It took but a brief while to reach the jungle, in whose shelter the fugitives once more hoped they were safe. Telling them to keep quiet and stay where they were, the guide left them to make what might be called a reconnaissance of their position. He found it satisfactory, and expressed the hope that they would not be disturbed, so long as they were vigilant and prudent.
Having done his best, he set down the food he had brought and urged them to eat. Their appetites had returned and they partook thankfully of the nourishment.
The solicitude of the party was now for the absent friends who had left them in the bungalow. There was no means by which they could find the party in the jungle, and Luchman was asked to go in search of them. He consented, though with the muttered complaint that by the time he found them, some one would have to hunt for the missionary and his family, but the good man assured him that they would stay where they were unless driven away by the approach of danger.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE GHOOJURS.
Meanwhile Harkins and Avery were in need of a counselor, guide and friend.
The first, as will be recalled, dropped from the limbs of the tree, where he had taken refuge when the runaway elephant caused the howdah to be scraped from his huge back.
The first act of the sportsman, after reaching the ground, was to take a look at the demolished structure lying at the side of the road.
"Howdy?" he exclaimed, with a laugh; "considered purely as a howdah you are now of little account. I had hard work to keep my rifle all through this flurry, but I believe it hasn't received one half the bruises that I have. Is that you, doctor?"
The surgeon came forward and the two shook hands, glad enough that the adventure had come to such a fortunate ending for themselves, though the main purpose for which it was undertaken had miscarried.