CHAPTER XI.
CANARIS UNFOLDS A TALE.
“Well,” said Canaris, “I will tell you. Rao Khan has promised your lives to the people. It was his only hope, and now, his word once given, he will not dare to break it.”
Melton covered his face with his hands, and Guy staggered backward.
“When?” he cried huskily. “Today?”
“No,” said Canaris, “not today. The Emir bids me tell you that you will have four days yet to live. On the fifth day you will die by the executioner, in the square of the town.”
They shuddered as these dreadful words fell from the Greek’s lips.
“Is there no hope, then, at all?” said Melton. “Let us know the worst at once and be done with it.”
Canaris made no reply for a moment. His eyes were fixed on the floor, and he seemed to be thinking deeply. When he looked up the expression of his face was changed. A strange light shone in his eye, a mixture of triumph and fear.
“I can tell you nothing now,” he said hastily. “Tonight you shall have an answer. But tell me, how is your wound?”