Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-28

Ahmed called to his weary men, His
idea was to fill the elephant saddle
bags with the gold and stones. leave 1t
in trust with Balakhan, who should
down from the wall He divided his
men, one company to guard and the
other to labor. It took half an hour to
push back the bowlder and dig up the
basket. After this was done Bruce
and Ramabai and Ahmed the indie
fatigable carried the gold and precious
stones to the especially made saddle
bags. All told. 1t took fully an hour
to complete the work.
With water and food, and well armed.
they began the journey back to AL
laha, formidable cortege and in no
tender mood. They proceeded IN forced
marches, snatching what sleep they
could during the preparation of the
meals.
.
Many a time the impulse came to
Bruce to pluck the shining metal and
sparkling stones from the saddlebags
and toss them out into the jungle. to
be lost till the crack Of doom. There
were also moments when he felt moth
girl he loved. For these trinkets Kath-
lyn had gone through tortufes as
frightful almost as those in the days
of the inquisition. Upon one thing
he and Ahmed had agreed. despite
Ramabais wild protest: they would
leave the treasure with Balakhan and
follow his army to the walls Of Alfalfa
II harm befell any of their loved ones
not one stone should remain upon
another And Bruce declared that he
would seek Umballah to the ends of the
earth for the infinite pleasure of TAX
ing his black throat in his two hands
and squeezing the life out of It,
Eventually and without mishap they
came to the walled city of the desert
Balakhan's stronghold. Balakhan Of
necessity was always ready, always
prepared. Before night of the day of
their arrival an army was gathered
within the city. ferce-eyed, lean-loined
men who asked nothing better than to
go to paradise, where they had but to
select what hour they would and be
happy eternally. For Balakhans army
was wholly Mohammedan, and SO long
since was it they had fought that they
romped toward Alfalfa with the spirit
and effervescence OF puppies.
Ramaba sat in his howdah. sad and
dispirited. He himself had always
been an honorable man. had never
acted treacherously to any. had been
a banker. but never q Insurer. In his
heart he knew that he still held the
love of his people. but they dwelt in
the shadow Of superstition.
"Balakhan, we have been friends, and
my father was your good friend"
"It is true
Twill you do a favor for the SOM"
Yes, II the colonel sahib and his
daughter live If they are dead, woe
to your people, son Of my friend! 1
have given my word to the memsahib.
1 have made threat before my men
and must fulfill 1t II I would hold them
hereafter. If the colonel sahib and his
daughter live, ask what you WILL"
Ramabai bowed.
."I will set my camp i've miles be-
yond your walls and walt When I
see the memsahib I will salaam, turn
right about face, and go home. Now,
to you, Bruce sahib: Leave not your
treasure within my walls when shall
be absent. for I cannot guarantee pro-
lection. Leave 1t where it is and
bring 1t with you. Save myself no
one Of my men knows what your sad
delbags contain. Let us proceed upon
our junket-or our war;