Floods in northern India, mostly in the small state of Uttarakhand, have wrought disaster on an enormous scale. The early, intense onset of the monsoon on June 14th swelled rivers, washing away roads, bridges, hotels and even whole villages. Rock-filled torrents smashed vehicles and homes, burying victims under rubble and sludge.

Progress was observed from time to time by holding the end of the punch in the sooty flame of a candle or lamp and by pressing it on slightly damp paper to make a smoke proof.

He remembered the way the girl had stared at him, as blood had coursed down her face from the broken glass of his arrival. A pretty face, clear-eyed, smooth-cheeked; she would be easy to find. She would be amusing as well. She would tell him if she had secretted the talisman away. She would scream it to him. After that, he was sure of one thing. The last member of the Gifter’s family had to be silenced.

Coordinate term: Five Points