India, Sept. 14 -- The 7.51am to Crewe is cancelled, and Best shuffles out of platform No.8. So does the man with B.Fernandes on his back. With everyone else, they return to waiting and scanning for the platform for the next train scheduled to depart Euston an hour later. Without a murmur of protest.

Passengers for two trains are accommodated on one and that means the and politeness -- accepted as a way of life in this part of the world -- is tested by two, their twang giving away their Americanness, who have placed large suitcases on and in front of seats. It also means Mbuemo, white ear pods in place and brown cap pulled firmly in front, has to stand in the vestibule in the one that leaves London at 8.53am.

Emblematic of the London No...