These and many other things, nor could I escape
the incontrovertible fact that the little figure round which
my recollections and my hopes entwined themselves was that of
Ajor--beloved barbarian! My reveries were broken in upon by a hoarse
whisper from the black interior of a hut past which we were making
our way. My name was called in a low voice, and a man stepped out
beside me as I halted with raised knife. It was Chal-az.
"Quick!" he warned. "In here! It is my hut, and they will not
search it."
I hesitated, recalled his attitude of a few minutes before; and
as though he had read my thoughts, he said quickly: "I could not
speak to you in the plaza without danger of arousing suspicions
which would prevent me aiding you later, for word had gone out
that Al-tan had turned against you and would destroy you--this was
after Du-seen the Galu arrived."
I followed him into the hut, and with Nobs at our heels we passed
through several chambers into a remote and windowless apartment
where a small lamp sputtered in its unequal battle with the inky
darkness. A hole in the roof permitted the smoke from burning
oil egress; yet the atmosphere was far from lucid. Here Chal-az
motioned me to a seat upon a furry hide spread upon the earthen
floor.
"I am your friend," he said. "You saved my life; and I am no
ingrate as is the batu Al-tan.
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