"I don't believe he needs any rest," said the surgeon; "I doubt whether he will feel the least inconvenience if he has no food, water, or sleep for a week to come. He is the most remarkable specimen of what the human system can stand that I ever saw. Do as you think best, Luchman, but Harkins and I have come out to relieve you for a while; will you allow us to do it?"
"After a time, sahibs; when the night is fully come you may look out."
"What do you mean to do?"
"Wait, sahib, and you will see."
"I shouldn't be surprised if we did," laughed Harkins.
The moon was so bright that before any one suspected the short twilight had merged into the night.
The gnarled trees at the entrance to the gateway threw their heavy shadows across the ground in front, while the abundant vegetation cast numerous patches of darkness around the picturesque ruins. These standing in an open plain, with a large stream of water some two hundred yards to the rear, the jungle being further from the front, it will be seen that it was beyond the power of any one to steal away from the temple without certain detection by the watchful Ghoojurs.
Such being the situation, the fugitives might well despair of escape without help from the outside, and such help was among the human impossibilities.
Luchman noticed one fact: the Ghoojurs had received no re-enforcements. This only proved that they did not wish any; they were confident they had enough to do the work before them. Wana Affghar must have convinced his men that they would soon have an abundance of loot to divide.
Figures could be seen moving over the plain, and, as a matter of course, the ruffians were guarding every point, despite which Luchman declared that he intended to leave the temple and find out whether there was any opening for an attempt to get away. His entrance into the ruined building was so hurried that he had no time to acquaint himself with the surroundings, and he thought the time had now come to do so.