Page:Frank Owen - The Actress.djvu/80

66 could be found, and certainly not in time for our needs. We must have water at once!"

"There is truth in what you say. The plan is useless. I guess our only hope lies in Kishm Island. I will go there myself. I think I could make the trip in about an hour."

"But how?" she asked anxiously.

"By raft."

"Would it not be dangerous, Sahib? Do you think that you could do it?"

"I could make a try at least. 'Tis better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all. To remain passive on this island, waiting death from lack of water, would be foolish, with help so near at hand."

"But when you arrive at Kishm you are likely to be captured by the Pasha's men, as Mochanda was."

"I shall be prepared."

"What is one man against a mob?"

"If I am to be beaten," he said, "I'd rather be beaten by a score than an individual. There'd be less disgrace in the defeat. However, I mean to be the victor. Not only am I going to Kishm for water, but as a locksmith also. I intend to open the door of Abdulla Pasha's treasure-room."

"Surely you are jesting!" exclaimed Berenice in great astonishment, gazing eagerly into his eyes.

"On the contrary, I was never more in earnest."

For a moment she was silent. Then she said pleadingly, "Why don't you give up this foolish idea now, while there is yet a chance? The Pasha is a desperate man and would not hesitate at murder."