It took a full minute for the resident to comprehend this fact. He stared dazedly at every inch of the floor and wall, exploring bare corners with an eager eye, as though Paddy might be hiding in some nook or cranny. But the tenantless condition of the chamber was indisputable.
A half-sob broke in Peter Gross's throat. It was the first emotion he had given way to.
"They've taken him away," he said in a low, strained voice.
"Search the temple!" Carver shouted in a stentorian voice to several of his command. "Get Jahi to help; he probably knows this place."
"Jahi's here?" Peter Gross exclaimed incredulously.
"He and a hundred hillmen," Carver replied crisply. "Now to comb this pile."
The tribesmen scattered to search the ruin. It was not extensive. In the meantime Peter Gross briefly sketched the happenings of the past few days to Carver. At the mention of Van Slyck the captain's face became livid.
"The damn' skunk said he was going to Padang," he exclaimed. "He left Banning in charge. I hope to God he stays away."
One of Jahi's hillmen reported that no trace of Rouse could be found. "Him no here; him in bush," he said.
"The Chinks have gone back to their proas; the trail heads that way," Carver said. "Some of Jahi's boys picked it up before we found you. But what the deuce do they want with Rouse, if they haven't killed him?"