Page:Indian tales of the great ones.djvu/86

78 "Have no fear," said Rahtore Beeda. "I will defend the sanctuary while you get away. See, there is my horse."

And even as he spoke his eyes travelled to the speck of dust on the horizon.

And now Jismal and his men had come up. But Rahtore Beeda stood alone at the door of the sanctuary.

"We want Sanga."

"He is my guest."

"Then let us seek for him."

"Nay—not while he is my guest," said Rahtore Beeda, the perfect host, drawing his sword.

Alone he stood against them. And when at last they forced their way into the sanctuary over his dead body, Sanga was far away in safety.

And the perfect host had kept his tradition of hospitality.