The Adventures of Kathlyn

Courteously he asked Kathlyn how she had become injured and Ramabai

acted as interpreter. He then ushered them into his house, spread rugs

and cushions for them to sit upon and mildly inquired what had brought

the son of his old friend so far.

Colonel Hare spoke several dialects fluently and briefly told (between

sips of tea and bites of cakes which had been set out for the guests)

his experiences in Allaha.

"The rulers of Allaha," observed Bala Khan, "have always been half mad."

Ramabai nodded in agreement.

"You should never have gone back," went on Bala Khan, lighting a

cigarette and eying Kathlyn with wonder and interest. "Ah, that Durga

Ram whom they call Umballa! I have heard of him, but fortunately for

him our paths have not crossed in any way." He blew a cloud of smoke

above his head. "Well, he has shown wisdom in avoiding me. In front

of me, a desert; behind me, verdant hills and many sheep and cattle,

well guarded. I am too far away for them to bother. Sometimes the

desert thieves cause a flurry, but that is nothing. It keeps the

tulwar from growing rusty," patting the great knife at his side.

Bala Khan was muscular; his lean hands denoted work; his clear eyes,

the sun and the wind. He was in height and building something after

the pattern of the colonel.

"And to force a crown on me!" said the colonel.

"You could have given it to this Umballa."

"That I would not do."

"In each case you showed forethought. The Durga Ram, when he had you

where he wanted you----" Bala Khan drew a finger suggestively across

his throat. "Ramabai, son of my friend, I will have many sheep for you

this autumn. What is it to me whether you Hindus eat beef or not?" He

laughed.

"I am not a Hindu in that sense," returned Ramabai. "I have but one

God."

"And Mahomet is His prophet," said the host piously.

"Perhaps. I am a Christian."

Bruce stirred uneasily, but his alarm was without foundation.

"A Christian," mused Bala Khan. "Ah, well; have no fear of me. There

is no Mahdi in these hills. There is but one road to Paradise and

argument does not help us on the way."

Lowly and quickly Pundita translated for Kathlyn so that she might miss

none of the conversation.

"The Colonel Sahib looks worn."

"I am."

"Now, in my travels I have been to Bombay, and there I dressed like you

white people. I have the complete. Perhaps the Colonel Sahib would be

pleased to see if he can wear it? And also the use of my barber?"

"Bala Khan," cried the colonel, "you are a prince indeed! It will

tonic me like medicine. Thanks, thanks!"