in that way. It would seem impossible, and no European would credit it.
Natives would, of course, for as it is they seem to look upon him as a god
already."

"Yes; but you think as I do, don't you?" she exclaimed in surprise. "Surely
you believe that he did bring the other elephants to save us."

"Yes, I do. I know that he did, for I--well, between ourselves I have seen
him do even more wonderful things. But others wouldn't believe us, and I
don't want to emphasise the marvellous part of the story. I'd rather people
thought that the _dacoits_, or whoever those men were who attacked us,
accidentally fell foul of a herd of wild elephants."

"Perhaps you are right. But _we_ know. It will be just our own secret and
Badshah's," she said dreamily.

Then she relapsed into silence. In spite of the terrible experiences
through which she had just passed she felt happy at the pressure of
Dermot's arm about her and the sensation of being utterly alone with him in
a world of their own, as they were borne on through the darkness. Fatigue
made her drowsy, and the swaying motion of the elephant's pace lulled her
to sleep.

She woke suddenly and for an instant wondered where she was. Then
remembrance came and she felt the warm blood mantle her face as she
realised that she was nestling in Dermot's arms. But, drowsy and content,
she did not move. Looking up she saw the stars overhead. They were out of
the forest.

"I must have been asleep," she said. "Where are we?"

"At Malpura. There are the lights of your bungalow," replied Dermot. He
said it almost with regret, for he had found the long miles through the
forest almost short, while the girl nestled confidingly, though
unconsciously, in his arms and he held her against his heart.

As the elephant neared the house Dermot gave a loud shout.

Instantly the verandah filled with men who rushed out of the lighted rooms
and tried to pierce the darkness. A little distance from the bungalow a
large number of coolies, seated on the ground, rose up and pressed forward
to the road. From behind the house several white-clad servants ran out.

Dermot shouted again and called out Daleham's name.

There was a frantic rush down the verandah steps.

"Hurrah! it's the Major," cried a planter.

"And--and--yes, Miss Daleham's with him. Hooray!" yelled another.

"Good old Dermot!" came in Payne's voice.

Through the throng of shouting, excited men the girl's brother broke.

"Noreen! Noreen