“Let us hurry after her, sahib!” urged Rewa Gunga, and King looked straight into his eyes, that were like pools of fire, just as they had been that night in the room in Delhi. He nodded and the Rangar grinned. “Better wait until dawn,” advised Courtenay. “The Pass is supposed to be closed at dusk.” “I shall have to ask for special permission, sir.” “Granted, of course.” “Then, we'll start at eight to-night!” said King, glancing at his watch and snapping the gold case shut. “Dine with me,” said Courtenay. “Yes, please. Got to pack first. Daren't trust anybody else.” “Very well. We'll dine in my tent at six-thirty,” said Courtenay. “So long!” “So long, sir,” said King, and each went about his own business, King with the Rangar, and Ismail and all thirty prisoners at his heels, and Courtenay alone, but that much more determined. “I'll find out,” the major muttered, “how she got up the Pass without my knowing it. Somebody's tail shall be twisted for this!” But he did not find out until King told him, and that was many days later, when a terrible cloud no longer threatened India from the North. Chapter VI Oh, a broken blade, And an empty bag, And a sodden kit, And a foundered nag, And a whimpering wind Are more or less Ground for a gentleman's distress. Yet the blade will cut, (He should swing with a will!) And the emptiest bag He may readiest fill; And the nag will trot If the man has a mind, So the kit he may dry In the whimpering wind. Shades of a gallant past--confess! How many fights were won with less? “I think I envy you!” said Courtenay. They were seated in Courtenay's tent, face to face across the low table, with guttering lights between and Ismail outside the tent handing plates and things to Courtenay's servant inside. “You're about the first who has admitted it,” said King. Not far from them a herd of pack-camels grunted and bubbled after the evening meal. The evening breeze brought the smoke of dung fires down to them, and an Afghan--one of the little crowd of traders who had come down with the camels three hours ago--sang a wailing song about his lady-love. Overhead the sky was like black velvet, pierced with silver holes.