SHAFTS FROM AN LASTIERN QUITER.

to-morrow the Drahmins as they utter their chants calling upon Shiva to accept the sacrifice which they mtend to make. Then a procession will be formed, and, moving thus, they will again enter the council cham- ber m which you were condemmned, for there they will vainly expeet to find you bound.”

“How will this plan of yours assist us to escape? 7 omterrupted Denviers, glancing at our strange deliverer.

“Sahib, patience, and vou shall hear. At the outer door ol this temple——which at night 1s strongly guarded-—vou will find in the davtime only two Hindus armed with swords. Your approach will doubtless be heard however softly you may tread, such is the acuteness of hearing which distinguishes our race. ‘I'wo mmutes afterwards your fate will be mrevocably decided.” Taking them from beneath her robe, the Dast held out to

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When the swords fall, ward them off, and make a dash for the passage. Procecding thenee straaght onward, you will see another door : and on pressing against it, you will find that it Teads into the pilgrims’ hall, which abuts upon the street. Once there, and your peril 1s over.”

“Where are we to remain hidden until then 27 T asked.

“In vonder adoly sahib; for within it is a hollow known to few even of the Brahmins. Follow me, and T will show you the way in which entry and egress can be made

Passmg to the rear of the 1dol, we observed a strange triangular mark, and while our own cfforts to find the clue to the opening of the 1dol were futile, the Dasi in a moment was successful, after which she whispered the sceret to us. Touching a hidden spring, a door flew open, and then we saw a flight

“SHE HELD OUT TO EACH OF

each of us a wide-bladed knife and then con- tinued :—

“Armed thus, you will cach engage with one of the guards. Knife against sword is unequal fighting ; act, therefore, only on the defensive, and stain not Shiva's temple.

US A WIDE-BLADED KNIFE,

of narrow steps, which led into a round chamber above in the monstrous idol. “llere rest safely till dawn,” said our guide. “The temple is deserted now save by the great spirits whose vigils you may not disturb. I'are you well, and remember for