The Adventures of Kathlyn

With water and food, and well armed, they began the journey back to

Allaha, a formidable cortege and in no tender mood. They proceeded in

forced marches, snatching what sleep they could during the preparation

of the meals.

Many a time the impulse came to Bruce to pluck the shining metal and

sparkling stones from the saddle-bags and toss them out into the

jungle, to be lost till the crack of doom. There were also moments

when he felt nothing but hatred toward the father of the girl he loved.

For these trinkets Kathlyn had gone through tortures as frightful

almost as those in the days of the Inquisition. Upon one thing he and

Ahmed had agreed, despite Ramabai's wild protest; they would leave the

treasure with Bala Khan and follow his army to the walls of Allaha. If

harm befell any of their loved ones not one stone should remain upon

another. And Bruce declared that he would seek Umballa to the ends of

the earth for the infinite pleasure of taking his black throat in his

two hands and squeezing the life out of it.

Eventually and without mishap they came to the walled city of the

desert, Bala Khan's stronghold. Bala Khan of necessity was always

ready, always prepared. Before night of the day of their arrival an

army was gathered within the city.

Ramabai sat in his howdah, sad and dispirited.

"Bala Khan, we have been friends, and my father was your good friend."

"It is true."

"Will you do a favor for the son?"

"Yes. If the Colonel Sahib and his daughter live, ask what you will."

Ramabai bowed.

"I will set my camp five miles beyond your walls and wait. When I see

the Mem-sahib I will salaam, turn right about face, and go home. Now,

to you, Bruce Sahib: Leave not your treasure within my walls when I

shall be absent, for I can not guarantee protection. Leave it where it

is and bring it with you. Save myself, no one of my men knows what

your saddle-bags contain. Let us proceed upon our junket--or our war!"

* * * * * * Umballa reached the ancient gate of Allaha at the same time Bruce

stopped before the walls of Bala Khan's city. He determined to wring

the secret from either the colonel or his daughter, return for the

treasure and depart for Egypt down the Persian Gulf.

He made a wide detour and came out at the rear of his house. No one

was in sight. He dismounted and entered, found three or four of his

whilom slaves, who, when he revealed his identity, felt the old terror

and fear of the man. His prisoners were brought in. A slave took the

elephants to the stables. He wanted to run away and declare Umballa's

presence, but fear was too strong.