MAGIC Through the tunnel, into the street, into the care of Ahmed and Lal Singh, then hurriedly to the house of Ramabai.

The fact that they had to proceed to Ramabai's was a severe blow to Bruce and the colonel.
They had expected all to be mounted the instant they came from the tunnel, a swift unobstructed flight to the gate and freedom.

But Ahmed could not find his elephants.

Too late he learned that the mahouts he had secretly engaged had misunderstood his instructions and had stationed themselves near the main entrance to the arena! The cursing and railing against fate is a futile thing, never bearing fruit: so Ramabai suggested his house till transportation could be secured.

They perfectly understood that they could not remain in the house more than a few hours; for Umballa would surely send his men everywhere, and quite possibly first of all to Ramabai's.
Still, Ramabai did not appear very much alarmed.