He has a body of fierce fighting men; and he lives unmolested for two reasons: looting would not be worth while and his position is isolated and almost impregnable.

Now, if I am right, we shall find shelter there, for he was an old friend of my father's and I might call him a friend of mine, since I sell sheep for him occasionally." "Bala Khan ?" mused Bruce, reminiscently.

"Isn't he the chap who has a sacred white elephant ?" "It is the same," answered Ramabai.

"We can reach there before sundown.

It would be wise to hasten, however, as this desert and those hills are infested with lawless nomadic bands of masterless men--brigands, you call them.