“The boy is possessed with an evil demon,” cried the conjuror. This was sufficient for the superstitious villagers, who scampered in all directions.
Taking advantage of the break in the crowd, the conjuror ran at the top of his speed through the village, and toward the forest which it skirted. But Martin was at his heels.
“Great Heaven, Prabu,” I cried, “my brother must be mad;” and without another word we rushed after him.
“Run, for thy brother’s life,” cried Prabu; “that fellow is entrapping him into the wood, where he may slay him!”
I wanted no such exhortation; but it seemed, indeed, as if a supernatural speed had been lent both to pursuer and pursued, for at every step they distanced us.
“Martin! Martin! for Heaven’s sake stop; follow not that man into the wood,” I shouted, and likewise shouted Prabu; but it was useless. They reached the forest, and we lost sight of them; still onwards, through bush, underwood, and foliage, till we came to an open space; then again we could see them, but, breathless, we were compelled to rest for an instant. The fugitive had also come to a halt, and leaned against a tree, as if no longer able to continue his flight, at which my brother gave a joyful shout, and then almost leaped forward; but the other, permitting him to approach within a yard, pulled forth from the fold around his waist a cane about six feet in length, and, putting this to his lips, the next instant a small dart or arrow struck my brother in the arm; then, giving a hideous laugh, the hunchback—for it was he—turned and continued his flight with renewed vigor, still followed by my brother.
“The poor boy will be slain!” exclaimed Prabu. “Quick, for his life! Stop! in Allah’s name, stop!” he shouted to Martin; “that arrow was poisoned!” But there was no necessity now for shouting; for suddenly, as if his strength had become exhausted, he stood stock-still, and then fell heavily to the ground.
The instant we reached him, Prabu tore off his jacket, and bared his arm. I could see nothing but a small puncture, with a single drop of blood resting in the wound; but Prabu, knowing the fatal consequences of that trifling wound, if remedies were not immediately applied, knelt down, and for several minutes sucked at it like a leech. Having done this, he bade him get up.
“No,” said Martin, “let me alone. I wish to sleep;” and, indeed, his eyes were closed. “I will go no further; I will remain here.”
“If he sleeps within the next hour, he will never wake more,” said Prabu.