Rocky Ford enterprise., 1916-02-04
CHAPTER XVIII.
In the Arena.

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-
la 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 1t 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
in pain; but he did not ask for mercy.
"Soor! Tell your master. Durga
Ram. how bites this gun butt as shall
tell mine the pleasure 1t gives me to
administer It. Swine! Ha, you STUN.
BILE! Up with you'll"
Batter and bang! Doubtless Ahmed
would have prolonged this delightful
entertainment to the very steps OF the
palace. but full troop of soldiers ap-
peared at the foot OF the hill and All
med saw that 1t was now his turn to
take to his heels.
"Swine!" with a parting blow which
sent Umballa to his knees. tell your
master that II he harms the little mem.
sahib in the palace he shall die! Let
him remember the warnings that he
has received. and let him not forget
what certain dungeon holds!"
Umballa staggered to his feet, his
sight blinded with tears of pain. He
was sober enough now, and Ahmed's
ilnal words rang In his ears like a
clamor OF bells. What a certain dun.
geon holds!" Stumbling down the hill.
urged by Ahmed's blows, only one
thought occupied his mind: to wreak
his 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.
ers and they carried him to 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.
What n certain dungeon holds!" In
his chamber Umballa called for his
peg OF brandy and champagne. which
for snme reason did not take hold as
usual. For the first time in his life
hnl
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 reioined his people
Kathlyn was leaning against her faith.
er's shoulder, smiling wanly.
Where is Umballa?" cried Bruce,
seizing 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
comprehending.
And, having him in your hands, you
let him go!"
sagged, his rifle slipped from his
hands and fell with a clank at his
feet.
You are right. sahib. | am an un.
thinking fool. May Allah forgive mel
we could have held him hostage,
and tomorrow morning we all could
have left Allaha free. unhindered! God
forgive you. Ahmed. for hot think
ing!"
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
Cd ths secret service. should let spite