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The Adventures of Kathlyn

Page 127

"Kit," said her father, "Ahmed warned you not to stop."

"I am sorry."

It was on the tip of her tongue to retort that his own carelessness was

the basic cause of the pursuit; but she remembered in time what her

father had been through.

"There is a village not far," reminded Ahmed. "They are a friendly

people. It is quite possible, with the money we have, to buy some

horses, small but sturdy. But there is one thing I do not understand,

Sahib."

"And what is that?" asked the colonel.

"The readiness with which Umballa gave up the pursuit. It's a long

walk; let us be getting forward."

Late that afternoon they were all mounted once more, on strong

tractable ponies, with water and provisions. And the spirits of all

rose accordingly. Even Ahmed became cheerful.

"We'll make it, please God!" said the colonel. "Give me a telegraph

office. That's all I need just now."

"Two days, Sahib," said Ahmed, "we will reach the sea."

They rode all through the night, stopping only at dawn for breakfast

and a cat nap after. Then forward again till they came upon a hunter's

rest house, deserted. Here they agreed to spend the night. Beyond the

rest house were half a dozen scattered mud huts, occupied by natives

who pretended friendliness, lulling even the keen Ahmed into a sense of

security. But at dawn, when they awoke cheerfully to pick up the

trail, they found their horses and provisions gone.

The colonel, Bruce and Ahmed, still armed, never having permitted the

rifles out of their keeping, set out grimly in pursuit of the thieves,

while Kathlyn proceeded to forage on her own initiative.

She came presently upon a magnificent ravine, half a mile in depth.

There was a broad ledge some fifteen feet below. It was evidently used

as a goat path, for near at hand stood a shepherd's hut. Stirred by

the spirit of investigation, she made preparations for descent by

attaching the rope she had brought along to a stout boulder.

Panthers!

They were coming up the pathway behind her. It would be simple enough

to descend; but how to get back to the rest house? There was no time

to plan; she must act at once. She must drop down to the ledge and

trust to her star.

She called out loudly as she swung downward. The shepherd came running

out of his hut, dumfounded at what he saw.

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