"Yes--poor Chunda Lal. He is my only friend. Give him this."
She removed an amulet upon a gold chain from about her neck and thrust
it into Stuart's hand.
"It seems to you silly, but Chunda Lal is of the East; and he has
promised. Oh! be quick! I am afraid. I tell you something. Fo-Hi
does not know, but the police Inspector and many men search the
river bank for the house! I see them from a window----"
"What!" cried Stuart--"Dunbar is here!"
_"Ssh! ssh!"_ Miska clutched him wildly. _"He_ is not far away. You
will go and bring him here. No! for me do not fear. I put the keys
back and he will think you have opened the lock by some trick----"
"Miska!"
"Oh, no more!"
She slipped from his arms, crossed and reopened the lacquered door,
revealing a corridor dimly lighted. Stuart followed and looked along
the corridor.
"Right to the end," she whispered, "and down the steps. You know"--
touching the amulet which Stuart carried--"how to deal with--Chunda Lal."
But still he hesitated; until she seized his hand and urged him.
Thereupon he swept her wildly into his arms.
"Miska! how can I leave you! It is maddening!"
"You must! you must!"
He looked into her eyes, stooped and kissed her upon the lips. Then,
with no other word, he tore himself away and walked quickly along the
corridor. Miska watched him until he was out of sight, then
re-entered the great room and closed the door. She turned, and:
"Oh, God of mercy," she whispered.
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