"The bilian is here and awaits your presence," the priest announced.
Lkath stifled an exclamation of surprise.
"Koyala is here," he said to his guests. Ah Sing's face was expressionless. Wobanguli, the crafty, smiled non-committally. Van Slyck alone echoed Lkath's astonishment.
"A hundred miles over jungle trails in less than two days," he remarked, with a low whistle. "How the devil did she do it?"
There was no doubting the priest's words, however, for as they entered the temple Koyala herself came to meet them.
"Come this way," she said authoritatively, and led them into a side-chamber reserved for the priests. The room was imperfectly lit by a single window in the thick rock walls. A heavy, oiled Chinese paper served as a substitute for glass.
"He will be here to-morrow," she announced. "What are you going to do with him?"
There was no need for her to mention a name, all knew whom she referred to. A silence came upon them. Van Slyck, Wobanguli, and Lkath, with the instinct of lesser men who know their master, looked at Ah Sing. The Chinaman's eyes slumbered between his heavy lids.
"What are you going to do with him, Datu?" Koyala demanded, addressing Ah Sing directly.
"The Princess Koyala is our ally and friend," he replied gutturally.