Linforth stood there white with anger against Shere Ali, hot to join in the chase.

Ralston understood that if ever he should need a man to hunt down that quarry through peril and privations, here at his hand was the man on whom he could rely.
Linforth's eager voice broke in again.
"What can I do to help ?" Ralston looked up once more.
"Nothing--for the moment.

If Shere Ali is captured in Peshawur--nothing at all." "But if he escapes." Ralston shrugged his shoulders.

Then he filled his pipe and lit it.
"If he escapes--why, then, your turn may come.

I make no promises," he added quickly, as Linforth, by a movement, betrayed his satisfaction.
"It is not, indeed, in my power to promise.