is was
different. 'Things' might be happening to Dyan.

So, after nearly a week of maddening suspense, he resolved--with all due
caution--to take his chance.

* * * * *

A silvery twilight was ebbing from the sky when he plunged into a maze
of narrow streets and by-lanes where the stream of Eastern life flows
along immemorial channels scarcely stirred by surface eddies of
'advance.'

Threading his way through the crowd, he found the street and the
landmark he sought: a doorway, adorned with a faded wreath of marigolds,
indication of some holy presence within; and just beyond it, a
low-browed arch, almost a tunnel. It passed under balconied houses
toppling perilously forward; and as Roy entered it, a figure darkened
the other end. He could only distinguish the long dark coat and turbaned
head: but there flashed instant conviction--Chandranath!

Alert, rather than alarmed, he hurried forward, hugging the opposite
wall. At the darkest point they crossed. Roy felt the other pause,
scrutinise him--and pass on. The relief of it! And the ignominy of
suddenly feeling the old childish terror, when you had turned your back
on a dark room. It was all he could do not to break into a run....

In the open court, set round with tottering houses, a sacred neem tree
made a vast patch of shadow. Near it, a rickety staircase led up to
Dyan's roof room. Roy, mounting cautiously, knocked at the highest door.

"Are you there? It's Roy," he called softly.

A pause:--then the door flew open and Dyan stood before him, in loose
white garments; no turban; a farouche look in his eyes.

"My God--_Roy_! Crazy of you! I never thought----"

"Well, I got sick of waiting. I suppose I can come in?" Roy's impatience
was the measure of his relief.

Dyan moved back a pace, and, as Roy stepped on to the roof, he carefully
closed the door.

"Think--if you had come three minutes earlier! He only left me just
now--Chandranath."

"And passed me in the archway," added Roy with his touch of bravado.
"I've as much right to be in Delhi--and to vary my costume--as your
mysteriously potent friend. It's a free country."

"It is fast becoming--not so free." Dyan lowered his voice, as if afraid
he might be overheard. "And you don't consider the trouble it might
make--for me."

"How about the trouble you've been making for me? What's wrong?"

Dyan passed a nervous hand across his eyes and forehead. "Come in. It's
getting