“It seems that she cannot be angrier than she is,” I answered. “Give us a night’s start and let her search never so closely, she shall not find us.”
“You forget, Wanderer, that she and her old Rat have arts. Those who knew where to meet you might know where to seek you. And yet, and yet, it would be rare to see her rage. ‘Oh, Yellow-beard, where are you, Yellow-beard?’ he went on, mimicking his wife’s voice. ‘Come back and let me melt your ice, Yellow-beard.’”
Again he laughed; then said suddenly—“When can you be ready?”
“In half an hour,” I answered.
“Good. Go to your chambers and prepare. I will join you there presently.”
So we went.
CHAPTER XI
THE HUNT AND THE KILL
We reached our rooms, meeting no one in the passages, and there made our preparations. First we changed our festal robes for those warmer garments in which we had travelled to the city of Kaloon. Then we ate and drank what we could of the victuals which stood in the antechamber, not knowing when we should find more food, and filled two satchels such as these people sling about their shoulders, with the remains of the meat and liquor and a few necessaries. Also we strapped our big hunting knives about our middles and armed ourselves with short spears that were made for the stabbing of game.
“Perhaps he has laid a plot to murder us, and we may as well defend ourselves while we can,” suggested Leo.
I nodded, for the echoes of the Khan’s last laugh still rang in my ears. It was a very evil laugh.