"I own I feel more confidence every time I do it," said I; "and I should not care if even now I had one or two more fellows to try my hand upon."
"Nay," said Bhudrinath, laughing, "rest you content with what we have done. See, we are at the bhil, and yonder is the whole band collected." We rode up to the spot, and the first inquiry was from my father: "Have you brought him?"
"Yes," said I; "the earth that held him is in the cart."
"Did he do it?" he eagerly asked of Bhudrinath, and pointed to me.
"Ay, did he," he replied, "and most properly too: he had him all to himself; I did not interfere."
"Alhumd-ul-illa!" cried my father; "he is a worthy son. Come," continued he to all the men, "do not loiter here, but make the best of your way to the river-side; we will follow, and, I dare say, overtake you." Seeing there was no more to be done, I pushed on to the river, the Godavery, and finding that all had been ferried over, I urged on my horse to overtake Zora's cart; for I knew not what she would think of my absence, nor how I could well account to her for it satisfactorily; but I trusted to chance to frame some excuse. I passed the men, who were straggling along in parties of ten or twelve; but still I did not see the cart, though I had desired those who were in charge of it not to drive fast. I became anxious, and urged my horse into a gallop.
Well it was that I did so, for when I had proceeded some distance, I heard a confused clamour before me. Could she have been attacked by thieves? was my instant thought. It was probable; for the road was narrow and the jungle thick on both sides, and seeing the few men with the cart, thieves might have surprised them. I drew my sword, to be prepared, as the noise and screams seemed to increase, and a few moments more arrived at the spot. There indeed was a scene of violence! the moon was still shining brightly, and I could see all before me.
The cart was surrounded by the five or six men I had sent on with it, and who were defending their charge bravely: two of the robbers, as I supposed, were stretched on the ground; the rest were aiming cuts at my men, which they parried; but just as I got up, one of my men fell, and the rest looked exhausted. I suspect neither party observed my arrival, so intent were they on their own proceedings, and I could see that my cry of "Bismilla!" accompanied by a cut which struck down one of the robbers was as startling to them as unexpected; while my faithful men, who now saw me plainly, set up a shout, and attacked their opposers with renewed spirit. The scuffle lasted only a few moments longer: throwing myself from my horse, I drew my pistol from my girdle, and discharged it at a thief who was coming up to me with his sword uplifted: the ball passed through his body, and he fell. On this the rest of the band turned and fled. We pursued them for a short distance, and secured a youth who was one of them; the rest got clear off.