The Plan of Ramabai

"But five camels?" Bala Khan was curious.

"Yes. In order to allay the suspicions of the brigands, Kathlyn
Mem-sahib and my wife must accompany us."

The colonel objected, but Kathlyn overruled his objections.

"But, Kit, they will recognize us. They will not have forgot me. They
will know that we have come from the town, despite the fact that to all
appearances we come from the West."

Bruce also shook his head. "It doesn't look good, Ramabai. Why not we
three men?"

"They would be suspicious at once. They would reason, if they saw
Kathlyn Mem-sahib and my wife with us that we were harmless. Will you
trust me?"

"Anywhere," said the colonel. "But they will simply make us prisoners
along with the elephant."

"Ah, but the Colonel Sahib forgets the opium." Ramabai laid his hand
upon the colonel's arm. "Let them make prisoners of us. The very
first thing they will do will be to search the saddle-bags. They will
find the opium. In a quarter of an hour they will be as dead and we
can return."

"It is a good plan," said Bala Khan, when the conversation was fully
translated to him. "And once the elephant is back in the compound I'll
send a dozen men back for the rogues. Ah! they will play with me; they
will steal into my town, overcome my guards, take the apple of my eye!
Ramabai, thou art a friend indeed. Haste and Allah fend for thee!
Umballa may arrive with an army, but he shall not enter my gates."