“Nothing till to-night,” answered Ragnall with determination, “when I am going to look at the snake which the noble Hans has killed and whatever lies beyond the cave, as you will remember Harût invited us to do unmolested, if we could.”
“Do you think Harût will keep his word, Ragnall?”
“On the whole, yes, and if he doesn’t I don’t care. Anything is better than sitting here in this suspense.”
“I agree as to Harût, because we are too valuable to be killed just now, if for no other reason; also as to the suspense, which is unendurable. Therefore I will walk with you to look at that snake, Ragnall, and so no doubt will Hans. The exercise will do my leg good.”
“Do you think it wise?” he asked doubtfully; “in your case, I mean.”
“I think it most unwise that we should separate any more. We had better stand or fall altogether; further, we do not seem to have any luck apart.”
CHAPTER XVII.
THE SANCTUARY AND THE OATH
That evening shortly after sundown the three of us started boldly from our house wearing over our clothes the Kendah dresses which Ragnall had bought, and carrying nothing save sticks in our hands, some food and the lantern in our pockets. On the outskirts of the town we were met by certain Kendah, one of whom I knew, for I had often ridden by his side on our march across the desert.
“Have any of you arms upon you, Lord Macumazana?” he asked, looking curiously at us and our white robes.
“None,” I answered. “Search us if you will.”