Evening star., 1914-01-25


Bruce stepped out of the howdah, followed
by Ramabai, who saw that in some unac-
countable manner they had been betrayed
He was sick at heart
Two troopers stepped forward and took
possession of the rifles which were slung
on each side Of the howdan. Bruce ac-
cepted the situation philosophically; argu
ment or protest was futile. Next they
took away his cartridge belt He trem-
bled for moment with apprehension, but
the troopers did not search him further.
and he thanked God for the wisdom which
had made him strap his revolvers under
his armpits.
What now?" he demanded.
..rhe Sahib will be given his guns and
ammunition the hour he starts back to
camp
"And in the meantime?"
1.-THE Sahib is free to come and go about
the city SO long as he does not approach
the palace If he is found in the vicinity
of the zenana he will be arrested and i'm
prisoned."
This is all very high handed"
'Sahib, there is no British Raj here.
The orders Of the regent and the council
are final. Submit
"very we'll.
"Ramabaii''
Ranabai stepped forward BY kind
of clairvoyance he saw what was COM
ing
"Ramabai the orders are that you shall
retire to your house and remain there till
further orders
II am the queens bodyguard.'
Al, Well said: But do not take my
orders from the queen-yet. Obey The
Sahib may accompany YOU If he wishes;
there are no orders against that. The
Sahib's elephant will be lodged in the
royal stables; the mahout will see that he
is fed and watered.'
I'VE have been betrayed said Rama
bal II know not how"
You were followed. A moment" said
Bruce turning to the officer 81 have
servant by the name of Rao 1 believe
he acted as bearer to the youn& lady at
the palace. What has become Of him?''
The officer smiled and sook his head.
''Rao is a prisoner, them thought the
young man. THAT black scoundrel Um-
said I'VE shall go at once to your house.
Ramabai.''
And all through the night they planned
and planned, but not knowing where the
first ordeal was to take place, nor the
hour, they found themselves going round
in circle. getting nowhere. To man
of action like Bruce 1t was maddening.
He walked out Of the house into the gar
den and back again at least dozen times,
always to find Ramabai with his head
held despairingly in his hands. Another
time Bruce opened the door to the street;
two troopers squatted on each side Of the
threshold. Umballah was in earnest. The
rear gate was also guarded. How to get
Ramabai out, that was the problem
He slept a little before dawn, and was
aroused by voices below. He listened.
"I am Jawahir Lal, the water carrier.
Each day at dawn l water the garden Of
Ramabai to pay a debt
Bruce looked toward Ramabai, who slept
the sleep of the profoundly wearied. A
bhisti; perhaps messenger.
60 round to the rear gate, which can
be opened" said the trooper.
Bruce went to the window overlooking
the garden He saw the water carrier en-
ter through the bamboo gate, heard the
water slosh about jerkily as the bhisd
emptied his goatskin. He watched the
man curiously: saw him drop the skin and
tiptoe toward the hause, glance right and
left alertly. Then he disappeared. Pres
emily at the head of the stairs Bruce heard
a whisper-.'Ramabai!''
who is it?' Bruce whispered in the
dialect.
-1.-&s 49,.