"Neatly and cleverly done," cried Bhudrinath; "I could not have managed it better myself; you see he does not stir--he is dead enough. Now, Meer Sahib, believe that a man can be killed before he touches the ground." "I must see you do it," said I; "this fellow held on by the cart for some moments. But come," I added to the men, "lift the body into the cart, we have no time to lose." They bundled it in, and we set off as rapidly as the bullocks could trot. "What if he should revive with this jolting?" said I to Bhudrinath. "Never fear," he replied; "if he does, he will only have to be killed over again; but depend upon it he is dead enough: no man ever survived the wrench you gave him--his neck is broken. The old Gooroo has taught you well, I see plainly." "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.