Luchman admitted that he had been outwitted by the chieftain, but a curious expression lit up his olive face as he muttered,
"He hasn't got the Star of India yet."
There was an unsuspected meaning in this declaration, which Dr. Avery recalled after many days, though he was far from suspecting it at the time the sentence was uttered. He forebore to question his friend, who had a way of telling without solicitation that which he wished to make known.
During the conference Harkins was in the rear apartment with the missionary and his family. The Ghoojurs showed no purpose of an immediate attack, for they must have seen that it could accomplish nothing. The doctor and the guide were speaking about the probable course of the ruffians when Harkins joined them with a welcome message.
The generous breakfast that Luchman had brought to the fugitives in the jungle was still in their possession. There were the lota of water and the fruit and bread obtained at a native hut. With these too was a supply of cooked dall or grain.
This was a godsend, for it gave to the little garrison the power to hold out against their enemies, if necessary, for several days. Avery and Harkins went within, and a careful division of the food was made so as to give all a substantial lunch, which was to last till the following morning. On the morrow, the rest would be eaten, and it was calculated that three days could be passed in the prison without inconvenience in the way of food. It was not the latter, however, that was so sorely needed as was water. In such a hot climate, the demand for the life giving fluid must be far greater than in a temperate or cold region, and their supply was so light that it was necessary to be rigidly economical from the first.
The share set apart for Luchman being carried out to him by Dr. Avery, the guide told his friend to take it back and keep it until he asked for it. The astonished gentleman did as requested, remarking that Luchman was not likely to be troubled with hunger or thirst for several months to come.
When Avery and Harkins returned once more to the front they saw that something was up. Wana Affghar, having ridden close to the archway, sat for several minutes in the attitude of one who was posing for his picture. Suddenly he dashed off, galloped around in a circle and came back to his position.
Catching sight of Luchman, he raised his hand and beckoned for him to approach. He repeated the gesture several times, but the guide paid no attention to it. Then Wana spoke, the distance being so brief that a conversational tone was sufficient.
Luchman translated the words to his interested friends. The Ghoojur asking Luchman to come out and talk with him, the latter replied that it was not necessary, since they could converse in their present positions. Wana said that his words were of such importance that no one else must hear them, to which the guide made answer that that requirement could be easily met by the use of Hindustani.