and there herds
of antelopes were visible, who, however, always dashed away in rapid
flight, in which their strange manner of springing from all fours in the
air afforded a most strange and delightful spectacle.

On the third day a gay-coloured cavalcade crossed the path of the
detachment. They were evidently aristocratic Indians, who in the
half-native, half-English dress were seated upon excellent horses,
a cross-breed between the Arabian and Gujarat. At their head rode a
splendidly dressed, dark-bearded man upon a white horse of special
beauty.

He halted to exchange a few words of civil salutation with the Russian
colonel. When he had again set himself in motion with his lancers, soon
to be lost to view in the thick jungle, the Prince motioned Heideck to
his side.

"I have news for you, comrade! The aristocratic Indian with whom I just
spoke was the Maharajah of Sabathu who is on the look-out for his guest
and friend, the Maharajah of Chanidigot, who is engaged on a hunting
expedition."

"The Maharajah of Chanidigot?" Heideck exclaimed with sparkling eyes.
"The rogue is then really in our immediate neighbourhood?"

"The hunting-camp that the two Princes have formed lies directly in our
line of march, and the Maharajah has invited me to camp this night there
with my men. I have really more than half a mind to accept his kind
invitation."

"And did you not inquire about Mrs. Irwin, Prince?"

The Colonel's face assumed at Heideck's question a strangely serious,
almost repellent expression.

"No."

"But it is more than probable that she is in his camp."

"Possibly, although up to now every proof of that is wanting."

"But you will institute inquiries for her, will you not? You will compel
the Maharajah to give us news of her whereabouts?"

"I can, at most, politely ask him for information. But I cannot promise
you even that with certainty."

Heideck was extremely surprised. He could not explain in any way the
change in the Prince's demeanour. And he would have been inclined
to take his strange answers for a not too delicate jest, had not
the frigid, impenetrable expression of his face at once excluded any
suggestion of the sort.

"But I don't understand, Prince," he said, surprised. "It was only a few
days ago that you were kind enough to promise me your active support in
this matter."

"I am to my regret compelled to cancel that promise; for I have received
strict instructions from His Excellency