Chapter 4 Summary

Vasu insists that Nataraj join him on a ten-minute jeep ride. Nataraj says he does not have ten minutes because he is preparing wedding invitations for the adjournment lawyer, who is waiting in the front room of the press. Vasu says that the ride will take only five minutes, and Nataraj submits, realizing he will not win the argument. He tells the lawyer he will return shortly. They drive to the village of Mempi and visit a teashop. Vasu inquires about recent news and learns that a tiger has visited the village. After several more inquiries, Vasu instructs Nataraj to remain in the teashop and speeds off in his jeep.

Nataraj, who is stranded in the town, learns from the shop owner that a bus headed to Malgudi will arrive in Mempi at two o'clock. The owner is planning a tribute to the...