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adding, ‘What if I could get it back for you?’
    She glared at his little smile. ‘Don’t serve me platitudes,’ she snapped.
    Andrew, seeing the princess’s steely expression and burning eyes, knew she was angry, not just at the British administration and the likes of Ferguson, but also at herself, for having sold something so precious. ‘If you tell me more of your story, it may help my readers in England know Burma and its people a little better, and why you feel the way you do. I understand your anger, I really do. I am often ashamed by the conduct of some of my compatriots,’ he finished.
    â€˜I’d like to believe you. I’d like to believe my kammavaca could be retrieved. The king placed such importance in it. But why should I trust you?’ The princess stopped. ‘Enough. I have said enough already.’ With that she hit the little gong again and when the young Shan entered the room she told him that Andrew was leaving and directed him to escort the photographer to the front gate.
    â€˜I wanted to thank you for the introduction to the princess,’ said Andrew as he walked back into Mr Watt’s bookshop after his abrupt dismissal by the princess.
    Mr Watt chuckled. ‘I had wondered how you survived the interview. Did she give you the rounds of the kitchen about us colonials?’
    â€˜Indeed she did. I can understand why she feels that way. But I held my tongue,’ said Andrew.
    â€˜Ah, wise move. Did she reveal any details about her extraordinary life?’
    â€˜Not as many as I would have liked. I caught her at a bad time. And I have to say I felt uncomfortable, in fact somewhat guilty, as she’d just been taken advantage of by a rather obnoxious Scot who’d pressured her into selling him the last remaining possession that had been her brother’s. I think that it not only had sentimental value but was of some great cultural significance.’
    â€˜That is a shame. You can’t be responsible for the behaviour of others whether they are British or Bolivian,’ said Mr Watt. ‘But I must agree with you, the British rulers are a rapacious lot out here. Take everything that’s not nailed down and even then they take the nails. Difficult for the Burmese to stop it and such behaviour creates a lot of ill will.’
    â€˜The princess seems such a formidable character, but she is a forgotten woman. She lives in utter poverty!’ exclaimed Andrew. ‘It amazes me that she has nothing, after being so rich. I really felt that she had been cheated, so I offered to get her kammavaca back for her. I think that the person who bought it could be a man called Ferguson. I met him once when I was here before the war.’
    â€˜I know Ferguson. Greedy little man. No respect for Burmese artefacts. Well, that’s not entirely true, he knows their cash value to him on the open market. I believe he has made a lot of money selling artworks and statuary in Europe and America.’
    â€˜I doubt what he’s bought from her is that valuable,’ said Andrew.
    â€˜But if this one was made for the king, it gives it more cachet. A certain unique provenance,’ said Mr Watt. ‘If you can get it back, I’m sure the princess will be grateful. Maybe she’ll tell you more about her life – then you’ll have a great story, believe me.’
    â€˜You’ve fired my enthusiasm even more. I can redeem some honour for my country by returning the kammavaca that means so much to her and find a great story as well,’ said Andrew. ‘I’m sure I’ll be able to track Ferguson down, and on the way there will be some great tales to sell to the magazines back home.’
    Mr Watt shook Andrew’s hand. ‘Good luck, and be careful. Away from the cities Burma can be a dangerous place these days. I will be keen to hear of your progress.’
    â€˜I’ll see you when I get back, and with any