The Star of India
Copyright© 2026 by Edward S. Ellis
Chapter 29: An Intruder.
Dr. Avery was determined to make the guide express himself more clearly as to the probable fate of the party. He had let fall some abrupt expressions, but they were not satisfactory.
Finally Luchman said he had had a faint hope that there might be some way of leaving the rear of the temple. It was for that reason that he made his reconnaissance, but it only showed him that there was not the slightest chance.
“I gather that you have concluded that darkness is one of the indispensable conditions.”
“That is true, sahib.”
“The moon will rise later each night, but we cannot afford to wait many days for that.”
“I am willing to tarry two nights longer, sahib, and then if we cannot make the venture we have the last resort.”
“What is that?”
“I will open negotiations with Wana Affghar and get the best terms possible, knowing that he will break every one of them if he can.”
The guide realized the skill with which this ruffian had outwitted him. When Luchman reappeared in Delhi, after his journey from Calcutta, Wana’s detectives knew it and held him under surveillance, though the guide never dreamed of such a thing. He supposed the bloodhounds had been thrown off the track, but they never lost the scent for any length of time, and were at his heels, as may be said, when he left Flagstaff Tower, and with little delay opened communications with their chief.
The truth was, Wana Affghar was determined to secure the Star of India—the great diamond—no matter what the cost or sacrifice demanded. This fixedness of purpose, amid extraordinary conditions, will make clear many occurrences which otherwise would remain incapable of explanation.
That night brought a singular experience to another member of the little party of refugees.
After the departure of Dr. Avery to learn the cause of the slight disturbance in the entrance way, the missionary and his family continued their conversation in low tones until the faint sound of Luchman’s pistol was heard.
This naturally startled the group, and Mr. Hildreth rose to go out and learn the cause.
“Wait until the doctor comes back,” interposed his wife, “it is lonely here in the darkness.”
“I imagine it is nothing serious,” said her husband when some minutes had passed, “otherwise we should hear more of it.”
“The pistol was probably discharged to let the Ghoojurs know that our friends are on the watch,” suggested Marian.
This theory was accepted, the three naturally believing that if there was anything worth telling they would hear of it. The conversation went on as before, until the hour became so late that Mr. Hildreth requested them to retire for the night.
Marian and her mother withdrew to the smaller apartment, where, with the aid of their shawls and outer garments, they made the best couch they could upon the flinty floor. The missionary himself, while awaiting the coming of one or more of his friends, fell asleep and did not wake until morning. It was much the same with his wife, but far different with his daughter.
The latter rested quietly until about the turn of night, when she found herself wide awake, without understanding the cause. The extreme sultriness of the evening oppressed her, and she concluded her wakefulness was due to that. It will be borne in mind, too, that she had slumbered more than usual during the preceding twenty four hours, and therefore was in no special need of sleep.
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