Sea of Poppies

In the morning, Deeti is the first to see the rowboats ready to transport the migrants to the waiting Ibis: “The long-planned-for rituals of departure were forgotten in the confusion, but strangely, this great outburst of activity became itself a kind of worship” (345). As they depart, Deeti notices a woman she hasn’t seen previously, who introduces herself as Putleshwari and tells the women she is Nob Kissin’s niece, and is traveling to Mauritius for an arranged marriage. (Although it isn’t made explicit here, the woman is Paulette in disguise.)

Back on the foremast, Jodu watches the arrival of the newcomers and the preparations below. Neel and Ah Fatt arrive first, the only two convicts being transported on the ship. Following them, the migrants arrive, and Jodu recognizes the women as the ones he transported earlier. When he tries to wave to Munia, however, Mamdoo-tindal chastises him, telling him that Crowle is already angry with him and that “[i]f he sees you honeying up to those coolie girls you’re going to be a launder without a mast” (351).

Below, seeing Jodu wave frightens Paulette for a moment, as she believes Jodu has spotted her; however, Munia, oblivious to Paulette’s fears, excitedly tells Paulette about her encounter with Jodu the other day.