The Plan of Ramabai

When Kathlyn returned to the compound it was with the news that she had
discovered a group of men, some twelve or fifteen miles to the west.
They had paused at what appeared to be a well, and with them was the
sacred white elephant. Bala Khan was for giving orders at once to set
out with his racing camels to catch and crucify every mother's son of
them on the city walls. But Ramabai interposed.

"As I came toward the compound I was given a message. The man who gave
it to me was gone before I could get a good look at his face. These
men who stole the sacred white elephant are brave and desperate. At
the first sign of pursuit they promise to kill the elephant."

"And by the beard of the prophet," cried Bala Khan, his face purpling
with passion, "these men of the desert keep their promises. And so do
I. I promise later to nail each one of them to the walls to die
hanging to nails!"

"But just now," said Ramabai quietly, "the main thing is to rescue the
elephant, and I have a plan."

"Let me hear it."

"From what you told me last night," went on Ramabai, "those nomads or
brigands are opium fiends."

Bala Khan nodded.

"Bruce Sahib, here, and I will undertake to carry them doctored opium.
I know something about the drug. I believe that we saw the thieves
last evening as we came through the streets. My plan is this: we will
take five racing camels, go north and turn, making the well from the
west. That will not look like pursuit."