It was while I was searching for her that I
wasapprehended by the agents of Xaxa.
It was arranged that Gor Hajus should act as
spokesman and I as keeperof the ape.
The room wasof medium size and at the farther side,
behind a massive table, satXaxa.
Every eye was bent upon the altar and what they saw
there seemed tocrush them with terror. Tell me, Sag Or, he said, what has become of
Kara Vasa. Alls well, whispered the voice of Gor Hajus. Every part of thepalace and
the palace grounds had been searched and searched again.
The Great Tur, I now announced, is angry with his
people. I examined the door and discovered that it fastened with aspring lock.
Extinguish the lights and let no one move under pain of instantdeath until Tur gives
the word.
Seeing no one we enteredand soon found what we
required.
From the platform I could see through the mouth of
Tur.
We shall have to make inquiries of Sag Or, I
said.
I saw that she asked him several questionsand that
she seemed vexed by his replies.
The prisoner, he whispered, do yourecognize
him?
It sounded from the direction of the Great Tur,
replied a secondvoice.
I could hear himchuckle as he started down the
ladder to carry my new plan into effect.
I will turn my back that you may know that I cannot
assisthim in any way. Xaxas eyes now rested upon the face of the Great
Tur.
I examined the door and discovered that it fastened
with aspring lock. Seeing no one we enteredand soon found what we
required.
We could hear the two conversing as they came
nearer.
There was scarce a moment for
consideration.
They will expect us to descend, he replied, for in
that directionlies the nearest avenue of escape. Fearfully, one by one, the
bowedheads were raised and frightened eyes sought the face of Tur. Every part of
thepalace and the palace grounds had been searched and searched again.
Her eyes narrowed as she waitedfor my reply. Think
you, priest, that I should be seeking them here had they not? The officer took the
messageand examined it.
He seized Xaxa and raisedthe blade, its point above
her heart. He seized Xaxa and raisedthe blade, its point above her
heart.
Tur, I could have sworn, had been silent formany
years. Victory seemed turned to defeat as they rushed towardsus; but it was Gor
Hajus who gave them pause. Then, Vad Varo, the last full measure of my gratitude
would be yours.
THE GREAT TURThe day dragged wearily for Gor Hajus
and me.