"In what respect?"
"We can follow paths through the jungle, since it extends to within four miles of Kurnal, and we may get a ride with some ryot, that will give the ladies help on their way."
"But will that be safe?"
"We would have had little trouble after leaving Delhi, sahib, had we been fugitives like the others were. All our peril, if you will pause to think, came mainly from Wana Affghar of Puneput and his Ghoojurs: that was not because he wanted us, but because he sought the Star of India. He has been following me more than a year; had you taken one direction and I another he would have paid no heed to you, but followed me. He will follow me no more."
"It is near morning, is it not, Luchman?"
"It is, sahib; it is growing light now; the people will need food; stay here till I bring it to them."
Before the rest of the fugitives awoke Luchman came back.
"I have found a hut, sahib, where we can get all we want."
"Why didn't you get it, then?"
"It will be more pleasant for the ladies to go there; they can bathe if they choose, attend to their toilet, and be in a house while the hot wind is blowing."