come along, Uncle.

Come on, come on.

What's the matter?

Just a minute. Let me finish the sherbet.

What did you put in it?

I feel so good!

Ready, Arjun?

Where do I have to stand?

- Here? - Yes.

Just a minute.

Tapesh, here's my watch... my pen...

my notebook... wallet...

Just a minute.

What did I tell you, Mr. Mitter?

There's no one to touch Arjun.

Come away, it's over.

Hot milk and brandy. Quick!

What's the count?

- What's normal for you? - 72.

Must slow down by 25.

It'll slow down. Now it'll slow down.

I feel much better now.

The worst is over.

That one villain is worth five ordinary ones.

Keep on investigating...

you have my support.

What's the matter?

You're not giving up, are you?

The blame for what happened today...

is entirely mine.

Don't say that.

It's all in the cards.

What matters is that...

I'm alive and unhurt!

Don't give it another thought.

I'll pay him back...

or I'm no detective.

What's this?

You're leaving? Isn't your show tomorrow?

Can't stay here. Too dangerous.

What happened?

YOU'VE BEEN WARNED

"You've been warned"?

Where did you find it?

On my bed.

Do you have any enemies here?

Take your pick. It's just envy.

I've got to get out.

Your triceps measure 17½.

Biceps.

And the slightest threat -

You don't get the point.

Gunomoy Bagchi is no coward.

Then why leave?

Have you seen...

Angelo's David?

Michelangelo.

Oh, but it's famous.

- It's a work of art, isn't it? - Certainly.

My body's a work of art, too. A temple.

And these muscles are the carvings.

What a simile, eh, Felu?

Perfect.

- Do you understand? - Completely.

The temple must be preserved.

I can reassure you about one thing, Mr. Bagchi.

That threat is for me, not you.

And who are you?

What he does has to do with the head...

not with 400 on this side and 400 on that side.

I can guarantee you that no matter what happens...

you will be unharmed.

You really mean it?

Of course, he does. Come, unpack your suitcase.

And don't disappoint the Bengali Club.

Everybody's seen the temples in Benares...

..but how many have seen you?

A cupful of blood?

Durga is a warrior-goddess, Ruku.

Her spear goes in,

and the demon's blood gurgles out.

Did you send for me?

Sit down.

There's something I didn't tell Mr. Mitter.

I'll tell you.

I didn't see anyone entering my room that night...

but I did see someone going out.

And he wasn't one of the servants.

There's only Bikash and myself, father.

You never told me that Maganlal came to see you...

and that he offered you money for the Ganesh.

I saw no reason to tell you.

He did offer me money, but I didn't take it.

If it's proven that you opened the safe...

you'll have to face the consequences.

Maganlal hasn't got the Ganesh yet.

Hasn't he?

If he had, he wouldn't have offered me money to drop the case.

Then where is the Ganesh?

I think it's still at the Ghosals' residence.

You mean Umanath hasn't sold it?

If he was the culprit himself...

..he wouldn't have mentioned me to his father.

And Raxit?

If Bikash was the thief, he'd have made himself scarce.

That's true.

Then where is the Ganesh?

Who took the Ganesh? Where is it now?

And how does Maganlal hope to get it? These are the questions...

..and I don't have the answers yet.

- How are you? - Fine.

It seems that you set to work as soon as you arrive?

Nobody pays me a monthly salary so I take what comes along.

- Would you like a cup of tea? - Yes, thanks.

Will you take my advice?

Depends what it is.

Have you heard the name of Maganlal Meghraj?

We spent an hour with him yesterday.

But you said nothing about it.

We drank sherbet, watched a circus act.

What's your impression?

An exceptionally nasty specimen.

There was a theft in Mr. Badrinarain's house the other day.

A rare statuette of Nataraja.

And Maganlal had visited him four days before that.

Then it's simple. Search his house.

Mr. Mitter, Maganlal's no fool.

Precisely. And my job's to outwit him.

Forget about me.

Just tell me if I'll get your help when I need it.

All you have to do is give me a ring.

10:30.

Shall we go back to the hotel?

I was thinking

these lanes

are so eerie at night.

Why not walk around a bit?

Very well. Let's go.

Is there an African king in any of your stories?

Oh, yes.

The Gorilla's Grin

Yes. Mubungu, the King of the Hottentots.

