"The moon will rise later each night, but we cannot afford to wait many days for that."
"I am willing to tarry two nights longer, sahib, and then if we cannot make the venture we have the last resort."
"What is that?"
"I will open negotiations with Wana Affghar and get the best terms possible, knowing that he will break every one of them if he can."
The guide realized the skill with which this ruffian had outwitted him. When Luchman reappeared in Delhi, after his journey from Calcutta, Wana's detectives knew it and held him under surveillance, though the guide never dreamed of such a thing. He supposed the bloodhounds had been thrown off the track, but they never lost the scent for any length of time, and were at his heels, as may be said, when he left Flagstaff Tower, and with little delay opened communications with their chief.
The truth was, Wana Affghar was determined to secure the Star of India—the great diamond—no matter what the cost or sacrifice demanded. This fixedness of purpose, amid extraordinary conditions, will make clear many occurrences which otherwise would remain incapable of explanation.
That night brought a singular experience to another member of the little party of refugees.
After the departure of Dr. Avery to learn the cause of the slight disturbance in the entrance way, the missionary and his family continued their conversation in low tones until the faint sound of Luchman's pistol was heard.
This naturally startled the group, and Mr. Hildreth rose to go out and learn the cause.
"Wait until the doctor comes back," interposed his wife, "it is lonely here in the darkness."