The Adventures of Kathlyn - Page 100/201

Guided by a servant, Bruce and Ramabai set off for the opium den. The

proprietor understood exactly what they desired. There were times when

men entered his place who were in need of a long sleep, having money

tucked away in their fantastic cummerbunds.

So, mounted upon five swift camels, the party started off on a wide

circle. Whether they caught the brigands at the well or on the way to

their mountain homes was of no great importance. Ramabai was quite

certain that the result would be the same. The colonel grumbled a good

deal. Supposing the rascals did not smoke; what then?

"They will smoke," declared Ramabai confidently. "The old rascal of

whom we bought the opium has entertained them more than once. They are

too poor to own pipes. Have patience, Colonel Sahib. A good deal

depends upon the success of our adventure this morning. If I know

anything about Umballa, he will shortly be on the march. Bala Khan has

given his word."

Had it not been for liberal use of opium the night before, the brigands

would not have tarried so long at the well; but they were terribly

thirsty, a bit nerve shattered and craved for the drug. The chief

alone had fully recovered. He cursed and raved at his men, kicked and

beat them. What! After all these weeks of waiting, to let sleep stand

between them and thousands of rupees! Dogs! Pigs! Did they not

recollect that Bala Khan had a way of nailing thieves outside the walls

of his city? Well, he for one would not wait. He would mount the

sacred white elephant and head toward the caves in the hills. Let them

who would decorate the walls of Bala Khan. The threat of Bala Khan put

life into the eight followers, and they were getting ready to move on,

when one of them discovered a small caravan approaching from the west.

Camels? Ha! Here was a chance of leaving Bala Khan's city far in the

rear. And there would be loot besides. Those helmets were never worn

by any save white men. The chief scowled under his shading palm.

Women! Oh, this was going to be something worth while.

When the caravan came within hailing distance the chief of the brigands

stepped forward menacingly. The new arrivals were informed that they

were prisoners, and were bidden to dismount at once.

"But we are on the way to the city of Bala Khan," remonstrated Ramabai.

"Which you left this morning!" jeered the chief.

"Dismount!"

"But I am selling opium there!"

"Opium!"

"Where is it? Give it to us!" cried one of the brigands.

The chief thought quickly. If his men would smoke they should suffer

the penalty of being left at the well to await the arrival of the

tender Bala Khan. The white elephant was worth ten thousand rupees.

He might not be obliged to share these bags of silver. His men could

not complain. They had discharged him. Let them have the pipes. He

himself would only pretend to smoke.