| 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 |
| 1 | 20 | 40 | 59 | 79 |
|
www.freeclassicebooks.com
I hesitated, recalled his attitude of a few minutes before; and as though he had
read my thoughts, he said quickly: "I could not speak to you in the plaza without
danger of arousing suspicions which would prevent me aiding you later, for word
had gone out that Al-tan had turned against you and would destroy you--this was
after Du-seen the Galu arrived."
I followed him into the hut, and with Nobs at our heels we passed through several
chambers into a remote and windowless apartment where a small lamp sputtered
in its unequal battle with the inky darkness. A hole in the roof permitted the
smoke from burning oil egress; yet the atmosphere was far from lucid. Here
Chal-az motioned me to a seat upon a furry hide spread upon the earthen floor.
"I am your friend," he said. "You saved my life; and I am no ingrate as is the batu
Al-tan. I will serve you, and there are others here who will serve you against Al-
tan and this renegade Galu, Du-seen."
"But where is Ajor?" I asked, for I cared little for my own safety while she was in
danger.
"
Ajor is safe, too," he answered. "We learned the designs of Al-tan and Du-seen.
The latter, learning that Ajor was here, demanded her; and Al-tan promised that
he should have her; but when the warriors went to get her To-mar went with
them. Ajor tried to defend herself. She killed one of the warriors, and then To-
mar picked her up in his arms when the others had taken her weapons from her.
He told the others to look after the wounded man, who was really already dead,
and to seize you upon your return, and that he, To-mar, would bear Ajor to Al-
tan; but instead of bearing her to Al-tan, he took her to his own hut, where she
now is with So-al, To-mar's she. It all happened very quickly. To-mar and I were
in the council-hut when Du-seen attempted to take the dog from you. I was
seeking To-mar for this work. He ran out immediately and accompanied the
warriors to your hut while I remained to watch what went on within the council-
hut and to aid you if you needed aid. What has happened since you know."
I thanked him for his loyalty and then asked him to take me to Ajor; but he said
that it could not be done, as the village streets were filled with searchers. In fact,
we could hear them passing to and fro among the huts, making inquiries, and at
last Chal-az thought it best to go to the doorway of his dwelling, which consisted
of many huts joined together, lest they enter and search.
Chal-az was absent for a long time--several hours which seemed an eternity to
me. All sounds of pursuit had long since ceased, and I was becoming uneasy
because of his protracted absence when I heard him returning through the other
6
4
Page
Quick Jump
|