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

meo nave Thousand friends IL
yonder city. ready at my call. Only
this is not the time. Still, can cal
to them, and by tomorrow there will
not be stone of the palace upon an
other. BE not alarmed. Pundita will
return. but mayhap alone"
So they waited.
Now, Pundita, being a woman, was
wise in the matter of lure. She en-
tered the city b unquestioned. She
came to the palace steps just as I'm
balla was issuing forth. She shiv
cred little-she could not help it;
the man looked so gloomy and for
boding. The scowl warned her tc
walk with extreme care.
He stopped when he saw her and
was surprised into according her the
salute one gave to yoman of quality
"Ah."
''Durga RAM" she began. Il am
seeking you" Her voice trembled ever
so little
Indeed, And why do you seek me
who am your enemy, and who always
will be-"
"A woman loves where she must
not where she wills"
Umballa seemed to ponder over
this truth
And why have you sought me?"
"A woman's reasons. My husband
and the memsahib-"
You know then, where she is?"
quickly
AYE, Durga Ram; alone know
where she is hiding"
He sent a shrewd glance into her
eyes Had she wavered, i'll would have
befallen her.
Tell me-
Follow"
He laughed. Nearby stood two of
the palace guards. "All women are
liars. Why should | trust your
THAT is true. Why should you
trust me?" She turned and with
bowed head started to walk away.
Watt" he called to her, at the
same time motioning to the guards to
follow at distance.
IF lead you to the memsahib Il
must be alone"
You say that you alone know where
she is?"
Il meant that I alone will lead you
to her. And you must decide quickly,
Durga Ram, for even now they are
preparing for flight, and this time they
will go far"
Lead on.
Send the guards back to the
palace"
Umballa made a sign with his
hand, but another with his eyes. The
guards fell back to the palace steps,
understanding perfectly that they and
others were to follow unseen. Only
once during the journey did he speak
"Pundita, remember. if you have lied
you will be punished"
"Durga Ram, l have not lied. l
have promised to lead you to her, and
lead you to her I shall"
l. "Durga RAM" he mused She did
not give him his title of prince; in
deed, she never had She was really
the rightful heir to this crown; but
her forbears had legally foresworn.
All! the Colonel Sahib's camp. Good.
He knew now that in Kathlyn's es-
cape he had the man Ahmed to reckon
with. Presently.
She is there, Durga Ram"
And what more?" ironically.
His GOODNESS caused her some un-
easiness. Had he, by means unknown
to her, signed to the guards to follow?
Umballa entered the living room
of the bungalow. 1t was apparently
deserted. He cast a quick glance
about. The curtains trembled sus.
piciously, and even as he noted it.,
Bruce, Ramabai and Ahmed sprang
forth, carrying ropes. Umballa made
a dash for the door, but they were toe
quick for him.
n Struggling he was seized and bound !;
but all the while he was laughing in
wardly. Did they dream Of trapping
him in this childish fashion? By now
20 or 80 of his paid men were draw
ling Gordon about the camp. All OF
them should pay the full penalty for
this act. What mattered a few ropes?
He was rather puzzled as to the rea
son of their leaving his right arm free.
II Next, the curtains were thrown back
and Kathlyn stood revealed. Near her
"a leopard strained impatiently on the
leash. Umballa eyed her wonderingly
She was like the woman who had ar.
rived weeks ago. And yet to him she
seemed less beautiful than when he
paid five thousand rupees for her in
the slave mart. He waited
"Umballa, write an order for my
fathers release"
And if refuse?" Umballa wanted
to gain time.
you shall be liberated at the same
time as this leopard. You have had
experience with leopards. Do you not
recall the one my father killed, saving
the life of your benefactor?"
Il will free him in exchange for your.
self"
Il Write" She offered the pen to
him.
i He shrugged and made no effort to
take it.
Very WELL" said Kathlyn. Leave