CHAPTER IV.
FLIGHT.
The success of the first shot gave Jack Everson self-confidence and hetook less time in aiming the second, which was as unerring as thefirst. Another Ghoojur plunged off his horse and gave but a singlestruggle when he sank from sight in the shallow water.
"Another bull's-eye!" called Jack, proceeding to reload his piece. "Ihope, doctor, you are keeping a correct score; I must have credit forall I do."
"Now for my distinguished friend on the milk-white steed," said Jack,proceeding to adjust his telescopic sight to that individual. "If theywill send over the three horses it will give us one apiece."
But the Ghoojurs had had enough of this fearful business. They sawthat some unaccountable fatality was at work and it was madness forthem to remain. With never a suspicion of the truth they wheeled theiranimals about and sent them galloping for the bank which they had lefta short time before full of hope and anticipation.
"I'm sorry for that," reflected Jack Everson, "for it mixes things andI can't pick out my man, but here goes."
In one sense, his opportunity was better than before; for, while hecould not select his particular target, he had but to aim at the bunchto make sure of hitting somebody, which is precisely what he did.
The Ghoojur whom he punctured did not fall, for the reason that two ofhis friends reached out and prevented him. It was a piece ofsupererogation on their part, for when the party emerged from theGanges upon dry land that fellow was of no further account.
Jack now showed more haste than before in reloading his weapon, fearingthat the party would get beyond his reach before he could fire for thefourth time. Much to his regret, they did so, for though he made theshot, it was necessarily so hurried that it inflicted no injury, andthe whole party galloped out of sight over the slight swell withoutshowing any further concern for their companions left behind. Jack nowrose 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 fouris pretty fair when the circumstances are considered. I suspect thatthat 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 fordand when the sun is shining this will become truly amusing."
"But the Ghoojurs will not repeat that mistake. This affair has servedanother purpose," added the physician, "we must not delay ourdeparture."
"Do you advise our going while it is night?"
"I advised the contrary a little while ago, but I confess I am afraidto stay in the house, even for a few hours. However, we will take ourdinner there, gather a few belongings and then hurry off. We shallfind some spot where it will be safe to pass the night, and where weare not likely to be molested, because no one will know where to findus."
All glanced in the direction of the other shore, and seeing nothing tocause misgiving moved to the house, a low, roomy structure, though ofmoderate proportions, with a broad veranda extending along two sides.It was time for the evening meal, and there was some surprise felt thatMustad, the servant, had not summoned them before.
This surprise turned to astonishment and alarm when it was discoveredthat Mustad was not in the house. No preparation had been made fordinner, 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 ownIndians show in telegraphing news from one mountain top to another,word has reached Mustad of what has taken place, and he has been calledupon 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 thebreed; I have twice been the means of saving his life through mymedicines, and Mary nursed him for three weeks when he was sufferingfrom a fever."
"Yon may be doing him an injustice," ventured Jack Everson, to whom thejudgment of his friend seemed bitter.
"I wish I could think so, but, Mary, if you can provide us withsomething in the way of food, Mr. Everson and I will get the thingstogether that we are to take with us."
Dr. Marlowe wisely decided not to burden themselves with unnecessaryluggage. Jack took from his trunk a few needed articles and stowedthem into a travelling bag whose supporting strap could be flung overone shoulder. Though a physician himself, admitted to practice, he hadbrought none of his instruments with him, for the good reason that hesaw no sense in doing so. Into the somewhat larger bag of the elderdoctor were placed his most delicate instruments and several medicalpreparations, mostly the results of his experiments. They were tooprecious to be lost if there was any way of preserving them. Marypacked her articles in a small travelling bag, the strap of which she,too, flung over her shoulder, though Jack asked to be allowed torelieve her.
It was after the hurried meal had been eaten by lamplight that thethree completed their preparations for departure. That to which theypaid the most attention was their means of defense. Jack Everson hadbrought a plentiful supply of cartridges for his superb breechloader;and the belt was already secured around his body. Dr. Marlowe neverallowed his supply of ammunition to run low, so that the two were wellsupplied in that respect.
Jack was pleased to find that the revolver belonging to Mary Marlowewas of the same calibre as his own, so that the cartridges could beused 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 becalled 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 eyesand a compression of her lips.