His intention was—if he failed in killing him at the first blow—at least to struggle with him, so as to give Colonel Munro time to reach the high road; but the knife was struck from his grasp, and fell to the ground.
Furious at being disarmed, Gofimi seized his adversary round the body, and lifting him in his powerful arms, actually carried him off, determining to spring with him over the nearest precipice into the abyss beneath.
In the meanwhile, Kalagani and his companions were rapidly approaching; in another minute they would be upon them, and then what hope of escape could there be?
“Another effort!” repeated Gofimi. “I can keep them at bay for a few minutes by using their nabob as a shield! Fly, master, fly without me!”
The pursuers were close behind. In a half-strangled voice the
