"Back with you into the grove!" added the guide, showing more excitement than at any time since leaving Delhi.
His first command was for the fugitives to make ready to fight, and Dr. Avery and the missionary drew their revolvers and placed themselves in front of the ladies.
Now when he changed his order, they were equally quick to obey, their promptness increased by the sound of the hoofs of galloping horses.
"Quick!" repeated the missionary to his wife and daughter, shoving them before him into the deep shade among the trees, while Avery came last, the native remaining in the path to confront the Ghoojurs.
The latter came in sight an instant later. They were Thug-like looking wretches, whom any man would dread to meet on a lonely road. There were six, all well mounted on small tough ponies, and armed with knives, pistols and guns, two of the latter being in plain view.
Their costume was as varied as their arms. One or two wore muslin coats, while others had only the waist cloth, being bare from their waists up. Their turbans were of different colors and shapes, from the gorgeous pile of muslin which decorated the head of the leader to a few yards of dirty rag that wound around the brow and crown of the poorest. One or two wore wooden shoes, with the soles curved and pointed upward in front. Some of the steeds were without saddles, and all the riders had jet black hair and eyes, savage mustaches, and scanty beards.
Luchman would have been glad had they gone by without stopping, for he knew their villainous nature only too well. The quickest way to arouse suspicion would have been to try to avoid them.
He therefore threw up his hand as a signal that he wanted to exchange a few words. They brought their ponies down from their brisk trot, and drew up close to him.
The parties who thus met were utter strangers to each other, but a glance at Luchman showed he was a native, and the presumption, therefore, was that he was a supporter of the revolt.
The fugitives crouching in the grove (with the exception of Avery) understood the conversation, which may be liberally translated:
"Ram, Ram, bhai (In Ram's name, brother); whence come you?" asked the leading Ghoojur.
"From Delhi."
"Why do you flee when there is so much loot to be gathered?"
"I have all I want; I leave the rest for my brothers."
"What have you done with your share?"
"Placed it where no thief can find it," was the daring answer of Luchman, who looked straight in the eye of the leading brigand.
"Is there plenty of loot left in the city?" asked the latter, his eyes flickering like those of a serpent.
"Enough to make tens of thousands rich, but the people from the country are flocking in so fast that it will soon be gone."
This remark of the guide, I need hardly say, was intended to increase the eagerness of the Ghoojurs to reach the city.
"Where are the Feringhees?"
"They are all killed; the Mogul Empire is restored; the Emperor has issued his proclamation giving all good wages, and not one Feringhee shall be left in Hindostan."
Luchman seemed to feel no compunction in drawing a lengthy bow.
"A great deal of the loot must be gone," continued the leading Ghoojur, who, it was evident, had some suspicion respecting the tall sinewy native who stood so defiantly in the path before him; "many of the Feringhees and wealthy sahibs are fleeing from the city; they are hiding in the groves; they have money and jewels with them; 'tis better that we should find them."
This was an alarming declaration, and the fugitives who heard and understood it believed the brigands knew they were hiding near. Luchman himself was suspicious, but he did not let it be seen.
"There are many," he said in his ordinary voice, "but they are harder to find than those in Delhi, and they fight better."
"But there must be more loot to take from those on the road and in the groves."
"It may be, but there is plenty left in the city for those who do not loiter on the way. If you wish to search the grove, do so."
The ruffians looked in each other's faces and muttered something. Then they seemed to conclude that the best thing to do was to move on toward Delhi. The leader gave Luchman a parting salutation, and the half dozen horsemen resumed their journey on a slow walk.
The little party hiding in the luxuriant vegetation stealthily watched every movement of the brigands, and breathed freely when they started forward again.
They had advanced only a few paces, however, when the leader uttered an exclamation and checked his horse. Luchman turned his head, and the Ghoojur beckoned him to approach.
"What is that?" he asked, pointing to the side of the path.
Luchman, to his dismay, saw a shred from the dress of Marian Hildreth that had been torn off in her hurried flight, and was fluttering from a bush as if the bright signal was meant to show every one who passed whither she had gone.
The texture of the shred, and the peculiar circumstances, spoke the nationality of the young lady too plainly for Luchman to attempt to mislead the scoundrels. He stood looking at the tell tale piece as though he was as much astounded as were the Ghoojurs themselves. Then he scanned the ground with the keen scrutiny of an American Indian.
"Yes," he said, as if he had at last solved the problem; "a party of Feringhees have been this way; there were a good many, and," looking up abruptly in the face of the leader, "do you want to attack them?"
"That I will decide for myself," was the answer of the ruffian, as he sprang from his pony and began examining the ground for himself. He was as shrewd as Luchman, and it took him only a few minutes to learn that the fugitives were four in number, and that two of them were females. No more tempting prize could offer itself.
"We will follow them——"
The words of the Ghoojur leader were broken off by the crack of Luchman's pistol, and the miscreant, who was facing about and addressing his men, threw up his arms half way to his head and toppled to the ground, his skull bored clean through by the bullet that was fired within ten feet of him.
Luchman let fly with the remaining chambers at the wretches, who were just beyond the fallen leader. Fortunately, Avery and Mr. Hildreth were quick to realize the evil, and each of them fired his rifle into the group.
The attack on the Ghoojurs was so sudden that they wheeled their horses about, and, throwing themselves forward on their necks, galloped off on a dead run. None of them fell to the ground, but several must have been hit hard. They were desperate men, and Luchman knew they would soon be back. He therefore ran toward his friends.
"Don't lose a minute, sahibs," said he; "they will soon return; I hear them now!"
The last remark was rather premature, but allowance must be made for the excitement of the occasion.
The grove was dense, and Luchman as usual led the way. At the outer edge they saw cultivated fields, and observing no one was in sight, the guide moved rapidly across the open space toward the welcome shade of another large grove at the north. Fairly within the shelter of this, Luchman told his friends to seat themselves on the ground and rest from their hurried flight, while he moved back to learn what had become of the Ghoojurs.
The guide soon returned, saying he had discovered no sign of them. It might be that their repulse was so severe that they would not attempt to revenge themselves unless they should be joined by others of their class.
"Night is at hand," added their guide, "and we may as well stay here, for if we venture out we are more likely to be seen. While we wait let us load our weapons."
This sensible suggestion was acted upon without delay. Then, as the start would not be made for an hour or more, Luchman again went back to the edge of the grove. In the gathering gloom he saw three shadowy figures moving along the edge of the cultivated fields. He suspected they were his enemies, who were trying to trace the fugitives to their hiding place, but the darkness was too great for them to follow with certainty and they soon disappeared.
