But Kathlyn's curiosity the next morning neutralized the advantage gained.
A group of masked dancers, peripatetic, was the cause.

Confident that they had outstripped pursuit, she saw no reason why she should not witness the dancing.
How Umballa came upon them suddenly, like a thunderbolt, confiscating the elephants; how they fled to a near-by temple, bribed the dancers for masks and garments, fled still farther into the wooded hills, and hid there with small arms ready, needs but little telling.

Umballa returned to the city satisfied.

He had at least deprived them of their means of travel.

Sooner or later they would founder in the jungle, hear of the arrival of the younger daughter and return.
Ahmed was grave.