uieted and amused."

"Ramabai, you shall never wear the crown."

"I do not want it."

"Nor shall your wife."

Ramabai did not speak.

"You shall die first!"

"War or peace?" asked Ramabai.

"War."

"So be it. I shall proceed to strike the first blow."

Ramabai turned and began to walk toward the window opening out upon the
balcony; but Umballa bounded after him, realizing that Ramabai would do
as he threatened, declare from the balcony what he knew.

"Wait! A truce for forty-eight hours."

"Agreed. I have a proposition to make before you and the council. Let
us go in."

Before the council (startled as had Umballa been at Ramabai's
appearance) he explained his plans for the pacification and amusement
of the people. Umballa tried to find flaws in it; but his brain,
befuddled by numerous pegs and disappointments, saw nothing. And when
Ramabai produced his troupe of wild animal trainers not even Winnie
recognized them. But during the argument between Umballa and the
council as to the date of the festivities Kathlyn raised the corner of
her veil. It was enough for Winnie. In the last few days she had
learned self-control; and there was scarcely a sign that she saw Kit
and her father, and they had the courage to come here in their efforts
to rescue her!

It was finally arranged to give the exhibition the next day, and
messengers were despatched forthwith to notify the city and the
bazaars. A dozen times Umballa eyed Ramabai's back, murder in his mind
and fear in his heart. Blind fool that he had been not to have seen
this man in his true light and killed him! Now, if he hired assassins,
he could not trust them; his purse was again empty.

Ramabai must have felt the gaze, for once he turned and caught the eye
of Umballa, approached and whispered: "Durga Ram, wherever I go I am
followed by watchers who would die for me. Do not waste your money on
hired assassins."

As the so-called animal trainers were departing Kathlyn managed to drop
at Winnie's feet a little ball of paper which the young sister
maneuvered to secure without being observed. She was advised to have
no fear of the lions in the arena, to be ready to join Kathlyn in the
arena when she signified the moment. Winnie would have entered a den
of tigers had Kathlyn so advised her.

Matters came to pass as Ramabai had planned: the night work in the
arena, the clearing of the tunnel, the making of the trap, the
perfecting of all the d