The discovery confirmed the belief that foul play would be seen.
"The interview is ended," said Harkins, at the moment their guide saluted Buktar Sing and turned his face away.
"Yes—and do you see that?"
The dark line of grass was agitated just beyond Luchman as he approached the temple. The stirring of the grass was of a nature to show that it was caused by some person. The sentinels brought their guns to their shoulders.
At the moment of doing so, two hideous looking heads rose in sight, followed by the shoulders and bodies of the Ghoojurs, who stole as noiselessly as phantoms out upon the level plain and hurried after the guide.
"I'll take the one nearest Luchman," whispered Harkins, "and you the other; don't miss."
Although the murderers made no noise, yet Luchman, looking toward his friends, saw them raise weapons, and he knew what it meant.
Like a flash he whirled about, and, whipping out his long knife, confronted the two assassins.
One of them held a similar weapon and the other a long pistol, the second being closer than his companion to Luchman. They stopped, but only for a moment. The Ghoojur with the firearm raised it, while the other began a cautious circling to one side, with the purpose of getting behind Luchman.
At this junction Dr. Avery and Harkins let fly. The distance was short; the rifles were well aimed.