The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1914-07-17

had time to in this land. The thought caused her to
smile, despite her despair.
When the elephants were properly saddled with the
howdahs Umbalah gave his attention to the prisoners.
He hailed them jovially. They were old friends What
could he do for them? ~.n
Conduct US to the seaport" said the Colonel, "and
on my word of honor 1 will tell you where we have hid
den the treasure"
"Ho!" jeered Umballah, arms akimbo, I'D be a fool
to put my head into such a trap. I love you too we'll
Yet I am not wholly without heart. Tell me where It
lies and l will let you CO."
"Cut our Threats at once, you beast, for none of us
will tell you under any conditions save those l have
named. Men, the Colonel continued, " this man is an
migrate, a thief, and a murderer. He has promised yon
much gold for your part in this. But in the end he will
cheat you and destroy you"
Umballah laughed. "They have already had their
earnest. Soon they will have more. But talk with them
plead, urge, promise. No more questions? Well, then,
listen. Reveal to me the treasure and you may go free.
If you refuse ! shall take you back to Allaha-not pub
lcly, but secretly-thera to infict what punishments |
see fit"
- have nothing more to say" replied the Colonel
mo? And thou, white goddess?"
Kathlyn stared over his head, her face expressionless.
1t stirred him more than ~outspoken contempt wouA
have done.
And you, pretty one7" Umbaliah eyed Winnie
speculatively.
Winnie drew closer to her sister, but that was all. ::
$50 be it. Alaba it shall be, without a meddlirs
Ramabai; back to the gurus who love you sol" He
dropped his banter you call me a murderer. l admit
it. l have killed the man who was always throwing
his benefits into my face; who brought me up not as n
companion but as a %plaything. He is dead. I slew him
After the first, what are. two or three more crimes If
this order? * He snapped his fingers. 81 want that
treasure, and you will tell me where it is before l an,
done with you. You will tell me on your knees, gladly
gladly! Now, men! There is q long journey before u.s.
The Colonel, Kathlyn, and Winnie were forced iuto
one howdah, while Umbalah mounted the other. As
for the quasi-mahouts, they were not particularly happy
behind the ears Of the elephants, who, with that keen
appreciation of their herd, understood instinctiveIy that
they had to do with novices. But for the promise OF
gold that dangled before their eyes, threats of violent
death could not have forced them upon the elephants
They started east, and the jungle closed in behind
them. -,. ~.u,. a .
AS for Umballah, he cared not what became Of the
other prisoners.
They were being held captive in one of the villa ae
huts. The chief had pleaded in vain. He was disbon.
ored, for they had made him break his word to the white
people. So be 1t. Sooner or later the glitter Of gold
would leave their eyes and they would come to him and
beg for pardon. :
Moonlight, The village slept. Two fishermen sat
before the hut combining the prisoners, on guard. An
elephant squealed in the distance. Out of the shadow a
sleek leopard, then another. The guards Jumped to
their feet and scrambled away Ror dear life to the near
est hut, crying the alarm. Bruce opened the door, which
had no lock, and peered forth. 1t was natural that the
leopards should give their immediate attention to the
two men in flight. Bruce, realizing what had happened,
called softly to Ramabai and Pundita; and the three Of
them stole out into the night, toward the camp. Bruce
did not expect to find any one there. What he wanted
was to arm himself and TO examine the bowlder.
Meantime, Ahmed returned with the truant elephant
to find nothing. but disorder and evidences OF a struggle.
A tent was overturned, the long grass trampled, and the
Colonefs ~sola-topee hat lay crumpled near Kathlyn's
tent.
aAi,Sai!" he walled. But, being q philosopher his