So many arms had Siva, that evil spawn, that Pundita would not believe all was well till they had crossed the frontier.
"They will be coming soon, Sahib," said Ahmed.

Bruce wiped the sweat from his palms and nodded.
Now, when Umballa and his captain of the guard departed with the betrothal chain they did not firmly close the outer door, which shut off the leopards from the main palace.

The leopards were immediately freed and began their prowling through the corridors, snarling and growling as they scented the air through which the two men had just passed.

One paused by the door, impatiently thrusting out a paw.
The door gave.
In the throne room the mockery of the betrothal was gone through, and then the calm Ramabai secretly signified that the hour for escape was at hand; for everywhere, now that the ceremony was done, vigilance would be lax.
Immediately the high priest announced that the successful candidate would be conducted to the palace zenana and confined there till the final ceremonies were over.
Umballa dreamed of what he had seen.
To Ramabai was given the exalted honor of conducting the king and his betrothed to their respective quarters.

Once in the private passageway to the harem, or zenana, Ramabai threw caution to the winds.
"We must go a roundabout way to the garden of brides, which will be deserted.