"Very well, then, we shall have to carry my wounded to the aeroplane. They’ll be horribly nervous. Can you strap them in?" "With their own belts. They’ll get over their nervousness in a few minutes; it’s easier travelling than by railway." "I’m glad of that. I was afraid I should be squeamish myself. The rest of us will start as soon as you are off." The sowars had now returned with the baskets of food, and the whole party sat on the ground, with their rifles across their knees, to what was a sumptuous feast after their recent privations. When they had finished the meal, the two wounded men were carried by their comrades to the aeroplane. Fazl quietly obeyed Lawrence’s order to give up his seat, though he was clearly disappointed; and the two passengers having been securely strapped in, Bob started, with a cheery "So long!" to the Major. "Hai, sahib!" said one of the men, who were overawed by these strange proceedings: "that is a terrible thing." "A godsend to us," said the Major. He then explained to them his purpose. One of them brought his horse from the tower, and ten minutes after Lawrence’s departure the little party started, the three sowars having strapped on their backs the water-skins and the baskets, with what was left of the provisions. They made their way down the ravine, to avoid observation from any of the Afghans who might be still lurking in the neighbourhood, the Major’s intention being to strike across country to the river as soon as they were out of sight of the surroundings of the tower. Lawrence’s mind was so busily occupied with this latest turn of Fortune’s wheel that he forgot, on his flight back to the mine, to keep a look-out for the Kalmucks. He would scarcely have seen them, for they heard the hum of the machine from a considerable distance, and, mindful of former happenings, they concealed themselves behind rocks or among bushes without making any attempt to check its flight with their rifles. About ten miles from the mine Lawrence had a momentary fright. The engine, which had worked with perfect accuracy ever since the first experiments, now suddenly missed fire. Before he had time to think of what he should do if it failed, however, it recovered itself, and gave him no further anxiety. On coming within sight of the platform, he saw with relief that Bob was there to meet him; it was clear that all was well at present. When he alighted he explained the situation of Major Endicott in a few rapid sentences. Bob walked a few yards along the pathway, round the curve, and hallooed to Gur Buksh to send some of the men to him. These carried the wounded sowars to the compound, and presently returned with more baskets of food, which Bob had ordered to be prepared for the Major’s party on the march. "I say, Bob," said Lawrence during the men’s absence, "there was a miss-fire a few miles back." "Whew! it’s beginning to play tricks then. We’ve been very lucky so far. Need you go back?"