The weather was frightfully hot. The air in the grove was even more suffocating than the flaming atmosphere of the plains. Indeed the natural query of a foreigner when he is so unfortunate as to be caught during the hot season in that paradise of poisonous serpents, fierce wild animals and furnace-like temperature, is "What is this infernal country good for?"
Furthermore, it must be borne in mind that the fugitives had not eaten anything for a long time, and despite the mental worry and intense heat, they were in need of food. Marian stated the case to Luchman, who said he could easily get them something. He cautioned all to stay where they were, to avoid loud talking, and to keep their ears and eyes open.
This was the first genuine rest since their hurried flight from Delhi the night before. Of course they had to cease travel during the heat of the day, but their anxiety to get away from the imperiled capital was so intense that the mere cessation from walking gave them little rest. Now, when there was cause for feeling that they were safe from molestation, the pause was of the most refreshing nature.
Luchman being absent, Dr. Avery drew the missionary aside and questioned him concerning a matter which had been in his mind for some time. The young man did this in the most indifferent manner he could assume.
"Mr. Hildreth," said he, carelessly whittling a stick, "it seems to me that somewhere, since coming into this part of the world, I have heard about 'The Star of India:' can you tell me to what the expression refers?"
The good man looked at him with a smile and said:
"Of course I can; and so can almost any one who has spent much time in Delhi or Lucknow or Cawnpore, and I should say in Calcutta, but you seem ignorant. The Star of India is a famous diamond."
"And why famous?"
"It is very large—weighing nearly fifty carats, is of the first water, and like all such stones has a history."
"Let me hear it."
"The Star of India I believe was first heard of about seven hundred years ago. When Cootub, the Afghan conqueror, made Delhi the capital of Hindostan, he slew the queen, who had received it from some unknown source, and he placed the diamond in the hilt of his sword. He vauntingly said his sword hilt was the safest place, inasmuch as the man was not born of woman who could take it from him. But despite all his boasts, one of his soldiers stole it at midnight, and succeeded in reaching Persia, where he sold it to the Shah. It was stolen in turn from him by a daring eunuch whom Cootub sent thither, and the servant brought it back to Hindostan. It remained with the Afghan line until the great Baber appeared upon the scene in 1525, and slew the last Afghan monarch and took the prodigious gem from him. It continued in the possession of the Moguls until the beginning of this century, when it was lost."
"How?"
"Among the strange facts connected with this diamond is that its modern history is more dim and shadowy than its ancient annals. Like the Koh-i-noor and all such great gems, it has been the cause of many wars, murders, and all manner of crimes. A half century ago, when it was reposing in the most secure hiding place in the Mogul's palace, where it was believed an army could hardly capture it, it vanished as though it had been destroyed by spontaneous combustion."
"Stolen again, of course?"
"Yes; but by whom no one ever seemed to know. I have been told that it has been seen in Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, and other points within the last ten years. There is good reason to believe that it has passed over the Himalayas twice, carried once by the chieftain of one of the wild tribes of that section. This chieftain, like many other owners of the Star of India, was killed, and the marvelous gem taken from him."
"Where is it supposed to be at this time?"
"Immense rewards have been offered for its recovery, but it flits about the country like anignis fatuus. The last rumor which I heard was that it had fallen into the possession of a converted Brahmin, who carried it with him wherever he went."
Dr. Avery, who was convinced that he knew the truth, looked at the missionary with a smile; but the calm expression of the good man's face showed that he had not the faintest suspicion that the Brahmin to whom he referred was Luchman their guide.
"No," thought the surgeon; "it has never entered his head. Did you ever hear how it was, Mr. Hildreth, that this converted Brahmin got possession of the diamond?"
"I believe he became involved in a quarrel with the chief of some Himalaya savages. The chief and one of his warriors tried to take the life of the Brahmin, who slew both and brought back the gem over the loftiest range of mountains on the globe."
"Did you ever meet this converted Brahmin?"
"Not that I am aware of."
"I have."
"When? Where?" demanded the amazed missionary.
"The Brahmin who owns the Star of India is Luchman, one of your own converts and our guide."
The surgeon enjoyed the emotion he caused. The missionary, who had been reclining on the ground, shot to an upright posture as suddenly as if he had felt a cobra moving under his body. He stared at his companion for several seconds absolutely speechless. Then he gasped:
"No; impossible!"
"It is the truth; he showed me the diamond when we were near Cawnpore; he has it in his turban this very minute."
"Well, well," muttered Mr. Hildreth, relapsing to his reclining position; "it is strange that I never suspected it. I can see now that many of the rumors which reached me fit Luchman exactly; and do you know, doctor, that the cunning rascal has talked with me many times about the diamond? He asked me to give him its history. So I posted myself, and you see that I have it at my tongue's end, that is the ancient history. That reminds me," added the missionary, rising on his elbow and laughing, "that he too once asked me whether I had ever heard the name of the Brahmin who captured the diamond from the Himalaya chieftain. What a blockhead I was never to feel any suspicion of him! And you have really seen the Star of India?"
"While we were resting in the bungalow, he unfolded his turban and unwrapped a piece of thick soft paper from which he took the gem larger than the end of my thumb. When he held it up a ray of sunlight struck it, and its brilliancy almost blinded me."
"Did you take it in your hand?"
"No; he did not offer me the privilege, and I hadn't the courage to ask it. He rewrapped it with paper, and put that and the letter of mine to Marian in the turban. It has often struck me since as a very strange thing for him to do: why did he show the Star of India to me? I might have revealed the secret to those—and there are thousands such—who would murder him for it."
"He considered you as good as dead: he did not believe you would live twenty four hours, and he knew you were interested in the gem, as indeed every person must be. I presume that if our lives are spared, Luchman some time or other will tell me the whole story, though it's strange he has not done so before."
Dr. Avery thought it best to say nothing to Mr. Hildreth about the native's declaration that he intended to present the diamond to Marian. It might awaken hopes that never could be fulfilled. If Luchman meant to give the prize to the young lady, it would be specially appropriate that the announcement should come from the giver.
"I have no longer any doubts about him," added Avery a minute later.
"Nor have I," said the missionary; "the suspicion of Luchman's loyalty was the most horrible feeling that I ever had: it was worse than death itself."
"His actions have proven his loyalty," was the hearty declaration of the surgeon. "After his course toward the Ghoojurs, no one can fail to admit that he is pure gold tried with fire."
"Here he comes!"
The soft footstep which fell on their ears was that of Luchman returning from his foraging expedition.
