"Bring in the others," the Chonsi Lama ordered, referring to Charles Keene and Barma Shah. He turned to Mr. Brewster. "I shall now officially announce that your mission is complete," he said. "The Light of the Lama has been returned. Since it was restored by the present government of India, I shall ally myself with that nation for our mutual advantage. As for the trouble you encountered at the gold mines, it still has puzzling factors—"
The Chonsi Lama broke off to greet the newcomers who were being ushered in. To Charles Keene, he said cordially, "I know you must be Biff's uncle." Then, turning to the other man, he added, "And you are Barma Shah—"
Mr. Brewster was coming forward in quick interruption to confront the bland man with the broad face and the wide ears. Biff, accustomed to his father's calm, was surprised to hear Mr. Brewster exclaim excitedly, "Wait! This man is not Barma Shah. He is an impostor! I have never seen him before!"
"No, I am not Barma Shah," the impostor stated. "But are you sure we haven't met? Don't you remember—"
He drew his hands over his ears, pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes to thin slits as he leered mockingly at Biff's father. His complete change of appearance was startling.
"The spy we nearly trapped down at the mine!" Mr. Brewster exclaimed.
"You are Bela Kron, the man who was after the ruby!"
"Yes, I am Bela Kron," the master spy answered, smiling. "And I took the place of your friend Barma Shah after he was killed in a Calcutta riot of a month ago. Now, I am taking over here!"
Kron, the pretended Barma Shah, was drawing a revolver from his pocket. He had raised his voice and it must have carried beyond the golden doors, for they suddenly burst open to admit Hurdu and the three men with him. No longer were the Changpas carrying bows and arrows. Hurdu had a revolver, and the others were similarly armed.
Efficiently, Kron motioned the robed dignitaries to one corner of the throne room, Thomas Brewster and Charles Keene to another, Biff and the boys to a third. That left the youthful Chonsi Lama still on his throne—for how long was a question, though he took the situation calmly.
Pleased by the way he and his picked crew had taken over, Bela Kron decided to enlarge upon it.