before; for, while he
could not select his particular target, he had but to aim at the bunch
to make sure of hitting somebody, which is precisely what he did.

The Ghoojur whom he punctured did not fall, for the reason that two of
his friends reached out and prevented him. It was a piece of
supererogation on their part, for when the party emerged from the
Ganges upon dry land that fellow was of no further account.

Jack now showed more haste than before in reloading his weapon, fearing
that the party would get beyond his reach before he could fire for the
fourth time. Much to his regret, they did so, for though he made the
shot, it was necessarily so hurried that it inflicted no injury, and
the whole party galloped out of sight over the slight swell without
showing any further concern for their companions left behind. Jack now
rose to his feet with the question:

"What is my record, doctor?"

"Three bull's-eyes; your score is perfect."

"Hardly, for the last was a miss; however, three out of a possible four
is pretty fair when the circumstances are considered. I suspect that
that particular party is not likely to give us further trouble."

"No, they will not forget the lesson."

"If we can induce our enemies to make their approach by the same ford
and when the sun is shining this will become truly amusing."

"But the Ghoojurs will not repeat that mistake. This affair has served
another purpose," added the physician, "we must not delay our
departure."

"Do you advise our going while it is night?"

"I advised the contrary a little while ago, but I confess I am afraid
to stay in the house, even for a few hours. However, we will take our
dinner there, gather a few belongings and then hurry off. We shall
find some spot where it will be safe to pass the night, and where we
are not likely to be molested, because no one will know where to find
us."

All glanced in the direction of the other shore, and seeing nothing to
cause misgiving moved to the house, a low, roomy structure, though of
moderate proportions, with a broad veranda extending along two sides.
It was time for the evening meal, and there was some surprise felt that
Mustad, the servant, had not summoned them before.

This surprise turned to astonishment and alarm when it was discovered
that Mustad was not in the house. No preparation had been made for
dinner, and though his name was called several times in a loud voice,
there was no response.