Now he watched the woman. She walked with a gliding motion; though her steps were tiny and downhill, her shoulders moved in an even line. They were small shoulders and, as she neared, he saw above them an oval face, a beautiful and simple face with golden skin and eyes of dark velvet. He stepped out of the shade and smiled as she came upon him.
She showed no surprise, and he was startled to hear her speak good English.
"You are Mr. Blair."
"Why, yes. Yes, I am."
"I am sent to meet you. I am sorry to be late."
"That's all right."
"I will show you the way to the shrine."
"Well, thanks. But they said in the village it was easy to find. Just follow the trail to the top of the mountain."
"But I will take you."
"A pleasure, believe me," said Ed Blair, and grinned.