He did not come back empty handed. He brought a lota or brass jar of water, some native fruits and a half dozen chuppatties or flat cakes, used universally through India and the greater part of the Orient, as well as in Central and South America. There was no meat, which would have been unpalatable during such hot weather. The water, as was to be expected, was warm and not very clear, but it was sufficient for their wants, and they were grateful because of the success of the native.
It was an impressive sight when this humble meal was spread upon the ground, and the missionary asked the blessing of Heaven upon the food, while a prayer for continued protection was not forgotten. During the simple service none was more devout than the guide. His head was bowed and his lips moved with a prayer of his own, which lasted a minute or two after the other was finished.
While they were eating, Mr. Hildreth asked Luchman how he came to be so fortunate in his search for food. He replied that India was a rich country, and he was not forced to any extreme measure to get what he brought. He found a native's hut at no great distance, where he obtained all that was needed. The lota was a part of the native's property, and his wife had just baked the cakes for the evening meal. Inasmuch as the seller was well paid for what he furnished, no doubt he would be pleased to continue the contract.
There was an abundance for all, and after the meal each prepared to pass the evening hour as enjoyably as possible. The mother laid her head in her daughter's lap, while Marian rested hers against the trunk of a tree, and both closed their eyes in slumber. They were weary, and had such need of rest that the slumber was welcome.
Mr. Hildreth imitated them, and, like most persons of his age, it took but a few minutes for him to glide off into the land of dreams.
Dr. Avery and Luchman remained awake. The latter seemed to have formed a strong liking for the Englishman, whom he was not unwilling a short time before to leave in a situation of deadly peril. The surgeon was out of cigars, and as a matter of course never was so eager for a smoke. Under the circumstances, he was glad to share with Luchman the enjoyment of his hookah, or water pipe, generally made of cocoanut, and so cheap that even the beggars are supplied with them.
A few minutes were enough to satisfy the surgeon, when with thanks he passed the hookah to its owner, who puffed in the slow, solemn fashion peculiar to his people when they are resting. The native, like the surgeon, seemed to be in good spirits, though in his case there was little variation to be seen except by a close observer.
Both had reason to feel thankful for the success that had marked their attempt to get out of the center of the mutiny, and Luchman admitted that they could not have done better.
"We never would have done half as well but for you," was the warm comment of the Englishman.
"No, sahib, not I, but God."
"True, but you are his instrument; no one could have shown such skill in dealing with the Ghoojurs. When it was impossible to deceive them any longer, you acted with the promptness of the lightning stroke."
Something like a smile played about the corners of the native's lips. Nothing in the way of praise could move him, but clearly he was gratified by the manner in which those brigands had been baffled in their attempt to rob the fugitives.
"The Ghoojurs, sahib, are bad—very bad; they would have killed all of us had they not been stopped."
"There can be no doubt of that. Mr. Hildreth and myself have not much to boast of in the way of marksmanship, but we fired so quickly that we had no time to aim."
"It helped to drive them away, sahib, and maybe struck them."
"Luchman," added the doctor, lowering his voice, so as to make sure that if any of their friends awoke suddenly they would not overhear their words, "I hope there is no danger of your losing that diamond you showed me."
The dark face instantly became serious, and the native looked down at the ground, as he softly said,
"God will take care of it, sahib."
"You have a fortune such as few in this world possess; and do you still carry it in your turban?"
Luchman looked around in the faces of his three friends. Satisfied that they were really asleep, he raised with dignity the turban, insinuated his fingers among the downy recesses, and in a twinkling held up the gem between his thumb and forefinger.
There it was, the Star of India.
Brilliant with the dazzling rays of the spectrum, luminous, apparently, with a light of its own, gleaming, coruscating and marvelous, the European fairly held his breath while gazing upon it.
"Let me have it in my hand!"
Luchman leaned forward and dropped it in the outstretched palm. The doctor held it motionless a moment, drew it close to his face and then began manipulating it, first with timidity, but soon with confidence, moved by a strange delight.
There seemed to be an electric thrill communicated by the extraordinary gem, which reached the brain of the spectator, who turned it over and over, and, as he became more familiar with it, held it up, now near and now at arm's length, until he had drunk in the fulness of its wonderful beauty.
"An amazing gem!" he muttered; "I can understand how it has caused so much crime and bloodshed."
Dr. Avery passed it back with a sigh.
"It seems to me," said he, "that you run fearful risk in carrying that in your turban. Why do you not deposit it in one of the banks in Calcutta or Madras or Bombay, where there is nothing to be feared from the mutineers?"
The native shook his head.
"It is as safe, sahib, in my turban as anywhere. It can only be taken with my life, and then what difference?"
"How did it come into your possession?"
"That I cannot tell you, sahib, but it is mine alone."
This assertion, it will be observed, contradicted what the native said when he first showed the diamond to Dr. Avery. Then he distinctly declared that it was the property of Marian Hildreth. The Englishman did not think it best to remark upon the inconsistency.
"Suppose that it should become known that you possess the Star of India?"
"It is known, sahib."
"Not generally."
"The bitterest enemy I have in the world, sahib, knows it, and he would sacrifice my life ten thousand times over for the sake of the diamond."
"Who is he?"
"Wana Affghar of Puneput."
"Who is he?"
"Puneput, sahib, is a small native town between us and Kurnal, but I hope to pass to the left of it. There are many Ghoojurs there, and Wana Affghar is a chieftain among them. He knows that I have the Star of India, and he would follow me across the ocean to get it."
"Does he know where you are now?"
"His men in Delhi have looked for me, but I kept out of their way. He suspects where I am."
"It is reckless for you to keep it about you."
But the native smiled in a way that was more significant than his friend suspected.
Luchman waited until several hours had passed, and would have waited longer, had not Mr. Hildreth awakened from sleep, his slight movement causing his wife and daughter to open their eyes. Despite their weariness, the excessive heat would not allow any one to slumber long. Avery himself secured a half hour's nap, though the native remained wide awake all the time.
The guide now said that some miles of open country had to be passed before they could reach a stretch of jungle where they would find the most secure of all hiding places. He proposed, therefore, that they should move on while they had the opportunity, and his suggestion was gladly followed by the others.
The jungles of India are not among its least wonders. Being a tropical country, its vegetation is exuberant beyond description. There are found the most gigantic trees, enormous flowers, expansive leaves, delicious fruits, overpowering perfumes, spreading creepers, nutritious vegetables, and herbs of inestimable medicinal value.
