"
For an instant the two men watched each other in momentous silence, as
two wrestlers each seeking to measure the other's strength. Then Nehal
Singh raised his hand in dismissal.
"It is well, Englishman. If you have not indeed boasted, we shall meet
again."
"We shall meet again, Rajah Sahib."
Nicholson swung round on his heel. The crowd behind him fell back, and
with a rapid step, neither glancing to the right nor left, he strode
out of the temple into the fading sunshine. His horse was still held
in waiting, and he mounted instantly. Erect in his saddle, he faced
the frowning multitude, then rode forward, as he had come, without
haste, holding their passions in check by his own high, fearless
bearing.
The highroad was empty as he passed through the gates. The enemy lay
behind. He set spurs to his horse and galloped headlong toward Marut.
CHAPTER VIII
FACE TO FACE
Mrs. Carmichael turned up the light with a steady hand. Her gaunt,
harsh features were expressionless.
"Well, what news, Captain Nicholson?" she said. "You can say it
outright. I am not afraid." She turned as she spoke and looked around
her. "Are your nerves strong enough, Mrs. Berry? If not, pull yourself
together. We can only die once, and there's nothing to whimper about."
Mrs. Berry, who sat cowering in the corner of the sofa, lifted her
grey face. The clumsy lips tried to move, but no sound came forth
except an inarticulate murmur.
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