"Is Hsien Sgam ... but no ... yet ... well, why not!... But what of Chavigny, if he isn't the Falcon!"
They reached Trent's dwelling-place then. Na-chung halted at the gate, informing the Englishman that he would leave a guard.
"As your guide," he explained suavely. "You will wish to go beyond your quadrangle, and whereas your garments are a passport anywhere in the city, it is not wise for you to venture out alone—yet." He smiled. "You see, the fact that you do not speak our language, and that my people are unfortunately suspicious, might prove ... you understand? Therefore, I have instructed the guard to accompany you when you leave the house, as a purely precautionary measure. His Transparency the Governor also wishes me to present to you the pony which you are riding, as a slight token of his esteem."
Trent thanked him and Na-chung clattered away, followed by his retinue of soldiers.
As one of the muleteers took Trent's mount, he looked about the quadrangle for Dana Charteris.
"Where is my brother?" he asked.
The muleteer muttered a few unintelligible words.
"Where?" Trent repeated.
The Oriental looked as though he expected Trent to strike him, as he answered:
"He left the house—this morning—soon after you did, Tajen."