Guns Of The Gods by Talbot Mundy

Author:Talbot Mundy
Language: eng
Format: epub

Guns Of The Gods

Chapter Eleven

To cover a trail is less than half the work, for any dog with a nose can smell it out. You should make a false trail afterward to deceive the clever folk. -Eastern Proverb

“Say: that little girl you’re wanting to run off with is my wife!”

The other side to the intrigue developed furiously up at the Baines’ house on the hillside. Yasmini gave directions from Tess’s bedroom, where Tess hid her from prying servants, she electing to change clothes once more–this time into her hostess’ riding breeches, boots and helmet. But she insisted on Tess retaining the Rajput costume, only allowing a hand-bag to be packed with woman’s things, skirt, blouse and so on.

“If I am seen there must be no mistake about me. They must swear that I am you! It doesn’t matter who they believe that you are. Above all, Chamu the butler must not see me. When he is dismissed in the morning he will tell tales for very spite, and take his chance of my accusing him of theft; so be sure that he sees Tom Tripe search the cellar. Then he will confirm to the maharajah afterward that Tripe did search– and did see something–and that Blaine sahib did lock the cellar door afterward in anger, and put weights on it. That is the important thing. Blaine sahib must drive the carriage again to the house of Mukhum Dass; and be sure that I am not kept waiting there–we must start before the dawn breaks! Now give me paper and a pen to write the chit (letter) for Mukhum Dass.”

There was no ink in the bedroom; Dick took her into the place he called his study, and locked the door, glad of the excuse. He was minded to know more of the intrigue before letting his wife go off again that night on any wild adventure, second thoughts having stirred his caution. He began by offering to lend her money, suspecting that a fugitive princess would need that more than anything. But she replied by drawing out from her bosom a packet containing thousands of rupees in Bank of India notes, and gave him money instead–not much, but she forced it on him.

“For the three beggars. Ten rupees each. Pay it them in silver in the morning. They have been very useful often, and may be so again.”

He watched her write the letter and seal the envelope. Then:

“Say,” he said, “don’t you think you’d be doing right by telling me more of this? I’ll say nothing to a soul, but that little girl you’re wanting to run off with is my wife, and I’ll admit I’m kind o’ concerned on her account.”

Yasmini met his iron-gray eyes, judged him and found him good.

“I never trusted man yet, not even the husband I shall marry, with all I shall tell you,” she answered. “Will you give me silence in return for it?”

“Mum as the grave,” he answered. And Dick Blaine kept his word,

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