Meade County news., 1915-02-18
CHAPTER XVIII.
In the Arena.

WI tUC FATCuds
While Bruce and two of his men
carried Kathlyn out of harms way to
the shelter of the underbrush, where
he liberated her. Ahmed drove Umbal-
ia and his panic-stricken soldiers over
the brow of the hill. Umballa could
be distinguished by his robes and tur-
ban, but in the moonlight Ahmed and
his followers were all of a color, like
cats in the dark. With mad joy in his
heart Ahmed could not resist propel-
ling the furious regent down hill, using
the butt of his rifle and pretending he
did not know who it was he was theat-
ing with these indignities. And Um-
balla could not tell who his assailant
was because he was given no oppor-
tunity to turn.
"Soor!" Ahmed shouted. Swine!
Take that, and that, and that!"
Stumbling on, Umballa cried out
lin pain; but he did not ask for mercy
"Soor! Tell your master, Durga
Ram, how bites this gun butt as 1 shall
tell mine the pleasure it gives me to
administer it. Swine! Ha. you stun
bile! Up with you!"
Batter and bang Doubtless Ahmed
would have prolonged this delightful
entertainment to the very steps Of the
palace, but full troop of soldiers ap-
Ipeared at the foot of the hill and All
med saw that it was now his turn to
take to his heels.
"Swine!" with parting blow which
sent Umballa to his knees, tell your
master that if he harms the little men,
sahib in the palace he shall die! Let
him remember the warnings that he
has received, and let him not forget
what certain dungeon holdsl"
Umballa staggered to his feet, his
sight blinded with tears of pain. He
was sober enough now, and Ahmed's
final words rang In his ears like a
clamor of bells. What certain dun
geon holds" Stumbling down the hill,
urged by Ahmed's blows, only one
thought occupied his mind: to wreak
Ibis vengeance for these indignities
upon an innocent girl. But now a new
fear entered his craven soul, craven as
all cruel souls are. Some one knew!
He fell into the arms of his troop
lers and they carried him to a litter,
thence to the palace His back was
covered with bruises, and but for the
thickness of his cummerbund he must
have died under the beating, which
had been thorough and mastery.
I'What a certain dungeon holds!" In
ibis chamber Umballa called for his
peg of brandy and champagne, which
for some reason did not take hold as
usual For the first time In his life
Durga Ram, so-called Umballa, knew
what agony was. But did it cause him
to think with pity of the agonies he
had caused them? Not In the least
When Ahmed rejoined his people
Kathlyn was leaning against her faith
ler's shoulder, smiling wanly.
Where is Umballa?" cried Bruce,
lseizing Ahmed by the arm.
"On the way to the palace!" Ahmed
laughed and told what he had accom-
plished.
Bruce raised his hands in anger.
But, sahib!" began Ahmed, not |
tcomprehending.
And, having him in your hands, you
let him go!"
Ahmed stood dumfounded. His Jaw
sagged, his rife slipped from his
hands and fell with a clank at his
feet.
you are right, sahib. l am an un-
thinking fool. May Allah forgive mel"
I'VE could have held him hostage.
and tomorrow morning we all could
have left Allaha free. unhindered! God
forgive you, Ahmed, for not think
dng!"
In the heat of battle, sahib, one
does not always think of the morrow"
But Ahmed's head fell and his chin
touched his breast. That he, Ahmed
Pf the secret service. should let spite