, but crouched toward the ground. A shape
rose against him--above his shoulders on the other side. Skag slipped
around to reach it without hitting the dog. In the same instant Nels
took a blow from the jungle beast's head. The two swerved over toward
one side. Skag set his gun-muzzle against the hyena's neck--he could
see that much--and blew it away from him. (There wouldn't be much
danger but it was dead.) Then he knelt, his hand instantly wet at
Nels' throat. But the blood was not gushing, it was streaming. He put
his arms underneath to lift him, but couldn't do it alone. There was
nothing to do but go for the girl.

"I'm sorry. I need your help. Dare we leave the children a minute?"

"Yes, Baby is falling asleep; and Rodger is brave, he will watch
her. . . . Tell me, is Nels killed?"

"No, I think we can save him. But we must be quick."

She was by his side running, as he added:

"I know how to do it, when we get him to the light."

They worked together and it was all they could do, but they got Nels
into the tent. She brought the materials he asked for, and while he
stopped the flow of blood and dressed the wound, she went to the baby.
When he rose she was leaning over the child.

"I'm afraid something has happened to her! Her face is strange Her
breath is not right. I wish Ayah would come; I don't know a thing
about babies!"

"Is there a doctor near?"

"Not this side Poona."

"I can go after him."

"You're awfully good, but there will be no train before the one my
husband comes up on. It's a holiday. He would have been up last
evening, only he had important business. I am not at liberty to
determine about a physician, because he will be here so soon."

"Shall I go after the ayah?"

"That might help--thank you so much!"

Skag learned in the next two hours that there is nothing in life more
difficult for a man to find, than servants' quarters in a native
village. By full daylight he gave up and tramped back a considerable
distance. As he approached the tent, an Englishman came out walking
rapidly toward him. Police Commissioner Hichens had a very red face.
He spoke before Skag could see his eyes:

"Sir, I take pleasure in ordering you to leave my premises. You will
be good enough not to be seen again in this vicinity."

"Yes? You--are--finding--fault--with--me?"

"What occurs to mine does not in the least concern you! You are
occupying yourself with my affairs. I wi