d it. For he had not
dared to meet her glance. His fear of Fo-Hi had overcome his love for
her ... and Stuart had been treacherously seized somewhere in the
corridors and rendered helpless by the awful art of the thug.

"There is a brief interval," hissed the evil voice. "Chunda Lal is
securing him to the frame and baring the soles of his feet for the
caresses of the rod."

Suddenly, from somewhere outside the room, came the sound of dull,
regular blows ... then, a smothered moan!

Miska sprang forward and threw herself upon her knees before Fo-Hi,
clutching at his robe frantically.

"Ah! merciful God! he is there! Spare him! spare him! No more--no
more!"

"He is there?" repeated Fo-Hi suavely. "Assuredly he is there, Miska.
I know not by what trick he hoped to 'deal with' Chunda Lal. But, as
I informed you, Chunda Lal was forewarned."

The sound of blows continued, followed by that of another, louder
groan.

"Stop him! Stop him!" shrieked Miska.

"You 'care nothing' for this man. Why do you tremble?"

"Oh!" she wailed piteously. "I cannot bear it ... oh, I cannot bear
it! Do what you like with me, but spare him. Ah! you have no mercy."

Fo-Hi handed her the hammer for striking the gong.

"It is _you_ who have no mercy," he replied. "I have asked but one
gift. The sound of the gong will end Dr. Stuart's discomfort ... and
will mean that you _voluntarily_ accept my offer. What! you hesitate?"
A stifled scream rang out sharply.

"Ah, yes! yes!"

Miska ran and struck the gong, then staggered back to the _diwan_ and
fell upon it, hiding her face in her hands. The sounds of torture
ceased.

Fo-Hi closed the door and stood looking at her where she lay.

"I permit you some moments of reflection," he said, "in order that you
may compose yourself to receive the addresses which I shall presently
have the honour, and joy, of making to you. Yes--this door is
unlocked." He threw the keys on the table. "I respect your promise ...
and Chunda Lal guards the _outer_ exits."

He opened the further door, by which he had entered, and went out.

Miska, through the fingers of her shielding hands, watched him go.

When he had disappeared she sprang up, clenching her teeth, and her
face was contorted with anguish. She began to move aimlessly about the
room, glancing at the many strange objects on the big table and
fearfully at the canopied chair beside which hung the bronze bell.
Finally:

"Oh, Chunda Lal! Chunda Lal!