Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/158

 CHAPTER XI

THE HUNT AND THE KILL

reached our rooms, meeting no one in the passages, and there made our preparations. First we changed our festal robes for those warmer garments in which we had travelled to the city of Kaloon. Then we ate and drank what we could of the victuals which stood in the antechamber, not knowing when we should find more food, and filled two satchels such as these people sling about their shoulders, with the remains of the meat and liquor and a few necessaries. Also we strapped our big hunting knives about our middles and armed ourselves with short spears that were made for the stabbing of game.

Perhaps he has laid a plot to murder us, and we may as well defend ourselves while we can, suggested Leo.

I nodded, for the echoes of the Khan's last laugh still rang in my ears. It was a very evil laugh.

Likely enough, I said. I do not trust that insane brute. Still, he wishes to be rid of us.

Yes, but as he said, live men may return, whereas the dead do not.

Atene thinks otherwise, I commented.

And yet she threatened us with death, answered Leo.

Because her shame and passion make her mad, I replied, after which we were silent.

Presently the door opened, and through it came the Khan, muffled in a great cloak as though to disguise himself.

Come, he said, if you are ready. Then, catching sight of the spears we held, he added: You will not need those things. You do not go a-hunting.