In the meantime Umballa concluded that the reunion had lasted long
enough. He caught Kathlyn roughly by the shoulder and pulled her away.
"Behold, Colonel Sahib! Mine! I bought her this day in the slave
mart. Legally mine! Now will you tell me where that silver basket
lies hidden, with its gold and game?"
"Father, do not tell him!" warned Kathlyn. "So long as we do not tell
him he does not put us out of the way!"
"Kit!"
"Dad, poor dad!"
"Little fool!" said Umballa.
Kathlyn struggled to reach her father again, but could not. Umballa
folded his arms tightly about her and attempted to kiss her. This time
her strength was superhuman. She freed her hands and beat him in the
face, tore his garments, dragged off his turban. The struggle brought
them within the radius of the colonel's reach. The prisoner caught his
enemy by the throat, laughing insanely.
"Now, you black dog, die!"