onned his candy seller's tatters, left
the house without being questioned by the careless guard, and sought
the chief temple.

Superstition!

To cow the populace, to bring the troops to the mark, with threats of
curses, famine, plague, eternal damnation! Superstition! And this is
why Ramabai and his followers found an empty chamber.

CHAPTER XXII

BEHIND THE CURTAINS

In the rear of the temple Umballa sought was a small chamber that was
used by the priests, when they desired to rest or converse privately,
which was often. The burning temple lamps of brass emphasized the
darkness of the room rather than dispelled it. A shadow occasionally
flickered through the amber haze--an exploring bat. A dozen or more
priests stood in one of the dim corners, from which their own especial
idol winked at them with eyes like coals blown upon. The Krishna of
the Ruby Eyes, an idol known far and wide but seen by few.

In the temple itself there was a handful of tardy worshipers. The heat
of the candles, the smell of the eternal lotus flower and smoking
incense sticks made even the huge vault stifling. Many of the idols
were bejeweled or patched with beaten gold leaf, and many had been
coveted by wandering white men, who, when their endeavor became known,
disappeared mysteriously and were never more known in the haunts of men.

A man in tatters appeared suddenly in the great arched doorway. His
turban came down almost to his eyes and a neckcloth covered his mouth.
All that could be seen of him in the matter of countenance was a pair
of brilliant eyes and a predatory nose. He threw a quick piercing
glance about, assured himself that such devotees as he saw were
harmless, then strode boldly, if hurriedly, toward the rear chamber,
which he entered without ado. Instantly the indignant priests rushed
toward him to expel him and give him a tongue-lashing for his
impudence, when a hand was thrust out, and they beheld upon a finger a
great green stone. They stopped as suddenly as though they had met an
invisible electric current.

The curtain fell behind the man in tatters, and he remained motionless
for a space. A low murmuring among the priests ensued, and presently
one of their number--the youngest--passed out and stationed himself
before the curtain. Not even a privileged dancing girl might enter now.

The man in tatters stepped forward. He became the center of the group;
his gestures were quick, tense, authorit