make an end of us. But in this we did him wrong, for presently we heard the sound of horses' hoofs upon the stones, and he returned leading the two white steeds that Atene had given us.
I saddled them with my own hands,
he whispered. Who can do more to speed the parting guest? Now mount, hide your faces in your cloaks as I do, and follow me.
So we mounted, and he trotted before us like a running footman, such as the great lords of Kaloon employed when they went about their business or their pleasure. Leaving the main street, he led us through a quarter of the town that had an evil reputation, and down its tortuous by-ways. Here we met a few revellers, while from time to time night-birds flitted from the doorways and, throwing aside their veils, looked at us, but as we made no sign drew back again, thinking that we passed to some assignation. We reached the deserted docks upon the river's edge and came to a little quay, alongside of which a broad ferry-boat was fastened.
You must put your horses into it and row across,
Rassen said, for the bridges are guarded, and without discovering myself I cannot bid the soldiers to let you pass.
So with some little trouble we urged the horses into the boat, where I held them by their bridles while Leo took the oars.
Now go your ways, accursed wanderers,
cried the Khan as he thrust us from the quay, and pray the Spirit of the Mountain that the old Rat and his pupil—your love, Yellow-beard, your love—are not watching you in their magic glass. For if so we may meet again.
Then as the stream caught us, sweeping the boat out towards the centre of the river, he began to laugh that horrible laugh of his, calling after us—
Ride fast, ride fast for safety, strangers; there is death behind.
