eading towards the south. Only when well
clear of the houses did Frank and Muriel venture to converse in their
own language. Wargrave narrated all that had happened to him since they
had parted. Anyone watching them beyond earshot would have wondered at
the joy that shone in the face of the young _chela_ (disciple) clasping
the hand of the old priest and gazing affectionately at him as they went
along; for Frank was telling the girl of Violet's letter which had set
him free. He described his many fruitless attempts to cross the
frontier, his fortunate meeting with Badshah and the marvellous way in
which the wonderful animal had helped him. Safely inside Bhutan he and
Tashi had parted with the elephants in what appeared to be the same
forest as the one in which Colonel Dermot and they had left the herd on
their previous entry into the country. Frank had tried to imitate his
chief in ordering Badshah to meet them there again; but he was very
doubtful of the result.

They had not found it difficult to follow the trail left by Muriel's
abductors, for once inside the border the Chinamen had not tried to
hide themselves. At every village along the rough road Tashi had learned
of their passing with their captive, so the two had followed them
without difficulty to Tuna, where they soon discovered where the girl
was imprisoned. The festival had offered them an unhoped-for opportunity
of rescuing her. Tashi, once a star performer in similar devil dances in
his own monastery, procured costumes and taught his companion what to
do. As the number of those taking part in the performances ran to
hundreds it was easy to slip in unobserved among them.

Then Muriel told of her adventures. But, far more interesting to both
than the details of these mere happenings, each revealed to the other
the longings, the love, the hopes and fears, that had filled his and her
heart during the unhappy period of their estrangement.

Now began a wonderful odyssey that, but for the dread of pursuit and
capture would have seemed a journey in Fairyland to the re-united
lovers. Indeed, as they travelled on day after day and danger seemed
left behind, they forgot everything in the joy of being together once
more, their vows exchanged, their faith pledged, the Future a long vista
of golden days of delight. It was well that Tashi was with them to be on
the watch, for the lovers walked with their heads in the clouds.

And certainly theirs was an interesting pi