"Each lock has a key, but some keys fit all locks," says the Eastern
proverb. King has been chosen for many ticklish errands in his time,
and Saunders is still in Delhi.

Through the great iron door into dim outer darkness King led them
and presently made them squat in a close-huddled semicircle on the
paving stones, like night-birds waiting for a meal.

"I want blankets for them--two good ones apiece--and food for a
week's journey!" he told the astonished Saunders; and he spoke
so decidedly that the other man's questions and argument died
stillborn. "While you attend to that for me, I'll be seeing his
dibs and making explanations. You look full of news. What do
you know?"

"I've telephoned all the other stations, and my men swear Yasmini
has not left Delhi by train!"

King smiled at him.

"If I leave by train d'you suppose she'll hear of it?"

"You bet! Bet your boots! Man alive--if she's interested in you
by so much," --he measured off a fraction of his little finger end--
"she knows your next two moves ahead, to say nothing of your past
half-dozen! I crossed her bows once and thought I had her at a
disadvantage. She laughed at me. On my honor, my spine tingles
yet at the mere thought of it! You've never met her? Never heard
her laugh? Never seen her eyes? You've a treat in store for you--