"And now you have peanuts, too," put in Chandra, "in the pocket where you keep the big ruby."
Again Chandra was right, and Biff's amazement at the Indian boy's skill was complete. They ate their chocolate bars and peanuts along with some fruit that Chandra had also brought them. Then, when the other passengers were no longer noticing them, Chandra remarked:
"Remember how the big man with the fake beard got tangled in the crowd, when we were leaving the bus?"
Biff and Kamuka nodded.
"I do that too," declared Chandra proudly. "I push one person like this"—he nudged Biff forward—"and another like that"—he gave Kamuka a backward push—"and pretty soon all are in each other's way."
Biff smiled at that, too; then he turned solemn.
"We've been watched," he declared, "and that's for sure. So let's be still more careful from now on."
At various stops, the train disgorged many passengers who filled up water jars that they had brought along and returned to the train before it started. Biff and Kamuka let Chandra handle that job for their party, rather than show themselves on station platforms.
Occasionally, though, Kamuka waved from the compartment window to fruit sellers who also supplied milk and soft drinks. At such stops, first- and second-class passengers went ahead to the dining car or had attendants bring choice dishes to their compartments; but third-class travelers didn't rate such service.
It was turning dark when the train reached the great coal fields in western Bengal. That part of the trip interested Biff most, because of the mining activity. But there was little to be seen, and soon, despite the rattle and jouncing of the train and the discomfort of the stuffy corner, Biff began dozing off.