Chapter XXXIV: 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!"