tentions of restraint and desire, stared with a ghastly lack of
speculation.

"As the officer turned to leave Ram Lal undisturbed in the performance
of this last duty to the dead, the merchant, presently assured that he
would be free from intrusion for a time sufficient for his ostensible
purposes, approached the body, tore aside the delicate fabric, which
covered the breast, and with surprising dexterity released the
fastenings which held the jacket to the body, wrenched it away with
desperate haste, and in an incredibly short time had secured this
treasure-trove around his own loins beneath the folds of his linen.

"Then, with a grin of malignant triumph, he murmured: 'This is more
speedy, O prince, than pebbles for diamonds--and now for Lal Lu.'

"With this the merchant darted to the hangings from which the prince had
issued with such desperate purpose, cast them ruthlessly aside, hurried
along the passageway, shouting as he speeded: 'Lal Lu--Lal Lu!'

"A joyful cry responded.

"'Here, father, here!' and Lal Lu, who had recognized her father's call,
rushed toward the entrance just as the merchant crossed its threshold,
and in a moment she was enfolded in his protecting embrace."

* * * * *

"Is that all?" asked Raikes as the Sepoy paused.

"Isn't it enough?" laughed the narrator. "The villain punished, the
righteous rewarded, the maiden rescued. It seems to me that all the
proprieties are preserved."

"True," assented Raikes. "You are to be congratulated upon your
consistency. But as usual your art is a bit too refined. You still
discontinue with a question unsolved."

"Name it," replied the Sepoy; "perhaps I can clear up the difficulty at
once."

"Well," returned Raikes, "there is all that wealth concealed about the
person of Ram Lal; I am interested to know if he retained it, to what
use he put it. If it is inconsistent in your narrative to reply to these
questions, waive your formalities for once."

"Why not?" laughed the Sepoy. "Still, I can only approximate to your
request. There was a report that Ram Lal and his daughter disappeared
shortly after the raid upon the Kutub.

"It is also said that a dealer in precious stones opened an
establishment on the Strand in London, and that his description
corresponded in so many points with that of Ram Lal that it is safe to
infer that the twain are identical."

"That is better," sighed Raikes. "I will assume that t