You have heard of the banyan trees, some of which, with their down growing limbs, each forming a new trunk, measure a fourth of a mile in circumference, one tree thus constituting an entire grove. There, too, is the peepul, delicately beautiful, forcing itself through the mortar and cement of buildings, disintegrating them, and regarded as a sacred growth by the natives; the sisso, fine grained and handsomely veined; the sygwam or teak, the best timber for building; the cocoanut; the bamboo, talipot and mango.
It would be useless to try to classify the fruits, the most common of which are mangoes, pineapples, plantains, pomegranates, pumplenoses, jacks, custard apples, guavas, lemons, melons, oranges, sour sops, almonds, tamarinds, plums, figs, dates, citrons, yams, nolcolls and so on to the end of the chapter.
The bright moonlight, which had been so dangerous at times, now became a great help to the fugitives, who were no more than fairly started when they saw a singular sight.
First came a few mounted soldiers, followed by an immense elephant, covered with spangled cloth and a towering howdah. The great beast had the ends of his tusks sawed off, covered with gold, and tied with streaming ribbons of gaudily colored silk. The howdah was lined with crimson morocco, and the figure of a man could be discerned within, with a voluminous shawl gathered about him, as though it were midwinter.
Next came a smaller elephant, in whose howdah or saddle two men were seated, their gesticulations showing that they were talking earnestly about something. After these were a large number on horseback, the steeds brightly caparisoned and dancing, and finally a long procession of natives on foot, armed with any and all kinds of weapons on which they could lay hands.
Our friends were a little startled when they encountered this curious array, but Luchman assured them they had nothing to fear. The man on the large elephant most likely was a rajah or some native of authority. Luchman made a low salaam to the dignitaries, but they did not consider it their duty to respond, and swung along as though they saw him not.
It struck Dr. Avery that they ran no little risk in meeting this motley crowd, but their guide did not seem to think so. Despite the lateness of the hour, the temperature continued frightfully high. Indeed such a thing as coolness is unknown in that section of India in the month of May. The difference between midday and midnight is often but a few degrees. Night after night, the thermometer never sinks below 90°, and there are times in Madras and Bombay, during the hot season, when men are stricken with apoplexy while lying in their beds, because of the intolerable heat.
Under such circumstances, it will be understood that our friends advanced at a leisurely pace, so that when the growing light in the east drove them to the shelter of another grove, they were yet a number of miles from the extensive jungle of which their guide had spoken. As before, he found them food with little trouble, for they were never far from the hut of some native who was glad enough to sell to those who paid so liberally.
This day's rest proved strengthening, so that when night came again, with its bright moon and clear, hot sky, all were eager to be on the move. From their hiding place among the trees, they saw quite a number of people passing back and forth along the road and across the fields. Most of these were armed, so that the fugitives took particular care to avoid being seen. It looked as though the news of the revolt had reached this section ahead of the little party, and though the rajah and his retinue had deemed them beneath notice, it was unreasonable to hope that all others would do so.
Luchman as usual took the lead when they entered the jungle, which was so dense that it could be penetrated only where there were well marked paths; the missionary and his wife came next, followed by Marian, Dr. Avery bringing up the rear. He had been instructed by Luchman to keep careful watch there, for there was a possibility of some of the treacherous natives stealing upon them from that direction.
The guide was only a short distance in advance, walking with the noiseless tread of an American Indian with all his senses on the alert. The shadows at times were so dense that it seemed necessary to feel the way, but the native was never at fault, and the bright moonlight penetrating through the branches gave great help.
About a mile had been passed, when Luchman stopped in his abrupt fashion and waited until his friends gathered around him. When asked whether there was anything amiss, he pointed to the left deeper into the jungle.
That which all saw was the twinkle of a camp fire, while sounds of voices were plainly heard through the stillness of the wood. The guide wished to learn the truth about this gathering, though there was perhaps no need of doing so. Telling the missionary and his family, therefore, to stay where they were, he invited Avery to go with him on what might be called a reconnaissance.
The camp was found to be further off than was supposed, and the care required in picking their way through the dense jungle delayed the arrival of the two within sight of the strangers.
There were four of the latter, who had been engaged upon some plundering expedition, for they had a large quantity of spoil, and were drinking bhang, a peculiarly intoxicating beverage made from hemp, there being two large bottles of this fiery stuff that were continually passed from mouth to mouth.
The scamps had shawls, clothing, jewelry, ladies' dresses and trinkets that had probably been obtained by slaying some of the poor fugitives in the jungle or on the road from Delhi.
The sight of these budmashes or villains so exasperated Dr. Avery that he proposed to Luchman that they should open fire on them. But the guide would not consent.
"We could master them, sahib, easily enough, but there are more who would hear our guns."
So the miscreants were left to their carousings, while the two continued to pick their way to the missionary and his family. They had not yet reached them when the native stopped with a soft "Sh!" His companion listened but heard nothing.
"What is it?" asked Avery in a whisper.
"Something is following us, sahib."
"Man or beast?"
"I cannot yet tell, sahib."
They stood motionless several minutes, but, hearing nothing more, pushed on again.
Just before reaching the path, where they had left their friends, Avery caught the rustling of the vegetation so near him that he started with a shudder of terror.
"I believe it is a tiger," he said in the same guarded tone to the guide.
"Wait where you are, sahib, until I learn."
The native was gone but a few minutes when he came back disappointed: he had not been able to ascertain anything more definite of the danger.
A few minutes later they rejoined the missionary and his family, who were growing nervous over the absence of their friends. The journey was resumed in the same order as before.
The guide believed that the rustling which had startled him and Avery was caused by the stealthy wild beast. The jungle through which they were passing was but a small stretch compared to the vast expanse of wild forest at the foot of the Himalayas. He had not feared meeting a tiger, though he kept a sharp lookout for other wild animals.
Luchman was carefully scrutinizing the path ahead, all his senses at the highest tension, when the very peril he dreaded appeared. Something flashed in the moonlight, as if a bright object had passed quickly across the path. As it had vanished, he stopped and waited for it to reappear, too wise to venture into the ambush that promised to be. He uttered his low whistle as a warning for his friends to come no closer, so that it happened that all five became as motionless as bronze figures.
Luchman had to wait less than a minute when he discerned a body moving along the ground directly toward him. Its belly was close to the earth, its long tail swaying from side to side, while its round, greenish eyes emitted the phosphorescent gleam peculiar to the cat family. Its cavernous growl was not needed to tell Luchman that it was the most dreaded denizen of the East Indian jungle.
