Rocky Ford enterprise., 1915-12-10
perhaps IL !. stronger than We

armed soldiers were approaching.
Bruce swore frankly. This Umballa
was supernaturally keen. What to do
now?
"Quick!" cried Ahmed. Get the
howdahs on 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 q 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 II Durga Rams
slave was not produced forthwith.
You are mistaken" said Bruce.
There is no slave here. Search"
you stand in extreme danger. sa-
hib. 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 a certain system OF
thoroughness. They examined the
elephants. but were baffied there, ow-
ing to Ahmed's foresight. They en-.
tered the native quarters. looked un'
der the canvases 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
the animal cages said Bruce. out.
wardly calm. but shaking within.
And thou. Ramabai, beware!"
"Of what. captain" coolly.
Thou, too. hast meddled; and med
diers burn their fingers"
Il am innocent OF any crime" said
Ramabai. IL am watched. know: but
there is still some justice in Allaha."
Bully for you!" 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. I"
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
Walt" interposed kathlyn. emerg-
ing. 81 have plan. 1t will be use
less to return tonight. He will be too
well guarded. Are you brave. Pun
dita?"
II would die for the memsahib."
And /, too" added Ramabai.
Ahmed and Bruce gazed at each
other.
What is your plan. memsahib?'
and helping Kathlyn out OF the cage.
the door of which he closed quickly,
as the leopard was evincing temper
at all this nocturnal disturbance.
1T is trap for Umballa."
"He is as wise as the cobra and as
suspicious as the tackal.r said Ahmed.
doubtfully.
Reason forbids that we return to-
night Umballa will wait. knowing
me. Listen. Pundita, you shall re-
turn to the city. Two men will ac-
company you to the gate. You will
enter alone in the early morning
Pundita drew close to her husband.
You will seek Umballa and play
traitor Ynu will nrefend To het ray