WINGS
23
voice. "And now—can you lend me a couple of horses?"
"Surely. I have a brace of Marwari stallions. Jewels, child! Pearls! Noble bits of horseflesh! Come!"
He led the way to the stable, which was on the other side of his house, and sheltered by a low wall. He lit an oil-lamp, opened the door, soothed the nervous, startled Marwaris with voice and knowing hand, and saddled them.
He led the horses out, and Thorneycroft and the babu mounted.
"Where to?" asked the Afghan.
Thorneycroft waved his hand in farewell.
"To Oneypore!" he replied. "To interview a dead raja's soul!" He turned to the babu. "We must hurry, O babu-jee ! Every minute counts!"
And he was off at a gallop, closely followed by the other.
