Chapter XXV: Buktar Sing

There was an alarming significance in the declaration of the native guide that the horseman at the head of the Ghoojurs who were besieging the fugitives in the ruined temple was Wana Affghar of Puneput.

He was the brigand who by some means had learned that Luchman was the possessor of the great diamond, the Star of India, and who for a year had been trying to secure the wonderful gem, without regard to the means employed. Either suspecting or knowing of a certainty that the daring Christian carried it about his person, he had guided his movements in accordance with that fact.

He had hired detectives, as they may be called, to follow the footsteps of Luchman, their instructions being not to kill him but to lead him into some situation that would place him in the power of the Ghoojur chieftain. The latter was handicapped by the impossibility of fully trusting his employees. If one of them should slay Luchman and take the diamond from him, the assassin would be sure to keep the jewel himself.

Accordingly Wana gave out that he wished to "habeas corpus" the body of the Hindoo proselyte for an unpardonable crime committed against him. The emissaries of the brigand were not permitted to know the fortune Luchman carried, and they directed all their attempts, therefore, toward persuading him to venture outside of the large cities, where the vigilant Wana Affghar could seize him.

This task, however, was impossible of accomplishment, because the native was certain to suspect the meaning of such a proposal, no matter how cautiously made; but he underestimated the ability of these birds of prey. At the very time he thought they were thrown off the scent, he was under their surveillance. The outbreak in Delhi led him to move northward with the Europeans, which was in the direction of the chieftain's regular tramping ground.

Everything united to aid Wana. The delay was long enough to allow him to perfect his plans. It was necessary to placate his men, which he did by promising to turn over to them all of the Feringhees, with whatever loot they might have in their possession. He only demanded the body of the native, thus parrying all suspicion of his avarice, which was his sole governing motive.

Without saying more, the reader will comprehend the situation as it was developed to Wana Affghar of Puneput, to Luchman, and to Dr. Baird Avery.

The rest of the fugitives knew nothing of these particulars, and the guide showed no wish to enlighten them.

Luchman admitted that he had been outwitted by the chieftain, but a curious expression lit up his olive face as he muttered,

"_He hasn't got the Star of India yet._"

There was an unsuspected meaning in this declaration, which Dr. Avery recalled after many days, though he was far from suspecting it at the time the sentence was uttered. He forebore to question his friend, who had a way of telling without solicitation that which he wished to make known.

During the conference Harkins was in the rear apartment with the missionary and his family. The Ghoojurs showed no purpose of an immediate attack, for they must have seen that it could accomplish nothing. The doctor and the guide were speaking about the probable course of the ruffians when Harkins joined them with a welcome message.

The generous breakfast that Luchman had brought to the fugitives in the jungle was still in their possession. There were the lota of water and the fruit and bread obtained at a native hut. With these too was a supply of cooked dall or grain.

This was a godsend, for it gave to the little garrison the power to hold out against their enemies, if necessary, for several days. Avery and Harkins went within, and a careful division of the food was made so as to give all a substantial lunch, which was to last till the following morning. On the morrow, the rest would be eaten, and it was calculated that three days could be passed in the prison without inconvenience in the way of food. It was not the latter, however, that was so sorely needed as was water. In such a hot climate, the demand for the life giving fluid must be far greater than in a temperate or cold region, and their supply was so light that it was necessary to be rigidly economical from the first.

The share set apart for Luchman being carried out to him by Dr. Avery, the guide told his friend to take it back and keep it until he asked for it. The astonished gentleman did as requested, remarking that Luchman was not likely to be troubled with hunger or thirst for several months to come.

When Avery and Harkins returned once more to the front they saw that something was up. Wana Affghar, having ridden close to the archway, sat for several minutes in the attitude of one who was posing for his picture. Suddenly he dashed off, galloped around in a circle and came back to his position.

Catching sight of Luchman, he raised his hand and beckoned for him to approach. He repeated the gesture several times, but the guide paid no attention to it. Then Wana spoke, the distance being so brief that a conversational tone was sufficient.

Luchman translated the words to his interested friends. The Ghoojur asking Luchman to come out and talk with him, the latter replied that it was not necessary, since they could converse in their present positions. Wana said that his words were of such importance that no one else must hear them, to which the guide made answer that that requirement could be easily met by the use of Hindustani.

To this remark came the astounding declaration on the part of Wana that he knew one of the Feringhees had been engaged for some time in Calcutta studying the native language.

"How in the name of the seven wonders does he know anything about me?" asked the amazed surgeon; "true, I did try to master this barbarous speech, but the intervals between the lessons were so long that I regularly forgot all I had learned, and I can't hold the briefest conversation, if my life were depending upon it."

"He has seen you, sahib, and knows you."

"He is a shrewder rascal than I imagined; but I can overcome his scruples by withdrawing beyond hearing."

"Though you may be out of sight, sahib, he will believe you are listening."

Wana Affghar insisted, but Luchman in refusing did not hesitate to say that he was such a villain that he would not trust him.

Showing no offense because of the insult, the brigand repeated that he had a communication which was one of life and death, and which must be heard by the ears of Luchman alone. But inasmuch as Luchman would not listen to him he would send Buktar Sing, his intimate friend, to impart the important message.

The guide assured Wana that such a proceeding was useless, since one of them was as bad as the other. But the chieftain galloped back, describing several fanciful circles on the way, as if seeking to display his horsemanship.

He was seen to converse with his friends a short time, and then one of them walked forth toward the temple. He advanced with a firm step, while he fixed his black eyes upon the native standing in the archway.

"Luchman," said Avery, "I advise you to go out and talk with that fellow."

"He is a cobra, waiting a chance to strike."

"We can fix that," said Harkins; "we'll keep you both covered with our guns, and at the first sign of treachery well let this beautiful sunlight of India beam through his body. Doctor, run inside and get Mr. Hildreth's gun."

"I will do as the sahibs wish," replied Luchman, who felt some curiosity to test the matter.

Avery hurried back with the weapon of the missionary. By this time the Ghoojur had reached the spot where the leader had halted a few minutes before. He stopped and looked sharply at Luchman.

"What do you want?" asked the latter.

"I have something to say to you for my chief, Wana Affghar; will you come forth to hear it?"

"I will if you are honest; have you any weapons with you?"

"None," was the prompt answer, as the ruffian threw up both hands to show they contained nothing.

"I'll stake my life that, all the same, he has a weapon hidden in his garments," said Harkins; "take your knife with you, Luchman."

The guide accepted the advice. He turned partly away from the messenger, making a display of handing over his pistol that was sure to be noticed by the Ghoojur. At the same time, he slipped his sharp knife under his clothing where it was out of sight, but could be drawn the instant needed.

"Bear in mind," added Harkins, as their friend left them, "that we'll never take our eyes off you, and if they try any trick we'll make music for them."