The Star of India

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

There was no jungle or grove within sight of the building into which to flee. The structure stood alone, with the exception of the cook house, where the servants lived. Luchman knew the bungalow would be visited by their enemies, and it would not do, therefore, to stay where they were. The Europeans hastily withdrew through the small door at the rear of the room they occupied, and, crossing a narrow space, found a hiding place in the abandoned kitchen.

Luchman sauntered to the front to be ready for the horsemen in the road. There were four of them, galloping two abreast, and the dismay of the Europeans may be imagined when the sudden cessation of the sound of the hoofs showed that they had reined up in front of the bungalow. There could be no doubt that they were looking for victims, and there was hope of finding them in the neighborhood.

Luchman did not hesitate to show himself where he was sure to attract the notice of the miscreants.

Suspecting him to be the khansaman, they addressed him in their native tongue and asked whether he had seen any of the Feringhees pass that way lately. Luchman replied that a carriage containing two ladies and a child had gone by but a few minutes before. They eagerly inquired the direction, and were instantly off again. The guide did not inform them that the unfortunates were already beyond their reach.

The horsemen having gone, the Europeans once more breathed freely. But the occurrences of the last half hour gave them a vivid idea of their peril. They had come to think themselves almost clear of danger from mutineers and budmashes, only to learn that they were threatened on every side.

The guide by his coolness had averted the danger for the moment, but it may be said it was only for the moment. They had chosen the worst place to await his coming, since the bungalow was of no account as a means of defense.

It was necessary that they should leave at once. It was desirable indeed that they should have the company of Harkins and Avery, but it would not do to wait for them. Luchman, therefore, called to them to follow him.

As he left the bungalow they were close behind him. He moved northward, and had not far to go before catching sight of the jungle on their left.

Luchman hastened toward this refuge, and though its malarious depths might contain the terrible tiger, the leopard, the bear, the lion, the wolf, the jackal, the hyena, the jungle cat, the boar, and deadly serpents, yet it was better than the open country, through which the merciless natives were prowling for victims.

Again Luchman turned aside from the highway, and again his quick ear caught the sound of hoofs. He thought it more than likely that the mutineers had heard of the party of Feringhees on foot, and were hunting for them. Too much risk had already been run, and the guide resolved to do all he could for those with him, leaving the young men to look out for themselves.