You've got a gorilla in Hottentot country?

It's one of my very early works.

Read my latest, The Cunning Crocodile.

No errors in that.

Don't you like it, Tapesh?

Great. Especially the way the diamond's hidden.

The villain steals a valuable diamond...

and conceals it in the mouth of his pet crocodile.

Doesn't it show when it opens its mouth?

But that's how the climax comes about.

It opens its mouth as it charges at the hero.

The hero sees the diamond and-BANG!

Great.

Down the winding lanes we go All around us trumpets blow...

White is raven, black is snow...

It'd be nice to hear some trumpets.

This silence is eerie.

You're not losing your nerve, are you?

The trouble is, nerves are not muscle.

Bagchi will keep flexing his biceps to the last gasp.

But courage comes and goes.

Is yours ebbing?

It's just because you're with us.

You think I'd have come here alone? At this hour?

Just look up at those balconies.

Every house here is haunted.

You'll find bats hanging from the rafters.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of them...

turned out to be vampires.

The Bat to the Porcupine declared...

It's just a lark, so don't be scared...

The Titmouse and the Owl have come...

And all the screeching rats are dumb

Shoshi's murder has nothing to do with the Ghosals.

It was his son Madhab who killed him.

No, he hasn't confessed. Claims he was at a movie.

But he'd threatened his father once before.

I think he will, with a little pressure.

The Benares crime rate seems to have shot up...

since you arrived.

There was a murder at Chowkhamba too the other day.

What I need now...

is a brainwave.

You may not believe in these things.

ALL INDIA RADIO

but why not take a dip in the Ganges...

first thing in the morning? It'll clear up your head.

My first 30 years here, I didn't bother.

I suffered from gastritis.

I tried all kinds of treatment. Nothing worked.

At last I made up my mind to take a dip.

It can't do any harm, I thought.

Once... twice... by the tenth time, I was completely cured.

Faith is only a part of it, not the whole.

Are you looking for a program?

Songs by Akhtari.

Is there one today?

There ought to have been one on Saturday.

Don't you change the towels?

What's the matter?

Aren't you going to have breakfast?

Three things puzzle me.

Puzzling you?

The African king...

Shoshi's last word...

and Akhtari's song.

Shoshi said, "Singh." It could be a Punjabi surname.

When you think of Africa, what comes to mind first?

- Jungle. - And when you think of jungle?

Wild animals.

And the king of wild animals?

Where's Ruku?

He's been sulking in his room since morning.

Why?

He came and fell over the idol just as the ceremony was starting.

Naturally, I had to-

I've brought a revolver. Don't you want to see it?

Where is it?

Open the door, I'll show you.

This is the real thing.

It's a Colt.

These are the bullets.

The African king is Goddess Durga's lion, isn't it?

And you stuck the Ganesh inside its mouth...

with chewing gum, didn't you?

But Gandaria was going to steal it.

He told my father he would.

Gandaria's Captain Spark's archenemy.

And you were listening, weren't you?

Yes.

What happened after that?

I went to Raxit.

There's a bad man come to see Daddy. He wants the Ganesh.

- He wants the Ganesh? - Yes.

Who is he?

Gandaria, the gangster. Said his name is Maganlal.

Said he'll give a lot of money.

Did he?

I don't like it, Captain Spark.

Let's hide the Ganesh.

Hide it? Where?

Remember that story you told me?

A thief hid a diamond in his pet crocodile's mouth?

We'll put it in the lion's mouth.

Lion?

Durga's lion.

Good!

And if anybody asks you, say an African king has it.

But we must get it out just before...

the Immersion Ceremony...

otherwise, it'll float all the way down to Atlantis.

Now you know what the old man's been up to.

Yes, but there's someone else behind the old man.

Let me introduce you again.

You won't find a storybook hero braver than this man...

"Jatayu," the author of, "The Cunning Crocodile.

So you are Jatayu?

I'm just an ordinary...

Then it's really you who's saved the Ganesh.

But the Ganesh is gone!

Gone?

There's nothing in the lion's mouth but the chewing gum.

You didn't hire me to investigate a theft...

but somebody with theft on his mind.

Naturally. There was nothing to steal when the safe was opened.

But now it really is stolen.

I have sent Bikash to buy pastries.

- Where? - At the Rambhander.

He left about 15 minutes ago. You can catch him.

