to disappear; and there should be another
wedding in which he, Durga Ram, should take the part of the bridegroom.
Then for the treasury, flight, and, later, ease abroad. Let the
filigree basket of gems stay where it was; there were millions in the
treasury, the accumulated hoardings of many decades.

The council and high priests also wore their state robes, and behind
them were officers and other dignitaries.

There was a stir as Ramabai entered with the veiled candidates. The
colonel in vain tried to hide his interest and anxiety. Kathlyn was
there, somewhere among these kotowing women; but there was nothing by
which he could recognize her. As the women spread about the throne,
Ramabai signified to the musicians to cease.

Silence.

Then Ramabai brought candidate after candidate close to the colonel, so
that he alone might see the face behind the veil. At each uplifting of
the veil the colonel shook his head. A dark frown began to settle over
Umballa's face. If the colonel refused the last candidate for nuptial
honors, he should die. But as Ramabai lifted the veil of this last
woman the colonel nodded sharply; and Kathlyn, for a brief space, gazed
into her father's eyes. The same thought occurred to both; what a
horrible mockery it all was, and where would it lead finally?

"Take care!" whispered Kathlyn as she saw her father's fingers move
nervously with suppressed longing to reach out and touch her.

The spectators of this little drama which was hidden from them evinced
their approval by a murmuring which had something like applause in it.
A queen was chosen! A real queen at last had been chosen. Ramabai had
accomplished by diplomacy what yonder Durga Ram had failed to do by
force. But Umballa secretly smiled as he sensed this undercurrent.
Presently they should see.

The colonel extended his hand and drew Kathlyn up beside him; and now
for a moment the whole affair trembled in the balance: Kathlyn felt
herself possessed with a wild desire to laugh.

The chain of gold, representing the betrothal, was now ordered brought
from the treasury.

The populace, outside the palace, having been acquainted with what was
taking place, burst out into cheers.

The treasure room, guarded by leopards in charge of incorruptible
keepers, was now approached by Umballa and his captain of the guard.
Umballa presented his order on the treasury. The leopards were driven
into their cages, and the magic door swung o