Part 5 (2/2)
The route lay at first over a s.p.a.ce of desert which was unpleasant, for the sand was blown in clouds by a high wind, almost a gale. But the camels were fast movers and it did not take very long before they were pa.s.sing through scrub jungle and finally reached the wide stretch of cultivation near Marwa.
The tank, as lakes are called in India, lay in the centre of a shallow depression, the rim of which all round was about four hundred yards from the water which, now half a mile across, evidently filled the whole basin in the rainy season. The strong breeze churned its surface into little waves and piled up ma.s.ses of froth and foam against the bending reeds at one end of the tank, where, about fifty yards from the water's edge stood a couple of th.o.r.n.y trees, offering almost the only shade to be found for a long distance around. In the shallows were many yellow egrets, while a _sarus_ crane stalked solemnly along the far bank, and everywhere bird-life, rare elsewhere in the State, abounded. The land all about was green, a refres.h.i.+ng change from the usual sandy and parched character of most of the country.
But beyond the tank the fields stretched away out of sight. At the edge of the cultivation the camels were halted and the party dismounted from them and separated. Mrs. Norton, who was a fair shot and carried a light 12-bore gun, started to walk up the partridges with Raymond, while her husband went to search the reeds and the borders of the lake for strange insects. Wargrave armed with a sporting Mannlicher rifle, set off on a long tramp to look for _c.h.i.n.kara_, which are pretty little antelope with curving horns. The wind, which was freshening, prevented the heat from being excessive.
The sport was fairly good. When lunch-time came the adjutant and Mrs.
Norton had got quite a respectable bag of partridges and a few hares.
The entomologist was in high spirits, for he had secured two rare specimens; and Wargrave had shot a good buck. So in a contented frame of mind all gathered under the trees near the end of the tank, where lunch was laid by a couple of the Residency servants on a white cloth spread on the ground. As they ate their _tiffin_ (lunch) the members of the party chatted over the incidents of the morning; and each related the story of his or her sport.
After the meal Mrs. Norton decided to rest; for the ride and the long walk with her gun had tired her. The servants spread a rug for her under the trees and placed a camel saddle for her to recline against. Then carrying away the empty dishes, plates, gla.s.ses and cutlery they retired out of sight.
”Are you sure you don't mind being left alone, Mrs. Norton?” asked Wargrave.
”Not in the least. Do go and shoot again,” she replied, smiling up at him. ”I'm very comfortable and I'm glad to have a good rest before undertaking that tiresome ride back. It's very pleasant here. The wind comes so cool and fresh off the water. Isn't it strong, though?”
The breeze had freshened to a gale and under the trees the temperature was quite bearable. The Resident had already gone out of sight over the rim of the basin, having exhausted the neighbourhood of the tank and being desirous of searching farther afield. Wargrave and Raymond now followed him but soon separated, the latter making for the cultivation again, while his friend set off for the open plain. Ordinarily the heat would have been intense, for the hours after noon up to three o'clock or later are the hottest of the day in India; but the gale made it quite cool.
To Wargrave, tramping about unsuccessfully this time, came frequently the sound of Raymond's gun.
”Ray seems to be having all the luck,” he thought, as through his field-gla.s.ses he scanned the plain without seeing anything. ”I'm getting fed up.”
At last in despair he shouldered his rifle and turned back. After a long walk he came in sight of the adjutant standing near the edge of the fields talking to Norton. When Frank reached them he found that his friend had increased his bag very considerably.
”Well done, old boy, you'd better luck than I had,” he said. Then turning to the Resident he continued: ”How have you done, sir?”
”Nothing of any value,” replied Norton ”Have you finished? We're thinking of going back now.”
”Yes, sir; I'm through. By Jove, I'm thirsty. I could do with a drink, couldn't you, Ray?”
”Rather. My throat's like a lime-kiln. We'll join Mrs. Norton and then have an iced drink while the camels are being saddled.”
They strolled towards the lake, which was hidden from their view by the rim of the basin. As they reached the slight ridge that this made all three stopped dead and gazed in amazement.
”What's happened to the tank?” exclaimed Raymond. ”The water's almost up to the trees.”
”Good G.o.d; My wife! Look! Look!” cried the Resident.
They stood appalled. The wide body of water had swept up to within a few yards of the trees under which Mrs. Norton lay fast asleep. And stealthily emerging from it a large crocodile was slowly, cautiously, crawling towards the unconscious woman.
CHAPTER IV
A CROCODILE INTERVENES
Major Norton opened his mouth to cry a warning; but Wargrave grasped his arm and said hurriedly:
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