The Pulaskian., 1918-02-22
CHAPTER VIli-continued.

-5
 The packs were laid on the ground, and the mules shook themselves, while inc iackals that haunt the Khyber came closer, to sit in a ring and watch. King dug a fashlight out of one of the packs, gave it to Ismail to hold, sat on the other pack and began to write on a memorandum pad. It WAS minute before he could persuade Isrnail that the fiashlight was harm less, and another minute before he could get him to hold it still. Then, however, he wrote swiftly.
 Tn the Khyber, a mile below you. Dear Old Man-I would like to run in and see you. but circumstances don't permit. Several people sent your their regards by me. Herewith go two mules and their packs. Make any use of the mules you like, but store the loads where can draw on them in case of need: l would like to have talk with you before taking the rather desperate step I in tend, but I don't want to be seen enter ing or leaving Ali Masjid. Can you come flown the pass without making your in- sention known? It is growing misty now It ought to be easy. My men will tell you where I am and show you the way
 
 He folded the note and stuck post age stamp on it in lieu of seal. Then he examined the packs with the aid of the fiashlight, sorted them and ordered two of the mules reloaded.
 ssYou threel" he ordered then. "Take the loaded mules into Ali Masjid fort. Take this chit. you. Give it to the sas1ib in command there."
 "To hear is to obeyi" said the near est man. They took the mules leading eeins and before they had gone ten paces were swallowed in the mist that had begun to flow southeastward. The night grew still, except for the whim- pering of jackals.
 Ismail came nearer and scuatted at Kings feet. Darya Khan came closer too. King had tied the reins of the two horses and the one remaining mule together in a knot and was sit ling on the pack. Solemn, almost motionless, squatted on their hunkers, they looked like two great vultures watching an animal die.
 They sat in silence for five minutes. Then suddenly the two hillmen shud- dered, although King did not bat an eyelid. Din burst into being. A volley ripped out of the night and thundered flown the pass.
 "How-utt! Hukkums dar?" came the insolent challenge half minute after 1.-the proof positive that All Masjid's guards neither slept nor were afraid.
 A weird wall answered the chal- lenge, and there began tossing to ana fro of words, that was prelude to shouted invitation:
 "Ud-yance-frrrennen-orsss-werrull' Y
 English can be as weirdly distorted as wire, or any other supple medium, and native levies advance distortion to the point of art; but the language sounds no less good in the chilly gloom of Khyber night. Followed another wait, this time or half an hour. Then a mans foot steps-a booted, leather-heeled man, striding carelessly. Not far behind him was the softer noise of sandals. The man began to whistle "Annie Laurie" Charles? That your called hing. 'That you, old man?"
 A man in khaki stepped into the moonlight. He was so nearly the lm- age of Athelstan King that Ismail and Darya Khan stood up and stared. Athelstan strode to meet him. Their walk was the same. Angle for angle, line for line, they might have been one man and his shadow, except for three quarters of an inch of stature.
 "Glad to see you, old man," said Athelstan.
 "Sure, old chap!' said Charles; and they shook hands.
 ''What's the desperate proposal?' asked the younger.
 "Tll tell you when we are alone"
 His brother nodded and stood step aside. The three who had taken the note to the fort came closer-partly to call attention to themselves, partly to claim credit, partly because the outer silence frightened them. They elbowed Ismail and Darya Khan, and one or then received a savage blow in the stomach by way of retort from Ismafi. Before that spark could start an ex- plosion Athelstan interfered.
 s'Ismaill Take two men. Go down the pass out of earshot, and keep watchl Come back when l whistle thus-but no sooneri"