he others came into view the former seized
Kathlyn by the shoulders and shook her hysterically.

"In God's name, Kit, don't you know any better than to wander off
alone? Do you want to drive me mad?"

"Why, father, I wasn't afraid!"

"Afraid? Who said anything about your being afraid? Didn't you know
that we were being followed? It is Umballa! Ah! that gives you a
start!"

"Colonel!" said Bruce gently.

"I know, Bruce, I sound harsh. But you were tearing your hair, too."

"Forgive me," cried Kathlyn, penitent, for she knew she had done wrong.
"I did not think. But Umballa?"

"Yes, Umballa. One of the keepers found a knife by that bridge, and
Ramabai identified it as belonging to Umballa. Whether he is alone or
with many, I do not know; but this I do know: we must under no
circumstances become separated again. Now, I'm going to quiz the
chief."

But the chief said that no person described had passed or been seen.
No one but a holy man had come that morning, and he had gone to the
island in the sloop.

"For what?"

The chief smiled, but shook his head.

"Was it not a basket of gold and precious stones?" demanded the colonel.

The chief's eyes widened. There were others who knew, then? Bruce
noticed his surprise.

"Colonel, show the good chief the royal seal on your document."

The colonel did so, and the chief salaamed when he saw the royal
signature. He was mightily bewildered, and gradually he was made to
understand that he had been vilely tricked.

"To the boats!" he shouted, as if suddenly awakening. "We may be too
late, Lords! He said he was a holy man, and I believed."

They all ran hastily down to the beach to seize what boats they could.
Here they met a heartrending obstacle in the refusal of the owners.
The chief, however, signified that it was his will; and, moreover, he
commanded that the fishermen should handle the oars. They would be
paid. That was different. Why did not the white people say so at
once? They would go anywhere for money. Not the most auspicious sign,
thought Ramabai. They got into the boats and pushed off.

On the way to the island the colonel consulted the map, or diagram, he
held in his hand. It was not possible that Umballa knew the exact spot.

A filigree basket of silver, filled with gold and gems! The man became
as eager and excited as a boy. The instinct to hunt for treasure
begins just outside the cradle and ends just inside the grave.