[Bekaffe-dev] Ber was filled with idols; here and there a bit of

[Licciardi G. <ho...@bl...>]

Ughter. By storm, or by guile? Yes, he was afraid of her; afraid of her
because she could walk alone. He locked up his thoughts in his heart;
for instinct advised him to say nothing now; this was no time for the
declaration of love. "It is best," said Ahmed, "that we all remain
inside the bungalow. Ramabai, have you any plan in case Pundita does
not return?" Ramabai's breast swelled. "Yes, Ahmed. I have a thousand
friends in yonder city, ready at my call. Only, this

is not the time. Still, I can call to them, and by to-morrow there will
not be a stone of the palace upon another. Be not alarmed. Pundita will
return, but mayhap alone." So they waited. Now, Pundita, being a woman,
was wise in the matter
of lure. She entered the city unquestioned. She came to the palace
steps just as Umballa was issuing forth. She shivered a little--she
could not help it; the man looked so gloomy and foreboding.
The scowl warned her to walk with extreme care. He stopped
when he saw her and was surprised into according her the
salute one gave to a woman
of quality. "Ah!" "Durga Ram," she began,
"I am seeking you." Her voice trembled ever so
little. "Indeed! And why do you seek me, who am your enemy, and who
always will be?" "A woman loves where she must, not where she wills."
Umballa seemed
to ponder over this truth. "And why have you sought me?" "A woman's
reasons. My husband and the Mem-sahib----" "You know, then, where she
is?" quickly. "Aye, Durga Ram; I alone know where she is hiding." He
sent a shrewd glance into her eyes. Had she wavered, ill would have
befallen her. "Tell me." "Follow." He laughed. Near by stood two of the
palace guards. "All women are
liars. Why should I trust you?" "That is true. Why indeed should you
trust me?" She turned
and with bowed head started to walk away. "Wait!" he called to her, at
the same time motioning to the guards to follow at a distance. "If I
lead you to the Mem-sahib, it must be alone." "You say that you alone
know where she is?" "I meant

that I alone will lead you to her. And you must decide quickly, Durga
Ram, for

even now they are preparing for night, and this time they will go far."
"Lead on." "Send the guards back to the

palace." Umballa made a sign with his hand, but another with