Seymour acquainted the Ayuti with this fact, and instantly Chenobi gave voice to his peculiar call.
A few moments later the clatter of hoofs sounded through the gully, and into sight came Muswani, with the great hounds at his heels. Quickly Chenobi flung his prisoner across the elk’s back, himself mounting behind; then the whole party started off down the gully towards the plain.
In safety they accomplished their journey, reaching the ruined city without seeing or hearing aught of their foes. Evidently the savage followers of Nordhu had not yet recovered from the blow Seymour had dealt them by releasing the terrible spider. When they did their hate would be the more implacable against the men who had kidnapped their priest.
Up to the terrace the explorers mounted, Chenobi bearing his prisoner.
Striding across to the altar, the king pressed a small knob in the masonry of the front. Instantly the whole slab swung outward, disclosing a low, square chamber, and into this he cast Nordhu.
“Caged!” he cried to Seymour, as he swung to the door, and, turning, entered the temple.
The four friends, thoroughly worn out by the terrible experience through which they had passed, flung themselves down upon the temple floor, glad to rest their weary limbs for a space. Within a few minutes they were sleeping soundly, the Ayuti alone remaining wakeful and vigilant, seeming in no wise tired by his late exertions.
It may be that thoughts of his prisoner kept him from sleep, or of the brother whom he had sworn to avenge. His vow seemed near its fulfilment. Nordhu was a helpless captive, and it only remained to decide the manner of his death.
But though Chenobi knew it not, the priest was not yet at the end of his resources. He had another card to play ere he surrendered to the inevitable. Prisoner though he was, Nordhu was yet more than a match for his enemies, as they discovered before long.