"Ramabai!" called Bruce in a whisper.
The dreaming man seated at a table came out of his dream with a start. A servant ran to the gate.
"Who calls?" demanded Ramabai, suspicious, as all conspirators ever are.
"It is I, Bruce," was the reply in English, flinging aside his burnoose.
"Bruce Sahib? Open!" cried Ramabai. "What do you here? Have you found her?"
Ramabai's wife, Pundita, came from the house. She recognized Bruce immediately.
"The Mem-sahib! Have you found her?"
"Just a moment. Kathlyn Mem-sahib is in one of the palace dungeons. She must be liberated to-night. We need money to bribe what sentries are about." Bruce went on to relate the incident of the baboon. "This proves that the note was written not more than three hours ago. She will probably be held there till morning. This time we'll place her far beyond the reach of Umballa."
"Either my money or my life. In a month from now …"
"What?" asked Ahmed.