Pratima's Forbidden Book by S. A. Gibson

Author:S. A. Gibson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: S. A. Gibson
Published: 2017-12-07T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21 - Bridge To Etawah

On the approach to Etawah Sunil marvels at a huge bridge crossing the Yamuna. As the boat moves closer, William notices rail tracks on the bridge. Concrete piles are driven into the river at equal distances across its span. Overhead, he points out for the boy, how, “See? Those trusses can be seen along the bottom.”

“That is likely the way the army will approach,” Pratima muses. “They will probably use one of the royal steam trains.” Jabalah starts at this, nervous that Sunil may hear, she seems to be holding her breath.

“I’d heard the rail-bridge into Etawah was not completed by the time of the collapse?” William remembers.

“True, but over the many years, the bridge and rail-line have been completed,” Jabalah tells him.

“We must make sure the route from Delhi to here stays open,” Pratima says.

“Where do you want to put off?” Jimmy asks.

“Please, land us near the north side of town,” Jabalah suggests. “The library is on the north side.”

“Good,” agrees Pratima. “We can walk to Divrasai tomorrow.”

“Which way to the Etawah branch library?” Pratima looks at Jabalah. The six of them will have to hike toward where she’s pointed.

They’ll need to find the small building housing the branch library once ashore.

~~~

“Everything will be ready soon, make yourself at home. I have a small staff, you see, but preparations are in the works for you,” Librarian Kandari informs them. William feels the oppressive heat. It is about 35˚ centigrade and the monsoon season makes the smallish room feel humid.

Pratima’s mind is not on the tidbits that Librarian Kandari’s small staff may have in mind for the visitors, William grimaces when she continues her discussion from the boat, “If we are attacked, we should stand at the railway bridge,” she suggests.

Abha is the one to thank this librarian, who hurries away from the group, down a long, and seemingly unswept corridor.

“You think we can hold it against attackers?” William gives in to the topic, tilting his head as he looks at her.

“I think we must hold it.”

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