No doubt the tiger was an immense "man eater," who, having tasted human flesh, preferred it now to all others. Such beasts possess irrestrainable ferocity and daring, and may well be feared by the most experienced hunters. He had detected the proximity of the fugitives, and was stealing upon them. Had he remained quietly in ambush, the party must have walked into the trap. His over eagerness, and possibly his confidence, led him to "uncover."
Luchman had no wish to encounter such a whirlwind of fury. He would have preferred a scrimmage with half a dozen Ghoojurs or budmashes, for he might have used strategy and personal bravery, but the tiger, whose strength has been found by scientific test to be one fifth greater than the lion's, and whose courage is often resistless, is always avoided by the wise sportsman, unless he has the advantage strongly on his side.
Luchman had only his knife and pistol, and these were insufficient. He began slowly retreating, hoping the beast would stop and wait for him to advance closer. At the moment he reached the right point, the tiger would make a leap that would land him upon the shoulders of the native, and tear him to shreds in the twinkling of an eye.
Without turning his head—for a second's inattention was likely to prove fatal—Luchman called to Mr. Hildreth to retreat, because a tiger was approaching. The old gentleman warned his friends, who were some rods behind him, to do the same, as he hastened toward them; but he quickly checked himself, when he recalled that he was the only one in the party who had a gun, which was never so sorely needed as then.
Before he could catch sight of the brute, the guide was in front of him. Without turning his head, he almost shoved the missionary off his feet.
"Back, back, sahib!" he commanded, excitedly.
"But, Luchman, I will not desert you."
The native snatched the rifle from the grasp of the good man, and pushed him back more violently than before.
"Back, back, sahib, or we are both lost!"
Mr. Hildreth now hurried to his friends, leaving the guide with his loaded gun in his hands.
All this took place in a few seconds. The animal stealing along the ground saw that his victim was retreating. With a growl, he rose on his legs, quickly trotted a few paces, and stopped on the "death line." Then he crouched, and, gathering his mighty muscles in one prodigious effort, rose in the air and shot toward the native.
This sight was the more terrible because of the gloom of the jungle. For one moment the fearful beast seemed suspended in mid air, and then he descended.
The parabola was mathematically exact, and, had the native stood still, the beast would have crushed him to the ground; but Luchman, with amazing agility, leaped backward nearly ten feet, firing the gun while the tiger was at the highest point. Such a beast, however, is rarely killed by a single shot; and, though the tiger was struck, he was not slain nor even disabled.
Luchman could have leaped among his panic stricken friends and diverted the assault from himself. No one knew this better than he, and yet no inducement in the world would have led him to do so. The gold was once more tried in the fire and found pure.
"Back, back! further back!" he fairly shouted, and, still facing the beast, drew his long knife for the desperate struggle. No man has ever met an enraged tiger and fought him with but a single knife and lived to tell of it. Luchman was well aware of that, but for the sake of those whom he loved he was ready to add another to the list of victims.
The ferocity of the beast was intensified by his failure to seize his prey at the first leap. His growl was sharper, probably caused by his wound, and drawing his feet under him with incredible quickness, he repeated the bound, when the native was no more than three yards away.
Luchman was not reckless enough to stand still, but he, too, made a leap to one side as well as backward. As he did it, he knew that his terrible foe could be baffled no longer.
But as the beast struck the earth, another gun was discharged directly over the shoulder of Luchman, so that the smoke from the muzzle dimmed his vision. He supposed it was a pistol fired by Dr. Avery; but it could not have been that, for it killed the tiger.
The beast essayed a third leap, but it was more of a convulsion of his entire body. He threw himself to one side and then rolled among the undergrowth of the jungle, where he clawed and tore the vegetation during his brief but furious death struggle.
Luchman was quick to observe that the danger was ended, and he glanced around to see who had befriended him.
A stranger stood at his elbow, a large brawny man, dressed like an English sportsman. He wore a short cutaway coat, helmet hat and high cavalry boots; he had a full beard, yellow of color like his hair, and evidently was the possessor of great coolness, presence of mind and activity.
He held his rifle, which he had just discharged, in his hand, and his whole appearance was prepossessing. Had he looked one tenth as pleasing he would have been beautiful in the eyes of those whom he had befriended.
"My gracious!" he exclaimed in his hearty, off hand way, "it appears that I have dropped down at the right time. I hope," he added, turning toward Luchman, "that the beast didn't harm you."
"No, sahib," was the reply of the guide, who surveyed him with no little curiosity; "I give you my thanks for killing him before he killed me."
"That's the proper order, otherwise if the tiger gets in his work first the second part of the programme may miscarry. He's a splendid fellow, the biggest I have shot since I was in India. I beg pardon, I observe ladies."
Standing where the bright moonlight fell upon his fine figure, he doffed his hat and bowed, adding: "My name is George Harkins, lately from London; I left Calcutta last March for a little shooting up country, and have found considerably more than I expected. I trust you are all well."
There was no resisting the magnetic good nature of the man who had so commended himself to their favor, and there was a general hand shaking all round. He laughed and made light of the service he had rendered, saying he was fond of tiger hunting and was especially pleased when he was able to pick off aburra bagh(man eater), which no doubt the tiger was, judging from his size and ferocity.
While the conversation was going on, Dr. Avery was impressed that this was not the first time he had seen the man. A little closer scrutiny by aid of the moonlight left no doubt that he was the gentleman who was assailed some nights before in Delhi while on the streets, and whose clever escape was witnessed by Avery.
Few realize the annual destruction of life in India from serpents and wild beasts. About twenty thousand people are annually destroyed by animals, and of these nineteen in twenty are probably bitten by snakes. The number of human victims tends to increase, in spite of the fact that the number of wild beasts and snakes destroyed has doubled in the last ten years, and that the Government reward paid for their extermination has risen proportionately. Nearly two and a half lacs of rupees (about $125,000) were thus paid in 1884. Next to venomous reptiles, tigers claim most victims. Ten years ago wolves, mostly in the Northwest provinces and Oude, killed five times as many people as of late years; but the extermination of wolves seems to be going on rapidly. Leopards are the alleged cause of death to about two hundred human beings annually. Apart from the loss of human life, the returns show an annual destruction of fifty thousand head of cattle.
The tigers, beyond question, are the most fearful beasts of prey in the world. Their strength, daring, activity and ferocity make them the terror of a neighborhood. One tiger has been known to keep an entire village in a panic for weeks.
But for the timely arrival of George Harkins, the crack shot, the tiger would have killed the five persons, for he was an animal of unusual size, and the single gun in the company having been discharged no real means of defense was left.
