Thus, Ramabai could do nothing to aid Kathlyn.

Nor could the elephant ridden by the colonel and Bruce be managed.
Umballa was quick to see his advantage, and, laughing, he urged his men toward the helpless girl.

The colonel raised his rifle and aimed at Umballa, but there was no report, only a click which to the frantic man's ears sounded like the gates of hell closing in behind him.
"Forward!" shouted Umballa.
She was his again; he would have the pleasure of taking her from under the very eyes of her father and lover.

His star never faltered.
Bruce stood up in the howdah, ready to dive; but the colonel restrained him.
"Don't waste your life! My God, we can't help her! Not a bullet in either gun.

God's curse on all these worthless stones men call guns!.