Many a time the impulse came to Bruce to pluck the shining metal and sparkling stones from the saddle-bags and toss them out into the jungle, to be lost till the crack of doom.  There were also moments when he felt nothing but hatred toward the father of the girl he loved.  For these trinkets Kathlyn had gone through tortures as frightful almost as those in the days of the Inquisition.  Upon one thing he and Ahmed had agreed, despite Ramabai’s wild protest; they would leave the treasure with Bala Khan and follow his army to the walls of Allaha.  If harm befell any of their loved ones not one stone should remain upon another.  And Bruce declared that he would seek Umballa to the ends of the earth for the infinite pleasure of taking his black throat in his two hands and squeezing the life out of it.

Eventually and without mishap they came to the walled city of the desert, Bala Khan’s stronghold.  Bala Khan of necessity was always ready, always prepared.  Before night of the day of their arrival an army was gathered within the city.

Ramabai sat in his howdah, sad and dispirited.

“Bala Khan, we have been friends, and my father was your good friend.”

“It is true.”

“Will you do a favor for the son?”

“Yes.  If the Colonel Sahib and his daughter live, ask what you will.”

Ramabai bowed.

“I will set my camp five miles beyond your walls and wait.  When I see the Mem-sahib I will salaam, turn right about face, and go home.  Now, to you, Bruce Sahib:  Leave not your treasure within my walls when I shall be absent, for I can not guarantee protection.  Leave it where it is and bring it with you.  Save myself, no one of my men knows what your saddle-bags contain.  Let us proceed upon our junket—­or our war!”

* * * * * *

Umballa reached the ancient gate of Allaha at the same time Bruce stopped before the walls of Bala Khan’s city.  He determined to wring the secret from either the colonel or his daughter, return for the treasure and depart for Egypt down the Persian Gulf.

He made a wide detour and came out at the rear of his house.  No one was in sight.  He dismounted and entered, found three or four of his whilom slaves, who, when he revealed his identity, felt the old terror and fear of the man.  His prisoners were brought in.  A slave took the elephants to the stables.  He wanted to run away and declare Umballa’s presence, but fear was too strong.

Ironically Umballa bade the fishermen to enter to eat and drink what they liked.  Later he found them in a drunken stupor in the kitchen.  That was where they belonged.

He ordered his prisoners to be brought into the Court of Death and left there.

“You see?” said Umballa.  “Now, where have you hidden the treasure?”

Kathlyn walked over to one of the cages and peered into it.  A sleek tiger trotted up to the bar; and purred and invited her to scratch his head.