CHAPTER XIX.
I INHALE THE FATAL GAS.
It was the sound of many footsteps which recalled me to myself, for the shock of that broken rope proved almost too much for my already overstrained nerves. Turning I beheld the lamas of Psam-dagong approaching in solemn procession with Padma at their head, while Ah Schow, carrying my neglected grip, brought up the rear, looking as stoical and indifferent as though nothing unusual had occurred.
If his Joss wanted Ah Schow, his Joss would take him; if not he would escape even though the world were in flames.
Such was our Chinaman’s way of looking at the matter, and it was a highly comforting one—there is no doubt about that.
I pulled myself together as best I could, and advancing to meet them pointed toward the entrance to that strange incline, at the same time calling to Ah Schow to come forward and act as interpreter between Padma and myself.
But there was no excitement about the matter.
Padma seemed to view the Doctor’s act as one of simple folly. Fortunately for me I found no difficulty in talking to him through Ah Schow.
“We could not have gone by the car in any event, my son.” he said. “This affair has all been settled. We go by the way of the world of spirit. By his selfishness your friend has doubtless gone to his death, while we most surely shall be saved.”
“Is there no chance that he still lives?” I asked.
“How can I tell? I have not passed over that road for many years. Since the days of my boyhood it has been against the orders of our spiritual master, the most holy Tale Lama, that this road should be used except in such an emergency as this. I know not where the rope parted or how; but let us not discuss the matter further. What is done is done. We have now to think ourselves. Watch well and follow us in what we are about to do, and by Bud-
