Sea of Poppies

Baboo Nob Kissin comes to visit the two convicts in their cell under the pretense of giving a tour of inspection; in reality, though, his aim is to visit Taramony’s adopted son to provide him with food. Neel asks why he is being so generous and is surprised to hear it’s because of Ma Taramony, whom he is aware passed away. Baboo Nob Kissin begins to explain, but instead chooses to signal by pointing toward himself. Neel understands to some extent, but when the guards rush Nob Kissin out, their conversation is forced to be postponed until later. After they leave, Neel automatically begins dividing the food to give Ah Fatt half. Ah Fatt tries to apologize, but Neel cuts him off; instead, Ah Fatt promises to kill Crowle.

The migrants spend all day preparing for the wedding of Ecka and Heeru, an affair that quickly grows loud and celebratory, so much so that initially they don’t hear the cries from above. They realize that Munia is missing, and surmise that Jodu and Munia met each other in secret. They were caught talking to one another, and the guards are now beating him. Crowle sees what’s happening and steps in to join in the beating of “Reid’s little scumsucker” (456); once they’ve finished beating him, they throw him in the cell and turn to Munia.