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128  Swine will to their mire and these men and women, who live in idleness upon the toil of the humble folk, will to their liquor and vile luxury. Well, the end is near, for it is killing them, and their children are but few; weakly also, for the ancient blood grows thin and stale. But you are weary and would rest. To-morrow we will ride together, and calling to an officer, she bade him conduct us to our rooms.

So we rose, and, accompanied by Simbri, bowed to her and went, she standing and gazing after us, a royal and pathetic figure in the midst of all that dissolute revelry. The Khan rose also, and in his cunning fashion understood something of the meaning of it all.

You think us gay, he shouted; and why should we not be who do not know how long we have to live? But you yellow-haired fellow, you must not let Atene look at you like that. I tell you she is my wife, and if you do, I shall certainly have to hunt you.

At this drunken sally the courtiers roared with laughter, but taking Leo by the arm Simbri hurried him from the hall.

Friend? said Leo, when we were outside, it seems to me that this Khan of yours threatens my life.

Have no fear, lord, answered the Guardian; so long as the Khania does not threaten it you are safe. She is the real ruler of this land, and I stand next to her.

Then I pray you, said Leo, keep me out of the way of that drunken man, for, look you, if I am attacked I defend myself.

And who can blame you? Simbri replied with one of his slow, mysterious smiles.

Then we parted, and having placed both our beds in one chamber, slept soundly enough, for we were very tired, till we were awakened in the morning by the baying of those horrible death-hounds, being fed, I suppose, in a place near by.