Summary

Colonel Hutchinson consoles Bakha with a hand on his shoulder. Colonel Hutchinson dresses in traditional Indian clothing because he is “one of the few living members of the band of Christian missionaries in India who had originated the idea that the Salvation Army ought to be dressed in the costume of the natives and live among them, if it was to achieve the true end of proselytizing” (99). Colonel Hutchinson tries to convince Bakha that he is not to be treated like a sahib but a friend. Bakha is stunned because he has so much respect for the Colonel, but he welcomes the opportunity to feel seen and similar to somebody he admires. The Colonel begins to sing and invites Bakha to join him in the church.

Bakha grows bored with Colonel’s singing and inability to answer his questions but he continues...