half no power but Allah can save you."

Catching the full meaning of these words, the Ghoojur leader quivered
with suddenly renewed hope.

"Can you save me?" he asked in Hindustani.

"I have in there," replied the physician, tapping his caba with his
long forefinger, "that which will render the bite of the snake as
harmless as the peck of a bird that flies in the air, but barely three
minutes remain in which to apply it."

"Then I beseech you, do not wait," said the eager Almos, shoving his
foot towards the doctor; "great is the English doctor; be quick; why do
you tarry?"

"Before I heal you," replied Dr. Marlowe, with maddening deliberation,
"I must be paid my fee; I have attended you before and refused to
accept what you offered, but now I demand payment before applying the
remedy."

"You shall have it; name it, I beg you; all that I have shall be yours
if you will save me, but haste, O great physician, haste!"

"It is strong, and will do its work well, if it be given the chance."

He next drew out a lancet, with its edge like a razor's. Almos
breathlessly watched him, but when he expected the doctor to begin
work, he leaned back and said:

"Why should I bring you back from death, when you are seeking the lives
of my daughter and myself? The best thing I can do is to let you die,
as you will do in two minutes and a half more," he added, looking again
at his watch; "the venom of the cobra works fast and it will soon
strike your heart."

"You promised to save me if I would pay you in advance.

"So I will."

"Name your fee; be quick with it!"

"It is that you and the rest of the Ghoojurs shall leave me and mine
alone; that you shall depart at once; that you shall not attempt to
follow, nor harm us in any way. Without that pledge on your part, I
shall let you die like the dog that you are. What is your answer?"

"I promise; I promise!" exclaimed Almos, almost beside himself with
excitement and renewed hope. "I will guide you through the jungle to a
safe point, and will watch over you till all danger is gone."

"You have given me your promise, but you may break it; swear by the
mantle of the Prophet, or I shall let you die."

"I swear by the mantle of the Prophet!" the Ghoojur chieftain fairly
shrieked, "that I will do as I have promised! Quick, quick, or it will
be too late!"

"You have made the most sacred vow that a Mussulman can make; I will
test it by saving your life."

CHAPTER X