With water and food, and well armed, they began the journey back to
Allaha, a formidable cortege and in no tender mood. They proceeded in
forced marches, snatching what sleep they could during the preparation
of the meals.
Many a time the impulse came to Bruce to pluck the shining metal and
sparkling stones from the saddle-bags and toss them out into the
jungle, to be lost till the crack of doom. There were also moments
when he felt nothing but hatred toward the father of the girl he loved.
For these trinkets Kathlyn had gone through tortures as frightful
almost as those in the days of the Inquisition. Upon one thing he and
Ahmed had agreed, 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 came to the walled city of the
desert, Bala Khan's stronghold. Bala Khan of necessity was always
ready, always prepared. Before night of the day of their arrival an
army was gathered within the city.
Ramabai sat in his howdah, sad and dispirited.
"Bala Khan, we have been friends, and my father was your good 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 Mem-sahib I will salaam, turn right about face, and go home. Now,
to you, Bruce Sahib: Leave not your treasure within my walls when I
shall be absent, for I can not guarantee protection. Leave it where it
is and bring it with you. Save myself, no one of my men knows what
your saddle-bags contain. Let us proceed upon our junket--or our war!"
* * * * * * Umballa reached the ancient gate of Allaha at the same time Bruce
stopped before the walls of Bala Khan's city. He determined to wring
the secret from either the colonel or his daughter, return for the
treasure and depart for Egypt down the Persian Gulf.
He made a wide detour and came out at the rear of his house. No one
was in sight. He dismounted and entered, found three or four of his
whilom slaves, who, when he revealed his identity, felt the old terror
and fear of the man. His prisoners were brought in. A slave took the
elephants to the stables. He wanted to run away and declare Umballa's
presence, but fear was too strong.