"That is in the sands," Mirai Khan reflected. "No game is found there, Excellency. Why should a man go to such a place?"
"Have you been there?"
"Does a horse go into a quicksand?"
"Have you known others who went there?"
"Aye, it may be."
"What had they to say of the desert?"
"It is an evil place."
The Kirghiz nodded sleepily. Having eaten heavily, he was ready for his blanket.
"Why did they call it an evil place?"
"How should I know—who have not been there?" Mirai Khan yawned and stretched his stocky arms and legs, as a dog stretches. "It is because of the pale sickness, they say."