ho worship Kali, the dread goddess,' I
replied.

"'Yes, but we, the thugs, not only worship her as the wife of Siva, god
of destruction, but we are her devoted priests who put men to death in
her name and for her glory.'

"Now indeed did I prick up my ears and listen intently. But I did not
suffer my awakened interest to betray itself in look or tone of voice.

"'Some fanatics may seek to justify human sacrifice,' I said. I was
treading cautiously; later I would tell the man that such foul deeds
were against the decrees of Akbar, and involved the penalty of death
under the feet of elephants. But meanwhile I wanted his confession.

"'Ah, you know nothing about the thugs,' continued the stranger. 'But
hearken to me, for I have come to tell you all, and for a reason you
will presently understand. We are thousands strong, and we live in all
parts of Hindustan and the Deccan. We are caste brothers, and are bound
together by our worship of Bowani. The traditions of our creed have been
handed down for generations from father to son. You have never heard of
the thugs, O kadi, although you sit in the place of justice. Do you know
why? Because I am the very first of the sect who has broken his vows of
silence, and spoken the word thug to one outside our secret
association.'

"'Yet you say you are thousands strong.'

"'Yes, we are strong in numbers, but stronger still in our fidelity to
our vows. When once we have sworn on the sacred pickaxe, it is
impossible to speak words of treachery.'

"'If it be for the good and happiness of all men,' I interpolated,
encouraging him to keep on speaking freely, 'there can be no treachery,
no breaking of vows in revealing the truth.'

"'It is to reveal the truth that I have come to you. It is by the orders
of Bowani herself; for I have wronged her, and she is angry and has
loudly proclaimed to me that thuggee is ended--that her protection is
for ever withdrawn from me and my fellows, because, O misery, we have
grievously offended her. Hark! Do you not hear the voice of Bowani even
now?'

"The man raised his face toward the rafters of the room, and, with right
hand uplifted, his attitude was one of intent listening.

"'Unworthy, unworthy, unworthy,' he murmured, in a strange absent
monotone, as if repeating words he was actually hearing. 'You have
broken my laws. Go now to your doom, you and all your brothers. Such
priests Kali will not have. Thuggee is no more. I will seek some othe