"
Alan Hawke softly smiled at those touching words, "Sad intelligence."
It was only the perfunctory regret of the shark-like lawyer, and
the secretly rejoicing heirs. "This is not a case where the one who
goes is happier than the one that's left behind," mused Hawke. "I
must settle matters rapidly with Ram Lal, for if the will leaves
the property to Nadine, she must be mine at all costs!
"Shall I not send a well-armed man with you, Major?" asked the
Captain. "It is very late!"
"Thanks, Jordan," lightly said the Major. "I've a good revolver
and my service sword--a priceless old wootz steel tulwar. I'm good
for a dozen Pandies! I'm used to Thug--and Dacoit, to bandit and
ruffian. I have a little private business to attend to, and I'll
come home in a trap!"
By a strange chance, Major Alan Hawke, the distinguished favorite
of fortune, slunk along in byway and shadow till he reached the
cottage, where a lovely woman, flower wreathed, with child-like face
and timid, mournful eyes, anxiously awaited him. "I'll be back in
two or three hours," he carelessly said, as he tossed her a roll
of rupees. Then, with a long, slender package hidden in his bosom,
he stole out after a long circuit and entered Ram Lal's compound
by the rear entrance, always at his use.
"It is just as well not to make any little mistake just now," mused
Hawke, as with cat-like tread he sped through the old jeweler's
garden.
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