The Jungle Fugitives | Page 5

Everson, who in his pleasure over
his success, could not wait for the result.
"But see!" cried Mary, "you have only infuriated them. Oh! father, how
can we save ourselves?"
CHAPTER IV.
FLIGHT.
The success of the first shot gave Jack Everson self-confidence and he
took less time in aiming the second, which was as unerring as the first.
Another Ghoojur plunged off his horse and gave but a single struggle
when he sank from sight in the shallow water.
"Another bull's-eye!" called Jack, proceeding to reload his piece. "I
hope, doctor, you are keeping a correct score; I must have credit for all
I do."
"Now for my distinguished friend on the milk-white steed," said Jack,
proceeding to adjust his telescopic sight to that individual. "If they will
send over the three horses it will give us one apiece."
But the Ghoojurs had had enough of this fearful business. They saw

that some unaccountable fatality was at work and it was madness for
them to remain. With never a suspicion of the truth they wheeled their
animals about and sent them galloping for the bank which they had left
a short time before full of hope and anticipation.
"I'm sorry for that," reflected Jack Everson, "for it mixes things and I
can't pick out my man, but here goes."
In one sense, his opportunity was better than before; for, while he could
not select his particular target, he had but to aim at the bunch to make
sure of hitting somebody, which is precisely what he did.
The Ghoojur whom he punctured did not fall, for the reason that two of
his friends reached out and prevented him. It was a piece of
supererogation on their part, for when the party emerged from the
Ganges upon dry land that fellow was of no further account.
Jack now showed more haste than before in reloading his weapon,
fearing that the party would get beyond his reach before he could fire
for the fourth time. Much to his regret, they did so, for though he made
the shot, it was necessarily so hurried that it inflicted no injury, and the
whole party galloped out of sight over the slight swell without showing
any further concern for their companions left behind. Jack now rose to
his feet with the question:
"What is my record, doctor?"
"Three bull's-eyes; your score is perfect."
"Hardly, for the last was a miss; however, three out of a possible four is
pretty fair when the circumstances are considered. I suspect that that
particular party is not likely to give us further trouble."
"No, they will not forget the lesson."
"If we can induce our enemies to make their approach by the same ford
and when the sun is shining this will become truly amusing."

"But the Ghoojurs will not repeat that mistake. This affair has served
another purpose," added the physician, "we must not delay our
departure."
"Do you advise our going while it is night?"
"I advised the contrary a little while ago, but I confess I am afraid to
stay in the house, even for a few hours. However, we will take our
dinner there, gather a few belongings and then hurry off. We shall find
some spot where it will be safe to pass the night, and where we are not
likely to be molested, because no one will know where to find us."
All glanced in the direction of the other shore, and seeing nothing to
cause misgiving moved to the house, a low, roomy structure, though of
moderate proportions, with a broad veranda extending along two sides.
It was time for the evening meal, and there was some surprise felt that
Mustad, the servant, had not summoned them before.
This surprise turned to astonishment and alarm when it was discovered
that Mustad was not in the house. No preparation had been made for
dinner, and though his name was called several times in a loud voice,
there was no response.
"He has left us," said the doctor.
"What does it mean?" asked Mary.
"It can have but one meaning: by some legerdemain, such as our own
Indians show in telegraphing news from one mountain top to another,
word has reached Mustad of what has taken place, and he has been
called upon to join the faithful, and has been only too glad to do it."
"I should think he would have attempted to do us harm before going."
"He is too great a coward."
"But his fanaticism will make him reckless."
"When he gets among his friends then he will be among the worst."

"But, father, he was always meek and gentle and respectful."
"Those are the kind who become directly the opposite."
"Do you think he would harm us?"
"I have no doubt of