The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-05
CHAPTER xx1-CONTINUED.

Chandney Choke, he heard shout ana
| an oath. and musket ball whizzed by
| his head.
He ran on for twenty yards with hue
| and cry ringing behind him. He turned
| into similar passage to the left. where
| lamps were burning at intervals, and
| before he had gone very far the chase
was drawing nearer, while at the same
| moment he saw lights and moving figures
| no great distance ahead Of him.
IT'S no use," he thought, I'm cor
nered.'
Just then little door opened from a
| wall on the right, and n tall. tufbaned
| Hindou appeared. He uttered an excla-
nation OF surprise as he looked keenly
| at the painting fugitive.
'Sahib, enter quickly" he whispered,
"Have no fcar---I swear I will protect
you'll Your enemies will not seek for
you here"
Jack was puzzled by the voice, which
sounded curiously familiar. But there
was not time to hesitate. and at once he
accepted the friendly offer.
Tho door closed noisely behind him az
lie entered. and he was guided for some
distance along the dark and uneven
passage. Then. on reaching a limly lit
room. he saw for tho first time the
features Of his unknown prcserver.
"Govind Punt" he cried, hoarsely.
CHAPTER XXI.
THREE MONTHS AFrERYARD.
For many weary weeks, through the
long, burning summer, Delhi had been
stubbornly besieged, yet Its massive
gates and bastions still dened tho heavy
guns OF the enemy. June, July. and Au
gust had passed away, and September
was nine days old.
1t was tho evening hour, and tho Iron
mouths OF tho dogs OF war were silent
tho boom of artillery and the rattle Of
Enfield rifles had ceased entirely a
peaceful but deceptive calm rested on
tho city OF the moguls
Tho bright Indian sunset fingered on
tower and battlement, bathing in an am.
ber and golden glow the kings palace
and the mosque of Shah Jehan. the col.
umn OF tho kotab minar and tho dome
OF Homalorn's tomb. Farther off toward
tho shining waters of the Jumna, along
the rocky length OF tho ridge. the Brit.
ish flag waved over. tho army OF retri-
button
1t was n beautiful scene, but very lit
tie OF 1t was visible to the Englshman--
the only one remaining In Delhi--wbo
stood that evening behind tiny lattced
window in tho front Of Govind Punt's
house. looking sadly at the fading light
With face clean shaven and stained
q rich brown with tobacco Juice. attlred
in coarse native clothing and huge tur-
ban. his most intimate friends could
hardly have recognized Lieutenant Fame
even in the light of day. and possibly his
disguise would have attracted no atten-
tion In the crowded thoroughfares of the
city.
There was little to be seen from the
window. and that little Jack knew by
heart-the walled courtyard with its
tamarlnd and mango trees, the footway
on the opposite side Of the narrow street.
and the line OF tall, rickety buildings
that barred the view OF the Chandncy
Choke.
He was sick Of 1t all-he loathed the
sight Of It, Many an hour had he spent
here, watching and waiting. while the
long days grew to weeks, and the weeks
to months.
rs there no mercy in heaven?" he
asked himself. resentfully. God help
me, I am beginning to despair! When
and what will the end boz"
The protracted conduct of tho siege,
the strain of waiting and the bitterness
had broken the young officers plucky
spirit. The story of his enforced captiv-
ity, Of the three months that have passed
since the June night when he escaped
from Chandra Singh's coach. claims n
brief depression from tho narrative proper.
We left the two face to face In the
painting fugitive and his rescuer. The
discovery OF the Hindoo's identity occa-
stoned Jack no little alarm. which was
succeeded by feeling OF hot anger.
Believing that he had fallen into
trap, he instantly leveled the pistol with
which he had stunned Romesh Chunder.
Don't move. or III put bullet
through you'll" he said fiercely.
Neither spoke for moment. The hue
and clamor Of pursuit ebbed quickly near.
rang loud and shrill. and then died grad
ually away in the distance.
10 IN ha 20
said Govlnd Punt. whose face was CHASTITY
pale. "rhe sahib Is now safe. and he
will find sure refuge under my poor
root"
you scoundrell Do you suppose will
accept your hospitality" exclaimed Jack.
II would rather trust to, the mercy of u
cobra or tiger! The blood of your noble
brother cries for vengeance. and would
do right to spatter your brains on the
WALL"
Govnd Punt doggedly protested his In
nocence. He admitted that he had been
selfish and cowardly In awaiting himself
of tho tunnel. but he swore that the fall
of the roof was an accident, and not the
work of his hand.
Jack shrugged his shoulders incredu-
lously; he read deceit In the mans sim
lister eyes.
KIN me If you like" the Hndoo re-
sumed, but the deed will recoil on your
own head. I will be candid with you.
Fame sahib, Understand at once that
brought you here for n purpose-be-
cause we can serve each other. Listen!
Delhi Is certain to be taken in the end,
though 1t may not be for a long time.
Meanwhile I will hide you safely In my
house, and when the city falls and the
English troops enter you shall obtain
from them full protection for myself
and my property and vouch for it that
| took no part in the deeds OF the evil
ones"
II will do what I can for you" Jack
answered promptly, but on the con-
dlton that you help me to escape. and
at once. ] must reach the British lines
tonight"
ut is impossible, sahlb. Even with
tho most perfect disguise, you cannot
escape from Delhi; you could more cas-
lily break out of the strongest prison In
tho world. At every gate the guards
will be watching for you. Indeed, none
can enter or leave without showing n
written authority and giving satisfac-
tory account of themselves as we'll"
1t was bitter blow, but one ray of
brightness alleviated the gloom and the