"Well, they missed me, but I didn't miss when I let fly. One of them collapsed, and the others ran for their lives. I was picking my way through the jungle, when I was drawn aside by the camp fire of the Ghoojurs which attracted you. I couldn't get a good look at you, and as you were dressed much like natives, I didn't want to make another mistake. I had made up my mind to try it again, however, when this little flurry with the tiger brought us together."
The night was new, and all felt the necessity of using the hours while they were at command. Since they were compelled to lie by as soon as the sun rose, Luchman led the way back to the regular road, where, though they were liable to meet persons, the danger from wild animals was much less.
Lights were seen at varying distances, showing where some native village stood or the camp fires still burned. The party advanced with the usual circumspection, until a considerable distance was passed, when Harkins remarked that he thought it would add an interesting variety to the proceedings if Luchman would forage for something to eat. The others thought the same, and the guide expressed himself willing to do what he could for them.
He told his friends to keep straight ahead, and he would intercept them before they could go far. With this promise he struck across a cultivated field, quickly disappearing from view.
"Suppose we come upon a cross road," suggested Harkins. "I haven't seen any sign boards in this part of the country, and if there are any of those conveniences I can't read the language. I suppose you can read Hindustani, Mr. Hildreth?"
The old gentleman replied that all of his family could readily do that, though there was not likely to be any occasion for putting their knowledge to use, beside which the moonlight was hardly strong enough for them to peruse a sign at the roadside.
"There wouldn't be any trouble on that score," added Harkins, "since I could hoist the doctor high enough to read the outlandish words for you to translate; but more than likely the sign boards, if there be any, have been turned the wrong way, so that we would travel straight back to Delhi. It would be odd if we should run into the old Emperor, and ask him whether that was Kurnal, and if it wasn't, what was it, and who was he? Helloa, here's something!"
Along the moonlit road in front of them the figures of approaching persons were observed. The fugitives stopped, doubtful whether to seek shelter or stay where they were.
"I don't think they will disturb us, for they are coming from the wrong direction," said Mr. Hildreth.
Nevertheless, all looked to their weapons, and the men placed themselves in advance of the company, which turned to one side of the highway so as to give the strangers plenty of room in which to pass.