Madge could not see the man’s face but she noted that he wore a turban on his head and knew that he must be a native of India.
“Did you bring the Zudi Drum?” she heard him demand in a guttural voice.
“I will give it to you when you assure me that my father is safe and will be released,” Enid responded.
Madge failed to catch the man’s reply, but from the tone of his voice, she inferred he was threatening Enid. He advanced a step as though to take the package by force. Enid retreated. Then, apparently realizing that resistance was useless, she halted.
“I’ll give you the drum but you must promise to release my father immediately.”
The man took the package from her, roughly grasping her arm as she pulled away.
“Not so fast,” he muttered. “Think I’ll let you get away and bring the police down on us? You come with me!”
Enid uttered no cry, but she struggled frantically to free herself. Involuntarily, Madge started forward to aid her friend, then checked herself. Undoubtedly, the kidnapper was armed and likely other companions were hiding nearby. To expose herself might ruin every chance of a rescue. Deliberately, she waited.
“Come along quietly and you’ll not be harmed,” she heard the man tell Enid. “Resist and it will be the worse for you.”
He held her arms so that she could not have escaped had she tried. She permitted him to lead her away.