Dr. Avery, speaking for the rest, told the main facts respecting themselves, while Harkins added that he was a professional sportsman on a hunt through that section of India. He had no relatives in the country, but a number of friends among the officers of the army, and he was in Delhi when the revolt broke out some nights before.
"Did you have any trouble before you left?" asked the doctor.
"Nothing of any account; a lot of rascals set upon me and the result was I departed in somewhat of a hurry."
"I saw that little affair."
"You? Where were you?"
"In the street near by; I tried to get out to you, but the crowd was too plentiful, and before I could do so, you showed that you needed no help."
"Matterswererather lively, and I had no weapon then but my revolver, which I was rather tardy in using," laughed Harkins.
Addressing the others, Avery gave a graphic account of the doughty style in which their new friend knocked the enthusiastic natives right and left, winding up with a fusillade from his revolver and a hasty withdrawal down the street.
While this chatting was going on, Luchman made a reconnaissance, fearful that the sound of their firearms might have brought some of their enemies to the spot. He reported the path clear. Harkins was urged to join in the journey to Kurnal, but he preferred to stay in that vicinity. When the ladies joined in the request, however, he gallantly consented.
"I suppose it is good hunting almost everywhere in this part of Hindostan, and I'll go with you."
Accordingly Luchman took the lead and the party resumed their journey northward.
There lay the huge body or the tiger in the path where he had fallen, and the ladies shuddered as they carefully stepped around it. The two guns were reloaded, Harkins remarking that the mate of the tiger was likely to be in the neighborhood.
Dropping to the rear with Avery, Harkins told him that he had been in a couple of bad fights since leaving Delhi.
"There was no need of referring to it before the ladies," said he, "for it might have alarmed them. You can make up your mind that we shall have hot work before we reach Kurnal. These Ghoojurs, as they call them, are all over the country, and are looking for plunder. I had a brush with them before I was out of sight of the city, but the most curious difficulty came this evening. I caught sight of three persons just ahead of me dressed like our countrymen, and I hailed them. They stopped and looked around, and then, before I knew it, all three blazed away at me. They were natives clothed in the dress of some poor unfortunates whom they had murdered.
"Well, they missed me, but I didn't miss when I let fly. One of them collapsed, and the others ran for their lives. I was picking my way through the jungle, when I was drawn aside by the camp fire of the Ghoojurs which attracted you. I couldn't get a good look at you, and as you were dressed much like natives, I didn't want to make another mistake. I had made up my mind to try it again, however, when this little flurry with the tiger brought us together."
The night was new, and all felt the necessity of using the hours while they were at command. Since they were compelled to lie by as soon as the sun rose, Luchman led the way back to the regular road, where, though they were liable to meet persons, the danger from wild animals was much less.
Lights were seen at varying distances, showing where some native village stood or the camp fires still burned. The party advanced with the usual circumspection, until a considerable distance was passed, when Harkins remarked that he thought it would add an interesting variety to the proceedings if Luchman would forage for something to eat. The others thought the same, and the guide expressed himself willing to do what he could for them.
He told his friends to keep straight ahead, and he would intercept them before they could go far. With this promise he struck across a cultivated field, quickly disappearing from view.
"Suppose we come upon a cross road," suggested Harkins. "I haven't seen any sign boards in this part of the country, and if there are any of those conveniences I can't read the language. I suppose you can read Hindustani, Mr. Hildreth?"
The old gentleman replied that all of his family could readily do that, though there was not likely to be any occasion for putting their knowledge to use, beside which the moonlight was hardly strong enough for them to peruse a sign at the roadside.
"There wouldn't be any trouble on that score," added Harkins, "since I could hoist the doctor high enough to read the outlandish words for you to translate; but more than likely the sign boards, if there be any, have been turned the wrong way, so that we would travel straight back to Delhi. It would be odd if we should run into the old Emperor, and ask him whether that was Kurnal, and if it wasn't, what was it, and who was he? Helloa, here's something!"
Along the moonlit road in front of them the figures of approaching persons were observed. The fugitives stopped, doubtful whether to seek shelter or stay where they were.
"I don't think they will disturb us, for they are coming from the wrong direction," said Mr. Hildreth.
Nevertheless, all looked to their weapons, and the men placed themselves in advance of the company, which turned to one side of the highway so as to give the strangers plenty of room in which to pass.
The first noticeable object was an odd looking cart, drawn by a couple of the singular hump shouldered oxen, peculiar to Hindostan. They were swinging along at a deliberate pace, chewing their cuds with the quiet enjoyment natural to their kind, while the box-like structure was occupied by a man and half a dozen children. Behind them came another cart, also overflowingly filled with humanity, after which plodded a large number on foot.
The procession stretched out for fully a hundred yards. Every member of it was ragged and dirty, and all were probably pilgrims to some sacred shrine. They stared at the Europeans as they filed past, but not a word was spoken, and they showed no interest in the small group, the members of which were greatly relieved when the last pilgrim disappeared in the dust of the highway.
Harkins now took the lead, expressing dissatisfaction over their own manner of traveling. He declared that in a country so rich in beasts of burden as India, it was a shame that the two ladies should have to walk.
"Doctor," said the hearty fellow, "let us make up our minds to capture an elephant, camel, ox, horse or anything that can be turned to account. I prefer an elephant."
"Your plan is a good one if it can be carried out."
"We shall find a way of doing so."
"I am afraid that Luchman won't favor the plan."
"Then we'll execute it while he is away."
"Isn't that a piece of luck?" asked the delighted Harkins.
This question was caused by the sound of an elephant trumpeting in the road behind them. The noise was not loud, and when they turned their heads they saw the animal only a short distance away.
The howdah on his back showed that he was not a wild beast, so the fugitives had nothing to fear from his warning. The young men drew to one side of the highway to learn what their chances of securing the animal were.
They were disappointed. A number of natives were in the howdah, and several horses were riding beside the elephant. It would never do to attack the party, which moved so fast that it was soon out of sight in the dust ahead, the fugitives loitering so as to give their guide an opportunity of rejoining them. The ladies began to feel uneasy over his long absence.
As was natural, the native party closely scrutinized the fugitives, but no communication passed between them. If the natives knew of the massacre in Delhi, they may not have noticed that all of the little party were Europeans, since, as will be remembered, most of them were dressed in native costume.
A short distance further one of the numerous bungalows established by the East India Company for the accommodation of travelers was reached. The building was small, thatched, and open. No servant was seen near it, but the party decided to wait there until Luchman should reappear.
