ife, but that Desmond's
curt "_chupraho_"[34] checked them in mid-career.

[34] Be quiet.

"Stay where you are, Honor," he added to the girl, who had followed
him, and now stood at the head of the steps. "I am bringing her in."

"Is she--alive?"

"God knows. Look sharp and get some brandy."

He took up one limp hand and laid his fingers on her wrist. A faint
flutter of life rewarded him.

"Thank Heaven!" he murmured; and lifted her tenderly in his arms. But
at the foot of the steps he paused.

"Nassur Ali--the Doctor Sahib. Ride like the wind!" Then turning again
to the jhampanis, big with harrowing detail, added: "The devil who did
this thing, hath he escaped?"

"_Nahin_, _nahin_,[35] Sahib. Would your Honour's servants permit? The
jackal spawn is even now in the hands of the police. May his soul burn
in hell----"

[35] No, no.

"It is enough--go!" Desmond commanded in the peremptory vernacular;
and mounted the steps with his burden.

Honor stood awaiting him in the drawing-room, white as her dress,
tears glistening on her cheeks and lashes, yet very composed withal.

At sight of his face she started; it was grey-white and set like a
rock. Only the eyes were alive--and ruthless, as she had never yet
seen them, and prayed that she never might see them again.

"They've got the man," he said between his teeth. "I wish to God I
could shoot him with my own hand."

Then he went forward to the sofa, and laid his wife upon it. His quick
eye detected at once the nature of the wound. "Lung," he muttered
mechanically. "No hope."

With the same unnatural calmness, he drew the long pins out of her
hat--the poor, pretty hat which had so delighted her six hours ago;
and as she moved, with a small sound of pain, he applied the spirit to
her lips.

"What is it?" she murmured. "Don't touch me."

The faint note of distaste struck on her husband's heart; for he did
not understand its meaning.

"Ladybird--look!" he entreated gently. "It is Theo." She opened her
eyes, and gazed blankly up at him, where he leaned above her.

Then, as recognition dawned, he saw the shadow of fear darken them,
and instantly dropped on one knee enclosing her with his arm.

"Ladybird, forgive me! You must never be frightened of me--never!"

The intensity of his low tone roused her half-awakened brain.

"But you were so angry, I was--afraid to come home."

"My God!" the man groaned under his breath. But before he could grasp
the ful