Gilpin observer., 1912-01-18


threw a low word of warning over
his shoulder. Synchronously Amber
discerned. far ahead. faint glow ol
yellow light. AS they bore down upon
1t with unmoderated speed he could
see that 1t emanated from a rough
hewn doorway. opening of the pas.
sage.
Labertouche pushed Amber on
ahead. STOPPING. the virginian en-.
tered small, rude chamber followed
out of the rock of Katiapur. A crude
lamp In a bracket furnished all its illu.
mination. filling 1t with reek of hot
Oil Amber was vaguely aware OF the
ngures Of two women-one standing
In corner. the other seated detected.
ly upon a charpoy. her head against
the wall. AS he lifted his head after
passing under the low Intel, the wom-
an In the corner fired at him point
blank.
The Virginian saw the Jet OF flame
sDurt from her hand and felt the bull.
let's impact upon the wall behind his
head. He flung himself upon her In
stantly. There was a moment of furi-
Gus struggle, while the cell echoed
with the reverberations of the shot
and the screaming of the woman on
the charpoy. The pistol exploded again
as he grappled with the would-be muir
dere:s; the bullet, passing up his
sleeve, creased his left arm as with a
white-hot iron. and tore out through
the cloth on his shoulder. He twisted
brutally the wrist that held the weap-
on. and the woman dropped 1t with a
cry Of pain.
You would" he cried, and threw
her from him. putting a foot upon the
pistol
She reeled back against the wall and
crouched there. trembling, her cheeks
on fire, her eyes afiame with rage.
"You dog!" she shrilled In Hindi-and
spat at him like a maddened cat Then
he recognized her.
'Naraini!" He stepped back in his
surprise. his right hand seeking in
stinctively the wrist of his left, which
was numb with pain.
His change Of position left the pistol
unguarded. and the woman swooped
down upon 1t like a bird of prey; but
before she could get her fingers on its
grip, Labertouche stepped between
them. Tended her on, and quietly pos
sessed himself Of the weapon.
Your pardon, madam" he said,
gravely.
Naraini retreated. shaking with fury,
and Amber employed the respite to
recognize Sophia Farrell in the woman
on the charpoy. She was still seated,
prevented from rising by bonds about
her wrists and ankles, and though un.
naturally pale. her anguish of fear and
despair had set its marks upon her
face without one whit detracting from,
the appeal of her beauty. He went to
her Immediately. and as their eyes
met, hers famed with Joy. relief and
he dared believe-a stronger emotion.
"You-you're not hurt, Mr.. Amber?"
mot at all. The bullet went out
through my sleeve And your" He
dropped on his knees. with his pocket
knife severing the ends Of rope that
bound her.
I'm all right" She took his hands.
helping herself to rise. Thank you,"
she said. her eyes shining. flush of
color suffusing her face with glory.
did you cut those ropes, Amber?"
Labertouche interposed curtly.
"Yes. why7"
The Englishman explained without
turning from his sombre and morose
regard of Naraini. TOO bad-we'll
have to tie this woman up. somehow.
She's a complication hadn't foreseen.
=. Here; you'd better leave me
to attend to her-you and Miss Farrell
Go on down the gallery-to the left
I'll catch up with you"
The pistol which he still held lent
to his demand a sinister Significance
OF which he was. perhaps. thoughtless.
But Sophia Farrell heard. saw and sur
missed.
moi" she cried. going swiftly to the
secret agent. mol" She put hand
upon his arm. but he shook 1t off,
Did you hear me. Amber?" said La.
bertouche. still watching the queen.
What do you mean to do?" insist.
ed Sophia. You can't-you mustn't"
This is no time for half.measures,
Miss Farrell" Labertouche told her
brusquely. Our lives hang in the bal
ance-Mr. Amber's. yours. mine.
Please CO."
You promise not to harm herr"
"Amber!" cried the Englishman, i'm.
patiently. will you"
please. Miss Farrell" begged Am.
Der. trying to take the girls hand and
draw her away.
Il wont!" she declared. "I'n not
move q step until he promises. You
don't understand. No matter what the
danger she's"
She's a fiend incarnate," Laber.
touche broke In. amber, get that
girl"
She's my sister!" cried Sophia.
Now will you understand"
"What?" The two men exclaimed as
one