With three more heaves he was upon the bank. He turned to assist his brother; then both scurried across the open space, past the aeroplane, and dashed into safety behind the screen of rocks, where they were received with shouts of delight by the five stalwart Pathans who lay there in a line with their rifles at their shoulders. For the moment they were not aware of the effect of the volley. It had brought the Kalmucks to a sudden check. One of those who were scrambling across the rope dropped into the river; the rest swung themselves round and struggled frantically in the opposite direction. Two or three of those who had halted on the track were wounded; and their comrades, realizing that they were helpless against marksmen under cover, wheeled round and made a hurried flight down the river, not drawing rein until they had passed the intervening rocks and were themselves protected. Those who had followed the boys sprang to their saddles and galloped away; but one of them was winged before he had ridden many yards. He fell from his pony, which dashed on in pursuit of the rest and was soon lost to sight, the man rising and limping after. The Pathans chuckled as they rose to their feet. "That was well done," said one of them, named Fyz Ali. "But where is the huzur?" He turned to the boys, who, feeling thoroughly exhausted by the stress and strain of this eventful morning, had flung themselves down, and lay at full length with their heads resting on their arms. At the man’s words Lawrence looked up. He had learnt enough of the Pathan patois to understand and to make himself understood, though he could not yet sustain a lengthy conversation. In a few words, haltingly, he explained what had happened to his uncle. The Pathans threw up their hands in consternation, invoking the name of Allah and pouring out a torrent of curses upon Nurla Bai and the Kalmucks. Mr. Appleton was very popular among them, and the news of his loss, and of the escape of the assassin, filled them with dismay and rage. "Beyond doubt the huzur is dead," said Fyz Ali, pulling at his beard. "Allah is great! The huzur could not live, falling wounded into the swift water. He sank like a stone, and lies at the bottom. We shall cast dust upon our heads for our father." "You were just in time to save us," said Lawrence.