It needed just one hand to be laid upon the Pathan's shoulder as he forced his way towards the door, just one blow to be struck, and the ugly rush would come.

But the hand was not stretched out, nor the blow struck; and the Pathan was seen actually at the threshold of the door.

Then the Goddess Devi came down to earth and spoke to another of her priests quickly and urgently.

The priest went swiftly down the steps.
"The goddess will leave Peshawur, since your Excellency so wills it," he said to Ralston.

"She will shake the dust of this city from her feet.