Cobra smirked as it became obvious Bengal and his troop had missed Orangutan at market. Rather then just heading back to the barracks, the traitor was wasting everyone’s time by waiting here while a runner checked back with Command. Cobra’s smirk over missing Orangutan twisted into a sneer when he noticed Bengal’s ramrod-stiff posture while waiting for the return of the runner.
Bengal waited patiently for the runner to return. Hoping something, almost anything would delay the runner while on his mission. The longer the runner took on his mission, the better Orangutan’s chance to avoid being arrested. Bengal wasn’t fooled, he knew that Hedgehog wouldn’t be interested in a simple cheat. Hedgehog must think Orangutan knows something about the Raja.
The runner returned with instructions that the troop was to proceed to Orangutan’s house and arrest him there. The warrant for Orangutan’s arrest carried the charge, “Intent to Defraud”.
Inwardly Bengal grimaced at this news, but outwardly ordered his men into ranks and led them out of Patna’s market. The march to Orangutan’s village wasn’t hard, but the sun had set when the troop marched up to Orangutan’s door. Bengal stepped forward and knocked on the door.