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.