The Adventures of Kathlyn

"I have gone through much; I can go through more," calmly replied

Kathlyn. "But I shall never wear a precious stone again, if I live. I

abhor them!"

"I am my father's daughter," said Winnie.

"Put the howdahs on the two elephants," Umballa ordered.

The men obeyed clumsily, being fishermen by occupation and mahouts by

compulsion.

Kathlyn tried in vain to see where they were taking Bruce and the

others. Some day, if she lived, she was going to devote a whole day to

weeping, for she never had time to in this land. The thought caused

her to smile, despite her despair.

When the elephants were properly saddled with the howdahs Umballa gave

his attention to the prisoners. He hailed them jovially. They were

old friends. What could he do for them?

"Conduct us to the seaport," said the colonel, "and on my word of honor

I will tell you where we have hidden the treasure."

"Ho!" jeered Umballa, arms akimbo, "I'd be a fool to put my head into

such a trap. I love you too well. Yet I am not wholly without heart.

Tell me where it lies and I will let you go."

"Cut our throats at once, you beast, for none of us will tell you under

any conditions save those I have named. Men," the colonel continued,

"this man is an ingrate, a thief and a murderer. He has promised you

much gold for your part in this. But in the end he will cheat you and

destroy you."

Umballa laughed. "They have already had their earnest. Soon they will

have more. But talk with them--plead, urge, promise. No more

questions? Well, then, listen. Reveal to me the treasure and you may

go free. If you refuse I shall take you back to Allaha--not publicly,

but secretly--there to inflict what punishments I see fit."

"I have nothing more to say," replied the colonel.

"No? And thou, white goddess?"

Kathlyn stared over his head, her face expressionless. It stirred him

more than outspoken contempt would have done.

"And you, pretty one?" Umballa eyed Winnie speculatively.

Winnie drew closer to her sister, that was all.

"So be it. Allaha it shall be, without a meddling Ramabai; back to the

gurus who love you so!" He dropped his banter. "You call me a

murderer. I admit it. I have killed the man who was always throwing

his benefits into my face, who brought me up not as a companion but as

a plaything. He is dead. I slew him. After the first, what are two

or three more crimes of this order?" He snapped his fingers. "I want

that treasure, and you will tell me where it is before I am done with

you. You will tell me on your knees, gladly, gladly! Now, men! There

is a long journey before us."