What's worrying you?

What's Bikash's last name?

Sinha.

Yes, Mr. Mitter. Where? In the observatory.

I'll be there.

- I was looking for you. - Me?

- I'd like a word with you. - Now?

Right now. It's urgent. And private.

- But I'm... - The pastries can wait.

That thing that's tickling your ribs is a firearm.

So don't try anything funny.

Sit down.

When a man's known to have lied once, he can't be trusted.

You weren't listening to the radio that day.

You were eavesdropping on Maganlal, weren't you?

Now tell me what happened afterwards.

If you lie again, you'll get into more trouble.

Maganlal saw me behind the door.

And then?

He sent for me, gave 500 rupees in advance...

and promised 500 more and a job in Calcutta...

if I delivered the Ganesh.

I have no future here, believe me.

What next?

I opened the safe. The Ganesh wasn't there.

Yesterday evening, I was in my room.

I know nothing about it, I swear. Believe me.

Where did you find it?

At the idol's feet.

I don't know who put it there.

Please give it back to Mr. Ghosal.

I handed the Ganesh to Maganlal the same evening.

Not yet.

Sit down.

Where did you get it?

It was lying in front of the idol.

I didn't find it.

No?

It was Shoshi.

Shoshi?

The idol-maker. He brought it to me.

He's a good man.

You see, he might be implicated.

He won't talk. He's not like that.

Where is he now?

He's a very good man. Harmless.

Where does he live?

Do you know the place?

I can't do it, I can't.

I know what to expect from you.

All you do is point him out.

The rest will be taken care of.

I didn't kill him. Believe me.

I know you're not up to it.

He's your guest for the time being.

He's only a little fish.

We go for the big one now.

Both sides.

The spelling, Tapesh?

Watch now. Deltoid.

Deltroid?

I see. No "r."

There's a call for Mr. Tapesh.

Listen carefully.

This afternoon at 5pm sharp...

you and Lalmohan must come to the prayer meeting.

And you?

I'll meet you there.

And at 3pm., a young man from the Bengali Club...

will bring you make-up and a costume.

Don't let Lalmohan overdo anything.

The matter is serious.

And bring some pastry with you. I haven't eaten all day.

He's got me worried now.

He'll be here all right.

Look behind you.

The bargeman cometh.

The all-seeing eye perceiveth.

Thy servants awaiteth thy command.

Help thyself, and Heaven will help thee.

Say your prayers, Maganlal.

Your number's up.

The police are skinning the Fish Guru.

It's Felu.

Now you have to watch my circus act.

How much do you want? How much?

You hire assassins to kill innocent people.

You have no scruples about selling your country's treasures.

You can't bribe your way out of your fate.

Come, Mr. Meghraj.

With best wishes to Captain Spark.

Sorry!

That's all right.

I'll send you some more from Calcutta.

You know who this is, Ruku?

He's Captain Felu's partner.

- What's his name? - Captain Tapesh.

I wonder what's keeping Captain Felu.

He'll be here any moment.

He has to take off his disguise, you know.

He never misses an appointment.

If I only knew whether the Ganesh's been found or not.

Do you still doubt it?

Please excuse the delay.

I had something to attend to.

Here's your Ganesh.

What you've done today...

beats anything I've ever read.

May I look at it?

You've done a wonderful job.

Let me put it back.

It's been with us such a long time.

Go back where you belong.

Let's celebrate now.

Oh, yes. Just a minute.

Tell me how much I should write this check out to.

Before you do that...

I'd like to show you something.

Certainly.

Then watch me.

I open the drawer...

and take the key.

Now I've opened the safe, and...

this is my commission.

What's "commission"?

You may read about detectives.

But I am one myself.

So it's not easy to fool me.

I've just had this thing appraised.

It isn't worth more than a couple of thousand.

If this were the real Ganesh...

you'd never have let the boy...

hide it in the lion's mouth. Isn't that right?

Bravo!

The real Ganesh is in the bank, isn't it?

But, of course.

I'm always having to take it out and show it to people...

and it's so valuable.

Did you hear that, Captain Spark?

The real Ganesh is safe in the bank.

I'm taking the fake one.

Your commission?

Yes.

I hope you don't mind?

Take it.

I can't think of anyone who deserves it more.

But how did you figure it out?

Don't tell me.

It's brains!

THE END