"Unfortunately, most of those who knew me best are gone," returned Barma
Shah, in a regretful tone. "They were marked for death, as I have been."
"I know that," nodded Colonel Gorak. "All of you were in constant danger from all sides when you tried to quell those riots between rival factions, especially in Calcutta."
"The danger still is great," declared Barma Shah, "and that is why I show myself so seldom. During the past year or more, only two men really met me face to face, so far as learning my identity. One was Diwan Chand; the other, Thomas Brewster. Recently, of course"—he gestured toward Biff and his companions—"I told these boys who I was, because once I was clear of Calcutta, I felt the need for secrecy was gone. So now"—Barma Shah finished with a bow—"we meet at last, Colonel Gorak."
"And the meeting is a timely one," returned Gorak, "because you are the man who can help us most."
The colonel spread a large map of Kashmir on the table, ran his finger from Srinagar eastward to Leh, the principal city of Ladakh. Then he inched it, zig-zag fashion, toward the boundary between India and Tibet, which was marked with a dotted line, indicating its uncertainty.
"Charles Keene will meet you in Leh," explained Colonel Gorak, "or at one of your later stopping points. When you reach the vicinity of Chonsi—wherever it may be—you will be contacted and guided to that lost city."
Barma Shah looked up, slightly puzzled. "You aren't coming with us,
Colonel Gorak?" he asked.
"No. This is not a military mission, nor even an official expedition. Mr. Brewster went there on his own and personally promised to deliver the Rajah's ruby to the Chonsi Lama, once the gem was found. Since the descendants of the Rajah were supposed to deliver it to the successor of the Lama, tradition demands that Mr. Brewster's promise be fulfilled by his son.
"Again, in keeping with tradition, the boy should be accompanied by someone close of kin, so we have chosen his Uncle Charles for that purpose. And since you, Barma Shah, played the vital part in recovering the lost ruby, you are entitled to go along as its temporary guardian."
As Colonel Gorak finished, Barma Shah smiled.