The Hindu and the detective dashed up the rough slope until they came to a narrow, slanting ledge about two hundred feet above the narrow chasm in which the rest of the party were standing.
They were jammed against the side, so as to be out of reach of possible arrows or spears.
Jai Singh forced his way ahead of Chick and was at once almost on top of his man on a path where there was hardly room to turn around.
Just as Jai Singh was about to seize the fugitive, the latter dropped to his knee, holding the point of a spear aimed at the chest of his assailant, while the butt of the weapon rested on the ground.
Jai Singh could not stop himself. He had the choice either of hurling himself upon the spear or falling over the precipice.
“Wait a moment!” shouted Chick. “I’ll get him!”
He had his rifle poised, but he could not shoot while Jai Singh was in the way.
There was little time for consideration.
The latter had already decided what to do, and, as Chick rushed forward, determined to close with the enemy at any cost, Jai Singh disappeared into the abyss.
Chick could not look to see what had become of him. Urged on by his own impetuosity, he was flung upon the man with the spear.