. There
could be no question that they were on their way to kill without mercy.

The situation was intensely trying to father and daughter. The whole
party of Ghoojurs had entered the Ganges and were steadily approaching.
The water was so shallow that it could be seen as it splashed about the
bodies of the riders, who were talking and laughing, as if in
anticipation of the enjoyment awaiting them. They preserved their
single file, like so many American Indians in crossing a stream, and
their last thought must have been of any possible danger that could
threaten them from the three on the further bank.

The situation was becoming unbearable when the rifle cracked with a
noise no louder than a Chinese cracker, and a faint puff of smoke
curled upward from the muzzle of the weapon. At the same moment the
Ghoojur at the front, on his black horse, flung up his arms and tumbled
sideways into the water, which splashed over his animal's head.
Frightened, the horse reared, pawed the air, and, whirling about,
galloped back to the bank, sending the water flying in showers from his
hoofs.

"Score me a bull's-eye!" called Jack Everson, who in his pleasure over
his success, could not wait for the result.

"But see!" cried Mary, "you have only infuriated them. Oh! father, how
can we save ourselves?"

CHAPTER IV.

FLIGHT.

The success of the first shot gave Jack Everson self-confidence and he
took less time in aiming the second, which was as unerring as the
first. Another Ghoojur plunged off his horse and gave but a single
struggle when he sank from sight in the shallow water.

"Another bull's-eye!" called Jack, proceeding to reload his piece. "I
hope, doctor, you are keeping a correct score; I must have credit for
all I do."

"Now for my distinguished friend on the milk-white steed," said Jack,
proceeding to adjust his telescopic sight to that individual. "If they
will send over the three horses it will give us one apiece."

But the Ghoojurs had had enough of this fearful business. They saw
that some unaccountable fatality was at work and it was madness for
them to remain. With never a suspicion of the truth they wheeled their
animals about and sent them galloping for the bank which they had left
a short time before full of hope and anticipation.

"I'm sorry for that," reflected Jack Everson, "for it mixes things and
I can't pick out my man, but here goes."

In one sense, his opportunity was better than