"True. But I doubt whether Chinod Sai would do anything about it. Belet Vor knows many secrets and some of them concern Chinod Sai. Also, Belet Vor is very popular and Chinod Sai sits on his self-made throne rather uncertainly. There are many who would usurp him if they could gain a popular following. If anything happened to Belet Vor it would be just the excuse needed by some would-be Bradhi of Thieves. Chinod Sai knows that well enough."

"Good," I replied. "But nonetheless, I think he risks more than he needs for our sake."

"I told you, Michael Kane—there is a bond between us."

That simple statement meant a great deal to Darnad, evidently, and I think I knew how he felt. Such virtues as loyalty, self-discipline, temperance, moderation, truthfulness, fortitude and honorable conduct to women are apparently outmoded in the societies of New York, London and Paris—but on Mars, my Vashu, they were still strong. Is it any wonder I should prefer the Red Planet to my own?

Soon Belet Vor returned carrying a long tube and a small, handsomely worked box.

"These will silence your guards," he said, flourishing the box. "And more—they will not actually kill them."

He opened the box carefully and displayed the contents. About a score of tiny, feathered slivers lay there. At once I guessed that the tube was a blow-pipe and these were its ammunition. The slivers must be tipped with some poison that would knock the guards out.

In silence we accepted the weapon.

"There are some eight shatis until nightfall," Belet Vor said. "Time to exchange reminiscences, eh? How many men came with you?"

"There are six left," I said.

"Then there is room enough in here for them. Invite them in for a cup of basu."

Darnad went outside to extend Belet Vor's invitation to his men.

They came in and accepted the cups gratefully. Belet Vor also brought food.

The eight shatis passed with incredible slowness and I spent them, for the most part, in thoughtful silence. Soon, if providence were on our side, I would see Shizala again! My heart pounded in spite of myself. I knew she could never be minebut just to be near her would be enough, to know that she was safe, to know that I would always be nearby to protect her.

When it was dark Belet Vor glanced at me.

"Eight is a good number," he said. "Not too small a force if you run into trouble, not so large as to be easily detected."

We rose, our war-harness creaking, our accoutrements jingling. We rose in silence save for those small sounds.

"Farewell, Darnad." Belet Vor grasped the young Bradhinak's shoulder and Darnad grasped the old man's. There seemed to be something final about that parting, as if Belet Vor knew they would never meet again.

"Farewell, Belet Vor," he said softly. Their eyes met for an instant and then Darnad was striding for the door.