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168 You shall have your answer on yonder Mountain, said Leo, pointing to the peak above us, where I seek mine.

She paled a little and replied, To find that it is death, for, as I have told you, the place is guarded by savage folk who know no pity.

So be it. Then Death is the answer that we seek. Come, Horace, let us go to meet him.

I swear to you, she broke in, that there dwells not the woman of your dreams. I am that woman, yes, even I, as you are the man of mine.

Then, lady, prove it yonder upon the Mountain, Leo answered.

There dwells there no woman, Atene went on hurriedly, nothing dwells there. It is the home of fire and—a Voice.

What voice?

The Voice of the Oracle that speaks from the fire. The Voice of a Spirit whom no man has ever seen, or shall see.

Come, Horace, said Leo, and he moved towards the horse.

Men, broke in the old Shaman, would you rush upon your doom? Listen; I have visited yonder haunted place, for it was I who according to custom brought thither the body of the Khan Atene's father for burial, and I warn you to set no foot within its temples.

Which your mistress said that we should never reach, I commented, but Leo only answered—

We thank you for your warning, and added, Horace, watch them while I saddle the horse, lest they do us a mischief.

So I took the spear in my uninjured hand and stood ready. But they made no attempt to hurt us, only fell back a little and began to talk in hurried whispers. It was evident to me that they were much perturbed. In a few minutes the horse was saddled and Leo assisted me to mount it. Then he said—