Part 59 (1/2)

”And so shall we return!”

Ahmed called his weary old and stones, leave it in trust with Bala Khan, who should in truth this time take his tulwar down frouard and the other to labor It took half an hour to push back the boulder and dig up the basket After this was done Bruce and Raold and precious stones to the especially s All told, it took fully an hour to complete the work

With water and food, and well aran the journey back to Allaha, a fore and in no tenderwhat sleep they could during the preparation of the meals

Many a ti s and toss thele, to be lost till the crack of doo but hatred toward the father of the girl he loved

For these trinkets Kathlyn had gone through tortures as frightful al he and Ahreed, 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 cahold Bala Khan of necessity was always ready, always prepared Before night of the day of their arrival an arathered within the city

Ramabai sat in his howdah, sad and dispirited

”Bala Khan, we have been friends, and ood 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 Meo home Now, to you, Bruce Sahib: Leave not your treasure within uarantee protection Leave it where it is and bring it with you Save s contain Let us proceed upon our junket--or our war!”

Uate of Allaha at the same time Bruce stopped before the walls of Bala Khan's city He deterhter, return for the treasure and depart for Egypt down the Persian Gulf

He made a wide detour and caht He dismounted and entered, found three or four of his whilom slaves, hen he revealed his identity, felt the old terror and fear of the ht in A slave took the elephants to the stables He wanted to run away and declare U

Ironically Umballa bade the fishermen to enter to eat and drink what they liked Later he found them in a drunken stupor in the kitchen

That here they belonged

He ordered his prisoners to be brought into the Court of Death and left there

”You see?” said Umballa ”Nohere have you hidden the treasure?”

Kathlyn walked over to one of the cages and peered into it A sleek tiger trotted up to the bar; and purred and invited her to scratch his head

”I am not answered,” said Umballa