"Aye," they said, each in his tongue, "we were as blind dogs before."
"Guard then," she said, her lips trembling, for she felt the strain, "the life of the One-Who-Kills-Swiftly. For he is of my blood."
Bassalor Danek pondered, and spoke with grave decision.
"We will safeguard him within Sungan. Wu Fang Chien will ask in vain."
CHAPTER XXII
THE ANSWER
Mary laughed a little unsteadily. Surely it was a strange miracle that her gold cross had worked. She did not think it luck. In her woman soul there was no thought of fate. God's care had shielded the life of the man she loved.
Timur was speaking.
"Bassalor Danek is well content," she heard. "Beforetimes, he was warmed by the sight of your fairness. But now it is verily a thing assured. Gela, the Kha-Khan, son of my son, commander of the tumani, has conceived love for you. Bassalor Danek has granted his wish that you may become the wife of his abode and hearth."
Hearing, she did not yet understand.