The Star of India

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

Luchman was mistaken in thinking Wana Affghar had received no re-enforcements. He had at least a score of ragged ruffians under his control, and a half dozen of these were lurking in the edge of the jungle, where their presence was unsuspected by the guide. Through the stratagem already described, Ramsurun Duss changed position with one of them, and stayed behind, while Wana Affghar and the rest, accompanied by Luchman, moved several miles down the river.

Wana Affghar told his subordinate that as soon as it was fully dark the Europeans would come out of the temple and start away, though what precise direction they would take could not be conjectured, nor was it needful that it should be known.

The seven Ghoojurs were afraid to make an attack upon those who stayed behind, nor were they required to do so.

They were to steal up to the ruins, and, taking the best positions they could, so as to command the entrance, pour a volley into the Feringhees that would not leave one alive. They would then rush forward and rob the bodies, dividing the loot with the main band that were waiting with Wana Affghar down the river, who were to make their way back to the temple, after Luchman should also be killed.

The Ghoojurs did not know the precise hour fixed for the departure of the fugitives, but they were prompt themselves. It was hardly dark when the wretches stole to their places like so many bees crawling over the ruins. They took the precaution to make a long circuit, and to approach from the rear.

This part of the programme was carried out without break, but so extreme was their caution that it was close upon eight o'clock when the seven crouching figures stationed themselves under the shade of the overhanging trees and dense vegetation, that grew in and out of the ruins of the temple.

With the utmost care and no little skill, each man secured his position.

It was then found that every one was so placed that he could empty his gun into any one of the Feringhees, as he or she came forth. Having no means of knowing of Harkins's death, they expected to see three men, whom they meant to kill first, there being two shots and one to spare.

All in position at last, the Ghoojurs waited patiently, for they were sure the fugitives must soon present themselves. The minutes pass slowly to those who count them, and the Hindoo does not possess the patience of the Esquimau sitting twenty hours at a stretch beside the air hole in the ice, waiting to catch sight of the nose of the seal.

So it goes without saying that when seven ruffians had held their expectant and cramped positions for two full hours, they began to grow petulant, and to wonder what could possibly keep their victims out of sight so long. It could not be that they suspected the danger on the outside, and they must know how important it was that they should start at the earliest moment they could.