Rocky Ford enterprise., 1915-12-24

turned. He began to have hope for the
future. Perhaps this time they were
really going to escape from this land
accursed.
There was great pow-wowing and
salaaming at the gate as the sacred
white elephant loomed into sight. The
old Brahmin who had charge of him
wept for Joy. He was still person
age. respected. salaamed to. despite
the preponderance of Mohammedans.
His sacred elephant!
Bala Khan was Joyous. Here was
the sacred elephant once more in the
compound. and not piece out Of his
treasure chest He was In luck. In
| the midst of his self-congratulations
came the alarming news that a large
body OF men we're seen approaching
across the desert from the direction of
Allaha. Bala Khan, his chiefs and his
guests climbed to the top Of the wall
and beheld the spectacle in truth. 1t
required but single look through the
binoculars to discover to whom this
| host belonged.
"Umballa!" said Ramabai.
"Ah! Durga Ram. to pay his re-
spects." Bala Khan rubbed his hands
together. 1t had been many moons
| since he had used a tulwar.
The colonel examined his revolver.
coldly. The moment Umballa came
within range the colonel intended to
shoot. This matter was going to be
settled definitely. here and now. So
long as Umballa lived. a dread men,
ace hung above Kathlyn's head. So.
then. Umballa must die.
Bala Khan was for beginning the
warfare at once. but Bruce argued him
out OF this. Let them first learn what
Umballa intended to do. There might
be no need of shedding blood.
You white people must always
| talk" grumbled the khan. who was a
fighting man, born of a race of fight
ers yet to bow the head to the yoke.
ut is better to kill and talk after
ward. | have given my word to pro-
tect you. and the word Of Baia Khan is
as sound as British gold"
For that" said Bruce, thanks"
Keep your men from the walls"
cried Kathlyn. and bring me the
white elephant | would deal with this
man Umballa."
Her request was granted. So when
Durga Ram and his soldiers arrived
before the closed gates they beheld
Kathlyn mounted on the white ele-
phant, alone.
What wish you here. Durga RAM"
she called down to the man on the
fph hlty pYfy aI nj
You! Your father and those who
have helped you to escape"
Indeed! Well. come and take u.s.
Il would speak with Bala Khan" i'm
periously.
You will deal with me alone" de-
clared Kathlyn.
Umballa reached for his rife. but
loud murmur from his men stayed his
impulse"
1T is the sacred white elephant,
hlghness None dare fire at that" his
captain warned him. Those with him
or upon him are in sanctity."
Tell Bala Khan" said Umballa.
controlling his rage as best he could.
tell Bala Khan that I would be his
friend. not his enemy"
"Bala Khan" doomed a voice from
the other side OF the wall. cares not
for your friendship. Whatever the
memsahib says is my word. What!
Does Allaha want war for the sake of
gratifying Durga Rams spite? Be
gone. and thank your evil gods that
am not already at your lying. treach-
erous throat. Take yourself OF. Durga
Ram. The people of Bala Khan do not
make war on women and old men. The
memsahib and her friends are under
my protection"
I will buy them!" shouted Umballa.
recollecting the greed Of Bala Khan.
My word is not for sale!" came
back.