The Invincible Will

"Those ropes were cut," declared Ahmed.

"But who in the world could have cut them?" demanded the colonel.

Ahmed shrugged. "We may have been followed by thieves. They could
have got here before us, as we were forced to use the elephant trails.
Let us keep our eyes about us, Sahib. When one speaks of gold, the
wind carries the word far. And then . . ." He paused, scowling.

"And then what?"

"I do not want the Mem-sahib to hear," Ahmed whispered. "But who shall
say that this is not the work of the gurus, who never forget, who never
forgive, Sahib."

"But they would not follow!"

"Nay, but their servant would, on the fear of death. I will watch at
night hereafter."

Ahmed searched thoroughly about the ledge from which the east side of
the bridge had swung, but the barren rocks told him nothing. Armed
with his rifle, he plunged boldly back along the elephant trail, but
returned without success. Whoever was following them was an adept, as
secret as a Thuggee. All this worried Ahmed not a little. He readily
understood that the murderous attempt had not been directed against
Kathlyn alone, but against all of them. But for her eagerness and
subsequent warning some of them would have been dead at this moment.

"Sahib, it would be better to make camp on the other side of the ford.
The Mem-sahib is weak from the shock and might collapse if we
proceeded."

"I leave everything to you, Ahmed. But is there not some place farther
below where the water does not run so fast?"