Chapter 3 Summary

At the last minute, Miss Kutpitia bows out, having perceived an evil omen in a lizard's wriggling tail. Dilnavaz grumbles when the doorbell rings, announcing Dinshawji. Although Dinshawji recently returned to work after an illness, he still looks sickly. He began at the bank six years before Gustad. They have known each other for 24years. Gustad has beer to offer and some Hercules XXX rum, Bilimoria's final gift before disappearing. The bottle reminds Gustad of the hidden letter from Bilimoria.

Dinshawji's wife, Alamai, to whom he refers to as the "Domestic Vulture," is not with him. Dinshawji suffers from periodic halitosis, worsened by stress. Today it is in abatement. Gustad had convinced him to consult the miraculous Madhiwalla Bonesetter, who had prescribed chewing a certain resin. This helped until Dinshawji sprained a jaw muscle and abandoned the practice. Friends and colleagues have learned...