"The munshi clapped his hands once more, and the servant was quickly in attendance.
"'These friends of mine will take the road,' he said to the man, 'so soon as the moon is up. Go you now to the inn, and bid the grooms make ready their horses for a long journey. Quick—lose no time!'
"The Sheikh motioned the servant to his side, and added some whispered instructions. Then, turning to me, he said:
"'The moon will serve us ere very long.'
"By my silence I had acquiesced in the plan of speedy departure, for nothing could better suit my own wishes. But meanwhile there would be an interval of patient waiting.
"'Can you account for the strange wailing around the house of Baji Lal?' I asked of the Sheikh.
"He hesitated a moment before making answer.
"'To me it is all a mystery,' he said at last. 'Some one, perhaps, is playing a trick upon them.'
"'A sorry trick,' I commented bitterly.
"'But their home must certainly be saved,' he added.