Reaching the further bank, he deposited his burden and at once turned
back. Beryl was waiting for him. For some reason unknown even to
herself, she had made up her mind to trust this old man.
"If the most gracious will deign to rest her arm upon my shoulder," he
suggested, in his meek quaver.
And without further demur she complied.
The moment he lifted her she knew that his strength was fully equal to
the venture. His arms were like steel springs. He grunted a little to
himself as he bore her across, but he neither paused nor faltered till
he set her upon the bank.
"The _mem-sahib_ will soon see the road to Kundaghat," he observed then.
"She has but three miles yet to go."
"Only three miles to Kundaghat!" she ejaculated in amazement.
"Only three miles, most gracious." For the first time a hint of pride
was mingled with the humility in his reedy voice. "The _mem-sahib_ has
travelled hither by a way that few know."
Beryl was fairly amazed at the news. She had believed herself to be many
miles away. She began to wonder if her friend in need would consider the
few rupees she had left adequate reward for his pains. Since she had
parted with Fletcher's gift, she reflected that she had nothing else of
value to bestow.
The way now lay uphill, and all undergrowth soon ceased. They came out
at last through thinning pine trees upon the crest of the rise, and from
here, a considerable distance below, Beryl discerned the road along
which she had travelled with Fletcher that morning.
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