Ahmed think for me. Let us get back to
the bungalow."

He loved her. And he feared her, too. She was so unlike any young
woman he had ever met that she confused his established ideas of the
sex. The cool blood of her disturbed him as much as anything. Not a
sign of that natural hysteria of woman, though she had been through
enough to drive insane a dozen ordinary women. He loved the fearless
eye of her, the flat back, the deep chest, the spring with which she
measured her strides. Here at last was the true normal woman. She was
of the breed which produced heroes.

He loved her, and yet was afraid of her. A wall seemed to surround
her, and nowhere could he discover any breach. Vaguely he wondered how
the Viking made love to the Viking's daughter. By storm, or by guile?
Yes, he was afraid of her; afraid of her because she could walk alone.
He locked up his thoughts in his heart; for instinct advised him to say
nothing now; this was no time for the declaration of love.

"It is best," said Ahmed, "that we all remain inside the bungalow.
Ramabai, have you any plan in case Pundita does not return?"

Ramabai's breast swelled. "Yes, Ahmed. I have a thousand friends in
yonder city, ready at my call. Only, this is not the time. Still, I
can call to them, and by to-morrow there will not be a stone of the
palace upon another. Be not alarmed. Pundita will return, but mayhap
alone."

So they waited.

Now, Pundita, being a woman, was wise in the matter of lure. She
entered the city unquestioned. She came to the palace steps just as
Umballa was issuing forth. She shivered a little--she could not help
it; the man looked so gloomy and foreboding. The scowl warned her to
walk with extreme care.

He stopped when he saw her and was surprised into according her the
salute one gave to a woman of quality.

"Ah!"

"Durga Ram," she began, "I am seeking you." Her voice trembled ever so
little.

"Indeed! And why do you seek me, who am your enemy, and who always
will be?"

"A woman loves where she must, not where she wills."

Umballa seemed to ponder over this truth.

"And why have you sought me?"

"A woman's reasons. My husband and the Mem-sahib----"

"You know, then, where she is?" quickly.

"Aye, Durga Ram; I alone know where she is hiding."

He sent a shrewd glance into her eyes. Had she wavered, ill would have
befallen her.

"Tell me."

"Follow."

He laughed. Near by stood two of the pala