FLIGHT.
The success of the first shot gave Jack Everson self-confidence and he
took less time in aiming the second, which was as unerring as the
first. Another Ghoojur plunged off his horse and gave but a single
struggle when he sank from sight in the shallow water.
"Another bull's-eye!" called Jack, proceeding to reload his piece. "I
hope, doctor, you are keeping a correct score; I must have credit for
all I do."
"Now for my distinguished friend on the milk-white steed," said Jack,
proceeding to adjust his telescopic sight to that individual. "If they
will send over the three horses it will give us one apiece."
But the Ghoojurs had had enough of this fearful business. They saw
that some unaccountable fatality was at work and it was madness for
them to remain. With never a suspicion of the truth they wheeled their
animals about and sent them galloping for the bank which they had left
a short time before full of hope and anticipation.
"I'm sorry for that," reflected Jack Everson, "for it mixes things and
I can't pick out my man, but here goes."
In one sense, his opportunity was better than 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.
"He has left us," said the doctor.
"What does it mean?" asked Mary.
"It can have but one meaning: by some legerdemain, such as our own
Indians show in telegraphing news from one mountain top to another,
word has reached Mustad of what has taken place, and he has been called
upon to join the faithful, and has been only too glad to do it."
"I should think he would have attempted to do us harm before going."
"He is too great a coward."
"But his fanaticism will make him reckless."
"When he gets among his friends then he will be among the worst."
"But, father, he was always meek and gentle and respectful."
"Those are the kind who become directly the opposite."
"Do you think he would harm us?"
"I have no doubt of it," was the reply of the doctor. "I know the
breed; I have twice been the means of saving his life through my
medicines, and Mary nursed him for three weeks when he was suffering
from a fever."
"Yon may be doing him an injustice," ventured Jack Everson, to whom the
judgment of his friend seemed bitter.
"I wish I could think so, but, Mary, if you can provide us with
something in the way of food, Mr. Everson and I will get the things
together that we are to take with us."
Dr. Marlowe wisely decided not to burden themselves with unnecessary
luggage. Jack took from his trunk a few needed articles and stowed
them into a travelling bag whose supporting strap could be flung over
one shoulder. Though a physician himself, admitted to practice, he had
brought none of his instruments with him, for the good reason that he
saw no sense in doing so. Into the somewhat larger bag of the elder
doctor were placed his most delicate instruments and several medical
preparations, mostly the results of his experiments. They were too
precious to be lost if there was any way of preserving them. Mary
packed her articles in a small travelling bag, the strap of which she,
too, flung over her shoulder, though Jack asked to be allowed to
relieve her.
It was after the hurried meal had been eaten by lamplight that the
three completed their preparations for departure. That to which they
paid the most attention was their means of defense. Jack Everson had
brought a plentiful supply of cartridges for his superb breechloader;
and the belt was already secured around his body. Dr. Marlowe never
allowed his supply of ammunition to run low, so that the two were well
supplied in that respect.
Jack was pleased to find that the revolver belonging to Mary Marlowe
was of the same calibre as his own, so that the cartridges could be
used indiscriminately.
"I remember," he said to her, when the parent was just beyond hearing,
"that you were quite skillful with your weapon."
"Not specially so, but what skill I gained is due to your tuition."
"Not so much to that as to the aptness of the pupil."
"Your remark is more gallant than true, but I hope I shall not be
called upon to use this weapon as you used yours awhile ago."
"Such is my prayer, but if the necessity arises do not hesitate."
"Be assured I shall not," she replied, with a flash of her fine eyes
and a compression of her lips.