Page:Ernest Bramah - Kai Lungs Golden Hours.djvu/317

 for the time presses when such issues hang on the lips of dying men, to what extent Kha-hia's legions stretch?"

"In number," replied Nau-Kaou, closing his eyes, "they are as the stars on a very clear night, when the thousands in front do but serve to conceal the innumerable throng behind. Yet even a small and resolute army taking up its stand secretly in this valley and falling upon them unexpectedly when half were crossed could throw them into disorder and rout, and utterly destroy the power of Kha-hia for all time."

"So shall it be," said Ten-teh from the door. "Pass upward with a tranquil mind, O stranger from the outer-land. The torch which you have borne so far will not fail until his pyre is lit."

"Stay but a moment," cried Nau-Kaou. "This person, full of vigour and resource, needed the spur of a most poignant hate to urge his trailing footsteps. Have you, O decrepit one, any such incentive to your failing powers?"

"A mightier one," came back the voice of Ten-teh, across the snow from afar. "Fear not."

"It is well; they are the great twin brothers," exclaimed Nau-Kaou. "Kai-hia is doomed!" Then twice beating the ground with his open hand he loosened his spirit and passed contentedly into the Upper Air.

The wise and accomplished Emperor Kwo Kam (to whom later historians have justly given the title "Profound") sat upon his agate throne in the Hall of Audience. Around him were gathered the most