Light of heart and full of hope, he was led by the Mongols before the tent of Burunda.
Burunda measured him from head to foot with his ferocious, piercing eyes and spoke to him through his interpreter, Tuhar Wolf.
“Slave,” said Burunda, “I am told that you know of a secret outlet from this valley?”
“I do,” replied Maxim.
“Are you prepared to show it to us?”
“I am.”
“What favor do you expect in return for it?”
“None.”
“Then why are you doing this?”
“As an indication of my good-will.”
“Where is this outlet?”
“On my father’s property.”
“Can you find it right away?”
“I cannot. Everything which would indicate it has been burned down and the passage is deeply buried beneath the earth. But as soon as it’s daylight I will find it.”
“It’s growing light now. Go and search for it! And one more thing, if you are telling us the truth and find the passage, then you will be set free and in addition will receive a gift. But if you’re trying to dupe us with empty promises then you will atone for it by the most horrible torture.”
“I’ll take your word for it, great behadir!” said Maxim, “and you can also depend upon mine!”
“Go and search for the passage. Here are your helpers. I will also accompany you.”
How slowly and cautiously walked Maxim! How minutely he examined every little nook, every stone, as if trying to recall the exact position of the place changed by yesterday’s conflagration! Though he was still some distance away from his father’s homestead, he stopped several times, bent close to the
188