The fugitives passed into the bungalow or station, where they sat down to rest and await the coming of their guide.
"Let's follow that elephant party," said Harkins. "I am hopeful we may find a chance to get the elephant."
The doctor liked the proposal, and, telling his friends to await their return without misgiving, the two young men started up the road at a rapid walk. They kept the gait until covered with perspiration and pretty tired.
"It won't do to get too far away from the rest," said the doctor; "our party is pretty well broken up."
"We are approaching a village," replied Harkins, "and there at the side of the road is the house, I suppose, of the village headman."
The building which he was so quick to recognize stood some distance from the road, and was identified by the lights that twinkled through the surrounding trees, rather than by any view gained of the dwelling itself.
But the hearts of the two gave a flutter of delight when they came upon the very elephant for which they were looking. He was standing at the roadside, beneath a large tree, from which he was eating. He drew down the limbs, or rather stripped off the tender leaves and twigs, and stowed them in his capacious maw.
So far as our friends could see, no one was looking after the animal, which was so well trained that he needed no care. Even the horsemen seemed to have ridden up the shaded passage leading to the dwelling among the trees.
It looked as if some wealthy native had called upon a neighbor (possibly to plan an expedition to Delhi), and had left his royal steed by the roadside until he should return.
Avery and Harkins were delighted. They thought Providence was on their side, although He is never on the side of those who wish to despoil others of their property.
"Do you know much about elephants, doctor?" asked the sportsman.
"Something," he answered, as they cautiously approached the huge beast; "you know I have lived a number of years in this country, where they are numerous."
"How are we going to manage this fellow?"
"There need be no trouble; they carry the mahout or driver astride the neck, where he guides the animal by word or gesture, or he may stay in the howdah and direct him from that point."
"I don't believe this elephant understands our language, which is another way of saying that we don't understand his. I say, doctor, do you feel any compunctions about confiscating this pet?"
"Not the slightest: do you?"
"I did at first, until I made up my mind that we would simply borrow him. We'll keep him for a few months or years, that is, as long as he is of any use to us, and then send him back to his owner with our compliments and thanks. But how are we going to get up in that meeting house on top?"
"The same way as his owner does; we must use the ladder, which they let down, or get the elephant to lift us up with his trunk."
"There's too much risk in allowing him to twist that extra tail around us. More than likely he would fling us into the top of the tree or over into the house yonder, where his owner is smoking his hookah."
The two passed around the beast several times, and carefully inspected him. The intelligent animal looked curiously at them in turn, but seemed to decide that they amounted to little, for he resumed his browsing among the limbs of the tree.
Neither of the young men could find the ladder for which they were looking, but Avery discovered a rope dangling from one corner of the saddle. With the aid of this, he climbed the side of the bulky body, as nimbly as a sailor could have gone up the rigging of his ship. Then, turning about, he helped Harkins up beside him, and the two took their place in the howdah.
The first sensation was as if they were perched upon a load of hay. Finding that the beast paid no attention to them, Harkins crept cautiously out on the soggy neck and asked the elephant to be kind enough to move on. The association of circumstances may have told the animal what was wanted, since he must have known that when two persons seated themselves in the saddle, they expected him to do his duty.
To the delight of the riders, he ceased eating and moved from under the tree, nearly scraping off the saddle against the limbs. Then he started up the road with his heavy, swaying gait, which is much more rapid than it seems to be.
This would have been well enough, but for the fact that the elephant was going in the wrong direction, that is, instead of turning back toward the bungalow, he was traveling straight from it.
The riders appealed to him to come about. Harkins crept out beside the doctor and the two used every gesticulation and command that they could call to mind. The doctor even tried some broken Hindustani; but the elephant accepted them all as incentives to greater speed, and away he went up the highway at a rate that threatened the permanent disintegration of the little band of fugitives, whose members were already scattered to a dangerous degree in the enemy's county.
Had Dr. Baird Avery and George Harking been alone, they would have felt pleasure in their singular adventure with the elephant, which was bearing them so swiftly away from their friends.
"He'll get tired after a while," called out Harkins, "and then maybe we can persuade him to change his course."
"Yes, but we can't afford to wait until he reaches some point on the other side of Kurnal: why can't he turn now, when it will do some good?"
And the surgeon threw his whole might into a number of gesticulations meant to reach the understanding of the brute.
The huge animals are capable of great speed, as the one ridden by our friends proved. The night was still, but the air fanned the faces of the two, who knew they were carried at a gait nearly equal to that of a running horse.
There was danger in dismounting at such a time, though should it become necessary, neither would hesitate to run the risk of receiving some severe bruises.
The report of a gun was heard behind them, followed by a shrill cry.
"They are pursuing us," said Harkins, looking back in the moonlight; "they have missed the elephant, and are chasing him on horseback."
"I'm afraid this enterprise is not a success," replied the doctor; "the beast has found out that the mahout is not here with his sharp goad, and he doesn't catch on to what we are trying to tell him: we had better jump."
"He is going so fast that we are likely to be hurt; is an elephant very long winded?"
"Not specially so."
"He isn't likely to keep this gait much longer, and when he moderates it we will slip off."
The strange cry from the rear was repeated. It must have been a call to the elephant which he recognized, for he stopped so short that the consequences to those on his back were disastrous.
Dr. Avery, who was in the howdah, was leaning over, the better to talk with Harkins, who was astride the neck of the animal. Like a flash he shot out of the saddle, describing a complete somersault. Providentially he landed on his feet, much shaken but unharmed.
Harkins grasped the edge of the howdah just in time to save himself from going off. Confused as to what had become of his companion, he clung to the support, and the elephant, swinging about like the rapid turning of a bridge, started down the road with greater speed than before.
It was now a question whether Harkins was running away with the elephant or whether the latter was making off with him. Neither had any control over the other.
But the rider saw that the situation was serious. The brute was obeying the call of the mahout with great enthusiasm, and if the rider remained on his back he was sure to be carried directly among the friends of the elephant, to whom he would find it hard to make a satisfactory explanation.
"I must leave," was his sensible conclusion.
The elephant showed a desire to help him. The position of the saddle, its size and elevation were such that he could not reach the interloper with his trunk, so he made at full speed for a large tree alongside the road.
The sagacious animal meant to dislodge him by scraping off the whole howdah. When that came tumbling to the earth, Mr. Harkins would be likely to go too. And that explains why the brute made for the branches like a runaway locomotive.
With all his natural shrewdness the rider did not suspect the elephant's purpose in time to save himself. The first that he saw and felt was the switching of the branches about his face and then the scraping, sawing and banging of the heavy limbs. Almost at the same instant he saw the howdah was going.
