"
"On which side of the archway, then?"
"On the left side, sahib. Press on the trunk downward and then pull;
the stone swings outward. There are steps then--ten steps downward
to the stone floor where the priestling lies."
"Good! I can find him. Now pick up the heavenborn yonder in those
great arms of thine, and bear her gently! Gently, I said! So! Have
a care, now, that she is not injured against the corners. My honor,
aye, my honor and yours and all our duty to the Raj you bear and--
and have a care of the corners?"
"Aye," answered the half-brother, stolidly, holding Ruth as though
she had been a little bag of rice.
Again the Risaldar turned to the High Priest, and eyed him through
eyes that glittered.
"We are ready!" he growled. "Lead on to thy hiding-place!"
VIII.
The guns rode first from Doonha, for the guns take precedence. The
section ground-scouts were acting scouts for the division, two hundred
yards ahead of every one. Behind the guns rode Colonel Forrester-Carter,
followed by the wagon with the wounded; and last of all the two
companies of the Thirty-third trudged through the stifling heat.
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