The Adventures of Kathlyn

The authority in Ramabai's voice was sufficient for the guard, who gave

the necessary directions. The party continued on into town. It was an

odd place for a walled city. There wasn't a tree about, not a sign of

boscage, except some miles away where the hills began to slope upward.

Bruce wondered what the inhabitants fed upon. It was more like an

Egyptian village than anything he had ever seen in India. Bruce asked

for his rifle, which he laid carelessly in the crook of his arm. One

never could tell.

Presently they came upon a group in the center of which were the

dancers at their vocations. They ceased their mad whirlings at the

sight of the two elephants. There were nine of these men, fierce of

eye and built muscularly. No effeminate Hindus here, mused Bruce, who

did not like the looks of them at all. The surrounding natives stared

with variant emotions. Many of them had never seen a white man before.

Their gaze centered upon the colonel. Kathlyn was almost as dark as

Pundita, and as for Bruce, only his European dress distinguished him

from Ramabai, for there was scarcely a shade difference in color. But

the colonel, having been weeks in prison, was as pale as alabaster and

his hair shone like threads of silver.

On through the narrow streets, sometimes the sides of the elephants

scraping against the mud and plaster of the buildings, and one could

easily look into the second stories. No one seemed hostile; only a

natural curiosity was evinced by those standing in doorways or leaning

out of windows.

The house of Bala Khan was not exactly a palace, but it was of

respectable size. A high wall surrounded the compound. There was a

gateway, open at this moment. A servant ran out and loudly demanded

what was wanted.

"Say to your master, Bala Khan, that Ramabai, son of Maaho Singh, his

old friend, awaits with friendly greetings."

"Kit," whispered Kathlyn's father, "this chap Ramabai wouldn't make a

bad king. And look!" excitedly. "There's the sacred elephant, and if

he isn't white, I'll eat my hat!"

Kathlyn sighed gratefully. That her father could be interested in

anything was a good sign for the future. A few days' rest and

wholesome food would put him half-way on his legs. Her own vitality

was an inheritance from her father. The male line of the family was

well known for its recuperative powers.

The servant ran back into the compound and spoke to a dignified man,

who proved to be a high caste Brahmin, having in his charge the care of

the white elephant. He disappeared and returned soon with the Khan.

The pleasant face, though proudly molded, together with the simplicity

of his appearance, conveyed to Kathlyn the fact that here was a man to

be trusted, at least for the present. He greeted Ramabai cordially,

struck his hands and ordered out the servants to take charge of what

luggage there was and to lead away the elephants to be fed and watered.