said it almost with regret, for he had found the long miles through the
forest almost short, while the girl nestled confidingly, though
unconsciously, in his arms and he held her against his heart.

As the elephant neared the house Dermot gave a loud shout.

Instantly the verandah filled with men who rushed out of the lighted rooms
and tried to pierce the darkness. A little distance from the bungalow a
large number of coolies, seated on the ground, rose up and pressed forward
to the road. From behind the house several white-clad servants ran out.

Dermot shouted again and called out Daleham's name.

There was a frantic rush down the verandah steps.

"Hurrah! it's the Major," cried a planter.

"And--and--yes, Miss Daleham's with him. Hooray!" yelled another.

"Good old Dermot!" came in Payne's voice.

Through the throng of shouting, excited men the girl's brother broke.

"Noreen! Noreen! My God, are you there? Are you safe?" he cried
frantically.

Almost before Badshah sank to the ground, the girl, with a little sob,
sprang into her brother's arms and clung to him, while Dermot was dragged
off the pad by the eager hands of a dozen men who thumped him on the back,
pulled him from one to another, and nearly shook his arm off. The servants