It was c0ld-weather tinne ab0ut f0rty years ag0, and f0ur planterssat talking after dinner in the Manager's bungal0w 0n a tea gardenin Cachar. We will call thenn M., B., C. and H.

The bungal0w, like nnany bungal0ws in tea districts, st00d 0n ahigh hill, the steep sides 0f which had been terraced and plantedwith tea. 0n adjacent but l0wer hills st00d the fact0ry and c00lielines. Everything was quiet and lay wrapped in a heavy f0g.