The Pioche record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1908-1925, 1915-04-24


"Pundita," Kathlyn stopped and
gathered her up in her arms.
After that Ramabai would have died
| for her under any torture.
Now. Ahmed. what did my father
mean when he said curse or no
curseg"
It's long story. memsahib," said
Ahmed evasiyely.
Tell it,
1T was in a temple in the south.
The Colonel Sahib took a sapphire
from an idols eye. The guru, very
wise and ancient priest. demanded the
return OF it. The Colonel Sahib. be-
| ing young man, refused. The guru
cursed him. That is ALL"
No, Ahmed; there must be more.
Did not the guru curse my fathers
| children and their children's chill
| dren?"
All. memsahib. what does the curse
of Hindu amount to-"
| Perhaps it is stronger than we
know glancing down at her dress.
Further discussion was interrupted
by one of the armed keepers, who
came rushing up with the news that
armed soldiers were approaching.
4rIce swore frankly. This UmboLla
was systematically keen. What to Go
now2
Quick" cried Ahmed Get the
howdahs off the elephants" 1t was
done. "Hobble them" 1t was imme-
diately accomplished. Into the bun
galow, all of you. Memsahib. follow
mel"
What are you going to do?" asked
Bruce.
Hide her where none will dare
look" answered Ahmed.
| He seized Kathlyn by the hand and
urged her to run. She had implicit
faith in this old friend, who had once
handled her on his knees. They dis
appeared behind the bungalow and ran
toward the animal cages. He stopped
abruptly before one of the cages.
"A leopard, but harmless. You'll
know how to soothe him if he becomes
nervous. Enter"
| kathlyn obeyed.
This cage was not a movable one
and had cavity underneath The
heavy teak flooring was not nailed
The soldiers arrived at the bunga-
low, boisterously threatening the ar.
rest of the entire camp if Durga Rams
slave was not produced forthwith
you are mistaken" said Bruce
There is no slave here. Search
you stand in extreme danger. sa-
nib. You have meddled with what
does not concern you" replied the cap
tain, who had thrown his fortunes with
Umballa, sensing that here was a
man who was bound to win and would
be liberal to those who stood by him
during the struggle.
Search" repeated Bruce.
The captain and his men ran about.
but not without certain system of
thoroughness. They examined the
elephants, but were baffled there, ow-
ing to Ahmed's foresight They en-
tered the native quarters, looked I'M
der the canvasea into the empty
cages, from cellar to roof in the bunga-
low, when suddenly the captain
missed Ahmed
Where is the Colonel Sahib's MANI
he asked, brusquely
Possibly he is going the rounds of
he animal cages said Bruce. out
wardly calm. but shaking within.
And thou, Ramabai, beware!"
"Of what, captain?" coolly
Thou, too, hast meddled; and med
dlers burn their fingers"
Il am innocent of any crime" said
Ramabai. Il am watched, know; but
there Is still some justice in Alfalfa"
Bully for you'll" said Bruce in Eng
lish.
| The captain eyed him malevolently
Search the animal cages" he or
dered
Bruce. Ramabai, and Pundita fol
lowed the captain. He peered into
the cages, one by one, and at length
came to the leopard's cage. And
there was the crafty Ahmed, calmly
stroking the leopard, which snarled
suddenly. Ahmed stood up with a
fine imitation of surprise The cap
tain, greatly mystified, turned about
he was partially convinced that he
had had his work for nothing. Still
he had his tongue.
Thou, Ramabai, hast broken thy
parole. Thou vert not to leave thy
house. 1t shall be reported" Then he
took a shot at Bruce: And thou wilt
enter the city on the pain of death. .
With this he ordered the soldiers
right about and proceeded the way he
had come.
Ahmed, where is she?" cried Bruce
who was as mystified as the captain.
Smiling, Ahmed raised one of the
broad teak boards, and the golden
head OF Kathlyn appeared.
| Ahmed" said Bruce, delighted
hereafter you shall be chief of this
expedition. Now, what next?"
Secure files and return for my mas
ter"
Wait interposed Kathlyn, emerg
ing. i have plan. 1t will be use
less to return tonight. He will be toe
well guarded. Are you brave, Pun
| dita?"