"Let us stop fencing," said Leo, "and consider the facts. It has seemed
to me that the Khania Atene is not happy with her husband."
"Your eyes are very keen, lord, and who shall say that they have
deceived you?"
"It has seemed, further," went on Leo, reddening, "that she has been so
good as to look on me with--some undeserved regard."
"Ah! perhaps you guessed that in the Gate-house yonder, if you have not
forgotten what most men would remember."
"I remember certain things, Simbri, that have to do with her and you."
The Shaman only stroked his beard and said: "Proceed!"
"There is little to add, Simbri, except that _I_ am not minded to bring
scandal on the name of the first lady in your land."
"Nobly said, lord, nobly said, though here they do not trouble much
about such things. But how if the matter could be managed without
scandal? If, for instance, the Khania chose to take another husband the
whole land would rejoice, for she is the last of her royal race."
"How can she take another husband when she has one living?"
"True; indeed that is a question which I have considered, but the answer
to it is that men die. It is the common lot, and the Khan has been
drinking very heavily of late."
"You mean that men can be murdered," said Leo angrily. "Well, I will
have nothing to do with such a crime. Do you understand me?"
As the words passed his lips I heard a rustle and turned my head.
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