"You speak as though you thought we might escape."
"I did not say that, sahib."
Luchman explained that he meant that before he would require any more slumber, the question would be settled one way or the other. When the time should come for the guide to sleep again the fugitives would either be dead or safe.
Luchman urged Avery to go inside and try to rest, but he was too much distressed to accept the suggestion. He preferred to remain on guard, and he did so.
CHAPTER XXIX.
AN INTRUDER.
Dr. Avery was determined to make the guide express himself more clearly as to the probable fate of the party. He had let fall some abrupt expressions, but they were not satisfactory.
Finally Luchman said he had had a faint hope that there might be some way of leaving the rear of the temple. It was for that reason that he made his reconnaissance, but it only showed him that there was not the slightest chance.
"I gather that you have concluded that darkness is one of the indispensable conditions."
"That is true, sahib."