A slight vapor in the west raised expectations, but it proved similar to that which sometimes hovers over the burning wastes of the Sahara. As the heat of the day intensified, it became thinner, and finally vanished.
Late in the afternoon all were thrown into alarm by the appearance of Wana Affghar to make a charge upon the temple. He galloped out at full speed from the edge of the grove, followed by his horde of ruffians, and rushed directly for the entrance way.
Mr. Hildreth and Dr. Avery cocked their guns, and awaited the moment when their aim would be sure. Luchman placed his hand upon his pistol, and stood like a bronze statue, his eyes fixed upon the advancing brigands. The ladies withdrew beyond the reach of any flying bullets.
But the demonstration amounted to nothing. When the leader had brought his men to a certain point, their courage failed them, or the chieftain changed his mind.
They stopped, talked violently for a few moments, and then melted like the cloud in the western sky. They did not stay where they were, but fell back until in the shelter of the trees again.
"A lame and impotent conclusion," remarked the surgeon, with a scornful laugh; "their courage melted like snow in the sun."
Luchman believed that most of the Ghoojurs took part in the idle display, though no doubt the guard remained by the river, so as to meet any flight of the fugitives in that direction.
The result was accepted as evidence that the enemy would not make any attack at all. Why should they do so, when they had but to wait a brief while longer, and avoid all personal danger?
Meanwhile, the retreat of the ladies to the interior did not prove as safe as was expected.
Naturally they paused near the door leading out from the arched passage, watching and listening with anxious hearts. A slight noise caused Marian to turn her head, when she saw the muzzle of a gun pushed through one of the circular openings that admitted light into the place. She and her parent stood in direct range. Catching the arm of her mother, she drew her toward the frightful weapon. The two were thus placed below its range, since the musket could not be depressed enough to reach them.