e path, she following next, while Almos, the leader of the
Ghoojurs, and his three companions, brought up the rear. Like most of
the trails through the Asiatic jungles, this was inclosed on each side
by a growth of trees, undergrowth and matted vegetation of such density
that it was next to impossible for any one to pick his way forward or
backward except by keeping within the path itself. To step aside into
the jungle would immediately involve one in so inextricable a tangle
that he could move only with the greatest difficulty.

An attempt to escape, therefore, by darting to one side was not to be
thought of, and she knew that her only hope lay with her absent
friends. She was confident that they would speedily return, and,
finding her gone, start in immediate pursuit. A collision between them
and the Ghoojurs was imminent.

The latter acted as if their only interest lay in their prisoner. So
far as she could judge no attention was paid to the rear, whence the
danger of attack threatened. The place of Mustad, at the head,
confirmed her suspicion that he had been playing the part of guide for
the rest from the first.

She did not doubt that her home and its contents had been burned by the
wretches, but under the circumstances the matter gave her little
concern. She was inclined to believe that her captors meant to conduct
her into the town of Akwar, nearby, and with her knowledge of the
fanatical hatred of the population against all Christians she still
hoped to find some friends there who would protect her from harm. And
thus it was that she was not in the state of collapse or despair that
might be supposed.

Suddenly a pistol was fired from some point at the rear beyond her
captors, and out of sight. All the men instantly stopped, grasped
their arms and looked back, the young woman doing the same. Her
thought was: "That was father or Jack, but he did not hit any one;
therefore, it wasn't Jack."

While the six were looking expectantly to the rear Dr. Marlowe, his
face flushed, and his whole appearance, showing his intense excitement,
came into sight. He was panting from his severe exertion, and raised
his hand as a signal for the Ghoojurs to wait for him. It is probable
that he would have received a shot, but for an interruption that was as
unexpected as it was remarkable. Almos, the leader of the Ghoojurs,
emitted a yell that could have been heard a half-mile away, and leaped
several feet in the air