other without witnesses. If we can get thither to-night, we
live. Otherwise we die."

"Live, then. No man passes the gates to-night. But what does HE
do?" Messua's husband was on his hands and knees digging up the
earth in one corner of the hut.

"It is his little money," said Messua. "We can take
nothing else."

"Ah, yes. The stuff that passes from hand to hand and never
grows warmer. Do they need it outside this place also?"
said Mowgli.

The man stared angrily. "He is a fool, and no devil," he
muttered. With the money I can buy a horse. We are too bruised
to walk far, and the village will follow us in an hour."

"I say they will NOT follow till I choose; but a horse is
well thought of, for Messua is tired." Her husband stood up
and knotted the last of the rupees into his waist-cloth.
Mowgli helped Messua through the window, and the cool night
air revived her, but the Jungle in the starlight looked very dark
and terrible.

"Ye know the trail to Khanhiwara?" Mowgli whispered.

They nodded.

'Good. Remember, now, not to be afraid. And there is no need to