Telem Fas Ogdai was holding Shizala's wrists in a cruel grip and she was struggling. He was speaking to her in a low, urgent tone. When she saw me she gasped:

"No, Michael Kane—go from here. It will mean more trouble."

"I will not leave while I know this boor is troubling you," I said, flicking him a look of scorn.

He frowned, then he grinned evilly and his teeth flashed.

He still held her wrists.

"Let her go!" I warned, stepping forward.

"No, Michael Kane," she said. "Telem Fas Ogdai means me no harm. We are having an argument, that is all. It will end ..."

But I had put my hand on the prince's shoulder now and I let it lie there heavily.

"Release her," I ordered.

He released her all right—and at the same time swung both his fists round to catch me on the head, sending me reeling. That was it! My temper got the better of me and I surged back in. A punch on the chest winded him and a following punch on the jaw knocked him back. He tried to retaliate so I punched him on the jaw again. He went down with a clatter and stayed down.

"Oh!" cried Shizala. "Michael Kane, what have you done?"

"I have dealt with a brute who was hurting a very beautiful and sweet young lady," I said, rubbing my fists. "I am sorry that it had to happen, but he deserved it."

"He has a bad temper sometimes, but he is not evil. I am sure you did what you thought was best, Michael Kane, but now you have made things even worse for me."

"If he is here on diplomatic business he should behave like a diplomat and with dignity," I reminded her.

"Diplomat? He is no emissary from Mishim Tep. He is my betrothed—did you not see the armlet on his wrist?"

"Armlet—so that's what it is! Your betrothed! But—but he can't be! Why would you consent to marry such a man?" I was horrified and bewildered. There was no chance of making her mine! "You could not love him!"

Now she frowned and it sent a shudder through me to see that I had angered her. She drew herself up and pulled a bell-cord. "You do not behave as befits a stranger and a guest," she said coldly. "You presume too much!"

"I am sorry—deeply sorry. I was impulsive. But..."

In the same emotionless voice, she said: "It was my father's wish that when he died and I succeeded him I should marry the son of his old ally, thus making sure of the Karnala's security. I intend to respect my father's wish. You are presumptuous to make any comment concerning my relationship with the Bradhinak of Mishim Tep."