iliate the Colonel Sahib and his
daughter. Ah, these white people! They have heads and hearts of
steel. I know."

"And Umballa has the heart of a flea-bitten pariah dog. When the time
comes he will grovel and squirm and whine."

"He will," agreed Ahmed. "His feet are even now itching for the
treadmill."

The colonel was taken to one of the palace chambers, given a tub and
fresh clothing. Outside in the corridors guards patrolled, and there
were four who watched the window. He was a king, but well guarded.
Well, they had crowned him, but never should Umballa, through any
signature of his, put his hand into the royal treasury. Besides, this
time he had seen pity and sympathy in the faces of many who had looked
upon his entrance to the city. The one ray of comfort lay in the
knowledge that faithful Ahmed lived.

He dared not think of Kathlyn. He forced his mind to dwell upon his
surroundings, his own state of misery. Bruce was there, and Bruce was
a man of action and resource. He would give a good account of himself
before those bronze devils in the desert made away with him. He feared
not for Kathlyn's death, only her future. For they doubtless had lied
to Umballa. They would not kill Kathlyn so long as they believed she
was worth a single rupee.

Umballa came in, followed by four troopers, who stationed themselves on
each side of the door.

"Your Majesty----"

"Wait!" thundered the colonel. Suddenly he turned to the troopers.
"Am I your king?"

"Yes, Majesty!"

The four men salaamed.

"Then I order you to arrest this man Durga Ram for treason against the
person of your king!"

The troopers stared, dumfounded, first at the colonel, then at Umballa.

"I command it!"

Umballa laughed. The troopers did not stir.

"Ah," said the colonel. "That is all I desire to know. I am not a
king. I am merely a prisoner. Therefore those papers which you bring
me can not lawfully be signed by me." The colonel turned his back to
Umballa, sought the latticed window and peered forth.

"There are ways," blazed forth Umballa.

"Bah! You black fool!" replied the colonel, wheeling. "Have I not yet
convinced you that all you can do is to kill me? Don't waste your time
in torturing me. It will neither open my lips nor compel me to take a
character brush in my hand. If my daughter is dead, so be it. At any
rate, she is at present beyond your clutches. You overreached
yourself. Had you brought her