hose messengers have accomplished this thing.

N.B. The Sahib is to enquire of his servant Bhanah what is the native
meaning of "walk softly." He will find Bhanah entirely trustworthy in
all matters of information.

Skag looked up and the old cook spoke:

"I, who am speaking to Sanford Hantee Sahib, am Bhanah--entered into
covenant before the gods that I am his servant to serve him with my
strength, so long as I endure to live.

"I bring from the shining lady who was my mistress, whom may the gods
protect! certain messages for him alone.

"The child is dead. Her body lies deep in a metal case beside her
mother's, near one of the old bungalows."

"I am sorry to hear that."

"Death does not snare the soul. If she were still here, Nels would not
be free to come to my master. And my master has become his heart's
desire."

"I am glad to have him and you."

The old cook laid his hand on his forehead and bent low before Skag.

"The lady-beautiful will sail from Bombay in a few days, returning to
her own mother's house. She is forever free from Police Commissioner
Hichens Sahib, who was my master only for her sake and for the sake of
Nels. The lady's own ayah will go with her to her own country, to
serve her as I serve thee.

"These things are accomplished by a Power which works through those who
are seldom seen and never known of men.

"I have spoken and it is finished. Have I permission to take Nels to
my quarters where he can rest? He is well; but not yet fully strong.
If my master will tell us his place, we will come to him in the
morning."

Skag told them. The recognition of Nels as a personality amused him;
but he did not quarrel with it.

CHAPTER VII

_The Hunting Cheetah_

Since Bhanah and Nels had come to him, Skag had fallen into the way of
taking Nels out quite early for a full day's tramp through the broken
shelving Ghats. (This helped to bear the weight of the days till
Carlin's eldest brother should reach Poona.) The contours were
different from anything he had seen along the top or toward the sea; as
if in the beginning the whole range had been dropped on the planet and
its own weight had shattered the eastern side, to settle from the
cracks or roll over upon the plains. Nels would travel close beside
him for hours; but if he ever did break away, Skag had only to call
quietly, "Nels, steady!" and Nels would return joyfully. He never
sulked.

Every morning now, Bhanah