TOO LATE!
From the moment Wana Affghar of Puneput solemnly pledged himself to
allow the fugitives to go free, in consideration of the Star of India
being turned over to him, his brain was busy in devising some means
of violating his vow.
Two powerful causes spurred him on. The first was his inherent
viciousness and hatred of the Feringhees, and the second the
necessity of doing something to placate the ruffians who had served
under him during the siege. Despite his self important assertion
that none of the Ghoojurs dare question his authority, his discipline
was so loose that there would have been open rebellion had he sought
to draw them away from the feast with their appetites unsatisfied.
In the face of the vigilance of Luchman, the chief succeeded in
making known his whole scheme to Ramsurun Duss, his trusted aid, who
gave him all the help he could; for like a true Asiatic, the task was
the most congenial one in all the world to him.
Luchman was mistaken in thinking Wana Affghar had received no
re-enforcements. He had at least a score of ragged ruffians under
his control, and a half dozen of these were lurking in the edge of
the jungle, where their presence was unsuspected by the guide.
Through the stratagem already described, Ramsurun Duss changed
position with one of them, and stayed behind, while Wana Affghar and
the rest, accompanied by Luchman, moved several miles down the river.
Wana Affghar told his subordinate that as soon as it was fully dark
the Europeans would come out of the temple and start away, though
what precise direction they would take could not be conjectured, nor
was it needful that it should be known.
The seven Ghoojurs were afraid to make an attack upon those who
stayed behind, nor were they required to do so.
They were to steal up to the ruins, and, taking the best positions
they could, so as to command the entrance, pour a volley into the
Feringhees that would not leave one alive. They would then rush
forward and rob the bodies, dividing the loot with the main band that
were waiting with Wana Affghar down the river, who were to make their
way back to the temple, after Luchman should also be killed.
The Ghoojurs did not know the precise hour fixed for the departure of
the fugitives, but they were prompt themselves. It was hardly dark
when the wretches stole to their places like so many bees crawling
over the ruins. They took the precaution to make a long circuit, and
to approach from the rear.
This part of the programme was carried out without break, but so
extreme was their caution that it was close upon eight o'clock when
the seven crouching figures stationed themselves under the shade of
the overhanging trees and dense vegetation, that grew in and out of
the ruins of the temple.
With the utmost care and no little skill, each man secured his
position.
It was then found that every one was so placed that he could empty
his gun into any one of the Feringhees, as he or she came forth.
Having no means of knowing of Harkins's death, they expected to see
three men, whom they meant to kill first, there being two shots and
one to spare.
All in position at last, the Ghoojurs waited patiently, for they were
sure the fugitives must soon present themselves. The minutes pass
slowly to those who count them, and the Hindoo does not possess the
patience of the Esquimau sitting twenty hours at a stretch beside the
air hole in the ice, waiting to catch sight of the nose of the seal.
So it goes without saying that when seven ruffians had held their
expectant and cramped positions for two full hours, they began to
grow petulant, and to wonder what could possibly keep their victims
out of sight so long. It could not be that they suspected the danger
on the outside, and they must know how important it was that they
should start at the earliest moment they could.
That the Europeans were within the temple on the arrival of the
assassins was certain, since the murmur of their voices was plainly
heard.
What, then, meant the delay?
A couple of the miscreants approached Ramsurun Duss and questioned
him. He was as impatient as they, and declared that if their victims
did not soon appear he would lead his followers into the refuge after
them.
The rest were hardly prepared for this, and one proposed they should
go after re-enforcements before undertaking so perilous a task.
Ramsurun Duss replied that they had more than enough, and a larger
number would make too small a share of the loot.
He did not wish any more to be admitted on the "ground floor."
This statement kept matters quiet for another half hour, when the
same Ghoojurs threaded their way to the side of their leader to learn
what he meant to do.
He was in ill humor, and declared that he would not wait much longer.
Since he was the most courageous of the party, he took upon himself
the task of learning why the Europeans persisted in staying within
the temple.
At last the ruffian decided to steal through the arched way. If
challenged he would say that he was a messenger from Luchman, who
sent word that they must not delay their departure another minute, as
every hour added to their peril. Since the missionary spoke
Hindustani, there would be no trouble in communicating with him, and
Ramsurun Duss was sanguine of completely deceiving the good man.
In the event of being suspected, or if violent hands were laid upon
him, he would make an outcry that was to be answered by a rush on the
part of the rest of the Ghoojurs.
It cannot be said that the subordinate relished this part of the
undertaking; but he considered detection so unlikely that it was
practically out of the question. Besides, he wished to set the
example to his men which they needed.
The first thing Ramsurun Duss did was to creep to one of the circular
openings which served for windows. There he listened for several
minutes. He fancied he heard whispered voices, but further attention
convinced him he was mistaken. The stillness within was as profound
as the grave.
"They are asleep," he said, in an undertone, to those around him; "we
will all enter together, and leap upon them before they can awake."
But the others objected. They could not see the wisdom of exposing
themselves to so much danger. More likely the Feringhees were making
a pretense of unconsciousness, so as to draw them into a trap.
Their leader became savage at the cowardice of his men. He declared
that he would manage the whole business himself, and would keep all
the loot of the Feringhees.
With this parting threat he straightway entered upon his own campaign.
Picking his way down from where he was perched above the roof of the
temple, he reached the arched entrance, as he believed, without
betraying himself. When he came to look into the black, gaping
mouth, which resembled the throat of some enormous piece of ordnance,
he stood still for a full minute.
Some of his comrades had ventured too near that place during the past
two days, and paid dearly for their temerity. Did a similar fate
await him?
But he would not go back to his men, confessing that he was afraid.
He stole swiftly through the passage way, until the larger apartment
was reached.
Those on the outside were not kept waiting long, when he reappeared,
gnashing his teeth and execrating.
"Too late," he exclaimed; "the Feringhees are gone!"