CHAPTER X.

Along shore.

The curious incident served to lift for a brief time the oppression that rested upon all.  The remarkable part of it was how Miss Marlowe could believe she had left her revolver in her home when it was in the pocket of her dress, where, it would seem, she ought to have felt it while walking across the lawn to the boat, even if she had forgotten to examine that most natural receptacle for it when she first missed the weapon.

“It is the most stupid thing I ever did,” she declared.  “I meant to keep it in my hand while coming from the house, and, awaking to the fact that it was not there, did not stop to examine my pocket.  It is too bad.”

“We have gained an additional means of defense,” observed Mr. Turner, “and that may be decisive before we are through with this business.”

Now that all were together again each was impatient to be on the move.  Wharton and Turner began using the poles with the skill shown some time before, and once more the unwieldy craft swung slowly down the Ganges, with all on board alert for the first sign of their enemies.  The women were advised to remain in the small cabin, where they would be safe against stealthy shots.

As the boat crept under the shadows along shore the spirits of all improved, for it seemed that with every rod placed behind, them the danger was diminished, and by and by would vanish altogether.

“That, however, cannot be,” said the doctor to Jack Everson, as they sat a little apart from the rest, near the bow of the craft.  “In truth, I see but one possible escape for this party.”

“What is that?”

“I have already referred to it.  It will take us weeks to reach Calcutta on the east or Bombay on the west, and between us and each of these points the hell fire will rage for months to come.  To go south is equally suicidal, since it would take us into the heart of the insurrection.  I repeat that there is but one thing to be done:  that is to push northward, as I said, until we reach a people too far removed to be affected by this deviltry.”

“To find a simple people where our knowledge of medicine will cause us to be looked upon as superior beings.  I have discovered a remedy for the bite of a cobra which will stand one in good stead, should a native be bitten.  They believe, you know, as does the rest of the world, that the bite of this serpent is certain death.  But I have discovered a remedy, the necessary drugs of which I carry in this case,” touching the leather case strapped to his back.

“Beyond all doubt.  You have tested this remedy of yours?”

“I have, twice.”

“Upon man or brute?”

“Upon both.”

CHAPTER XI.

A collision.

Although the two physicians were deeply interested in the question of toxicology they could not forget their situation and its perils.  The craft had nearly completed its half mile to the mouth of the tributary which it was intended to ascend, when the polemen, pausing for a moment’s rest, whispered that they heard the sound of paddles again.