never forgives — much less would he again trust a man who had once betrayed him; that I know.
"I have thought much, as I said, and the result of my thinking has assured me that Achmet Zek is dead — for otherwise you would never have dared return to his camp, unless you be either a braver man or a bigger fool than I have imagined. And, if this evidence of my judgment is not sufficient, I have but just now received from your own lips even more confirmatory witness — for did you not say that Achmet Zek was never more safe from the sins and dangers of mortality?
"Achmet Zek is dead — you need not deny it. I was not his mother, or his mistress, so do not fear that my wailings shall disturb you. Tell me why you have come back here. Tell me what you want, and, Werper, if you still possess the jewels of which Achmet Zek told me, there is no reason why you and I should not ride north together and divide the ransom of the white woman and the contents of the pouch you wear about your person. Eh?"
The evil eyes narrowed, a vicious, thin-lipped smile tortured the villainous face, as Mo-