Amid the general wreck and crash his actions were governed by that instinct which guides one when he knows he is struggling for life.
One of his outstretched hands seized a strong branch. The rifle which he grasped with the other was an encumbrance, but he was able to hold on while the howdah passed from under him and crashed to the ground. The elephant, never ceasing his ponderous progress, lumbered down the road, caring nothing for the wreck he left behind.
Harkins easily held himself by means of the strong limb which he had grasped, and, drawing himself up among the branches, where the leaves sheltered him from sight, he waited to learn what the pursuers—who were but a short distance away—would do. Indeed, they were so near that the Englishman saw they numbered five horsemen.
Naturally they were in no very amiable mood. Having stopped the runaway, they turned him back to the tree, where an inventory of damages was taken.
While the natives were making the inspection they gave constant expression to their anger. They called the elephant all kinds of bad names, and even abused his ancestors, thereby plainly slurring the purity of his descent. The big beast took it all meekly, probably aware that his conduct deserved such reproach.
It is not to be supposed that any of the pursuers suspected the presence of thecowenin the limbs above. Most likely they believed the elephant had taken a whim to run away on his own account. Had they known the guilty Feringhee was perched above their heads, they would have been quick to visit their vengeance upon him.
But the brute was aware that the rascal was hiding there, and he tried to make it known to his masters. He walked about among the limbs, thrusting his trunk among them, and betraying an uneasiness which it would seem ought to have given a hint of the truth, but it did not. They started back, driving the runaway before them, and Harkins, waiting till they were beyond sight, descended from the tree.
From what has been told, it will be readily believed that Harkins and Dr. Avery had been taken much further from their friends than they suspected; and as is too often the case the actors were not the only sufferers from the wild prank.
The missionary, wife and daughter took up their quarters in the bungalow to await the return of their guide, as well as of those who had gone on the little excursion of their own.
The building, as will be recalled, was but a single story in height, and was provided with two rooms, containing beds, tables and chairs. The general purpose of such structures, built by the East India Company, is that travelers may stop with their attendants, and be furnished meals and lodging for the night.
A khansaman or native cook is in charge to look after the wants of wayfarers, but from some cause or other none showed himself to the fugitives, who were therefore left to their own resources.
The parents were fatigued, and the wife especially felt the need of an extended rest, but her meek, uncomplaining disposition led her to repress all complaint. Indeed there was no need of any, for her companions saw her distress.
It was Marian's intention to tell Luchman on his return that some means of conveyance must be found for her mother. They had considerable money with them, and, despite the confusion and peril, it ought not to be a difficult matter to buy a horse.
The little party were soon joined by others. A carriage stopped in front of the bungalow, and, looking out, they saw that it was a covered one, such as the wealthy use in India, drawn by a single horse that must have been driven hard, judging by the steaming foam on his flanks; he was almost knocked up.
The native driver sprang down from his seat in front, and, advancing to the side, drew open the door.
Within were two women and a child. In the expectation of finding servants at the bungalow, they sent the driver to announce their wants. He made inquiry in broken English of the figures he indistinctly saw within.
Mr. Hildreth answered in Hindustani, and, walking to the side of the carriage, greeted the ladies, and asked whether he could do anything for them. They said they were in want of food, having been on the road the entire day. They had come from Delhi, and like all those who had escaped so far, had passed through many perils. They were extremely anxious to go on, but their horse was jaded, and they had eaten but a few mouthfuls since leaving the Cashmere Gate. They had no trouble in finding water, but the little child with them was nearly famished.
Nothing in the way of food was immediately obtained, but the missionary assured them that a servant of their own was absent in quest of some, and was momentarily expected back. He urged them to wait and partake with them.
The ladies consulted as to what was best to do. Mr. Hildreth could see no reason why they should decline, and he did not expect them to do so. To his surprise, however, they returned their grateful acknowledgments, and said they thought it best to press on toward Kurnal. The driver climbed back to his seat, and the weary horse once more resumed his dragging course.
The missionary might well wonder at this, for he could not understand what reason the ladies had for forcing the exhausted animal, when a brief rest would be as beneficial to one as the other.
And yet the refusal of the strangers to stop was the means of saving the lives of those left in the bungalow. Had they entered the rude structure and remained for a few minutes, every one of the party would have been massacred.
The rattle of wheels had hardly died out down the dusty highway, when those in the bungalow caught the sound of hurrying footsteps. They proved to be those of Luchman, who was running in great excitement. He carried something under his arm, but without referring to it, he asked,
"Did a carriage go by, sahib, a few minutes ago—drawn by one horse?"
Mr. Hildreth replied in the affirmative, and was about to ask him to run ahead and give them a part of the food which he carried under his arm, when Luchman, in great anguish, said,
"Too late! too late, sahib; do you hear that?"
All heard the sounds made by the hoofs of swiftly galloping horses.
"Look out of the door," he added; "but be careful they do not see you."
They were just in time to catch a glimpse of eight or ten horsemen as they rode by, partly hidden by the dust. They were mutineers or Ghoojurs pursuing the carriage.
The faces of the fugitives blanched as they drew near each other in the darkness of the bungalow. They knew the meaning of what they saw, without any explanation from Luchman.
The rattling discharge of guns followed: there could be no mistake either as to what that signified.
A few minutes before the three craved food, but they wanted none now. To a certain extent they had become accustomed to massacre and crime, but there was something unspeakably horrifying in the thought that the two ladies, whose voices still echoed in the ears of the missionary, and the track of whose wheels had not been obliterated by the hoofs of the horses, were no more of earth.
Even Luchman was affected by the awful fate of the party, for there could be no doubt that they were dead. He was silent for a brief space, and then looked around as though he missed Harkins and Avery. They had not spoken, and seeing nothing of them in the gloom, he asked where they were. When told they had been gone for a considerable time, he was impatient.
"They have done wrong—very wrong," he said, as if speaking to himself; "they should have known better; the time has come when we must leave the highway and take to the jungle again."
"What new trouble has arisen?" asked Mr. Hildreth.
"You heard the guns a few minutes ago, sahib; there are hundreds of mutineers and natives mounted on horses, and hunting everywhere for fugitives."
"What has caused such increased activity?"
"There is a wide belief, sahib, that the Europeans fleeing from Delhi carry a large amount of money and valuables with them. There being little left to plunder in the city, the robbers are hunting through the country for victims."
"I thought from the fair progress we made, and from certain other evidences, that we were far enough ahead of the fellows to be safe."