se men," and he glanced round the hall.

Certainly they did not look lovable, for by this time most of them were
half drunk, while even the women seemed to have taken as much as was
good for them. The Khan himself presented a sorry spectacle, for he was
leaning back in his chair, shouting something about his hunting, in a
thick voice. The arm of one of his pretty companions was round his neck,
while the other gave him to drink from a gold cup; some of the contents
of which had been spilt down his white robe.

Just then Atene looked round and saw him and an expression of hatred and
contempt gathered on her beautiful face.

"See," I heard her say to Leo, "see the companion of my days, and learn
what it is to be Khania of Kaloon."

"Then why do you not cleanse your court?" he asked.

"Because, lord, if I did so there would be no court left. Swine will to
their mire and these men and women, who live in idleness upon the toil
of the humble folk, will to their liquor and vile luxury. Well, the end
is near, for it is killing them, and their children are but few; weakly
also, for the ancient blood grows thin and stale. But you are weary and
would rest. To-morrow we will ride together," and calling to an officer,
she bade him conduct us to our rooms.

So we rose, and, accompanied by Simbri, bowed to her and went, she
standing and gazing after us, a royal and pathetic figure in the midst
of all that dissolute revelry. The Khan rose also, and in his cunning
fashion understood something of the meaning of it all.

"You think us gay," he shouted; "and why should we not be who do not
know how long we have to live? But you yellow-haired fellow, you must
not let Atene look at you like that. I tell you she is my wife, and if
you do, I shall certainly have to hunt you."

At this drunken sally the courtiers roared with laughter, but taking Leo
by the arm Simbri hurried him from the hall.

"Friend," said Leo, when we were outside, "it seems to me that this Khan
of yours threatens my life."

"Have no fear, lord," answered the Guardian; "so long as the Khania does
not threaten it you are safe. She is the real ruler of this land, and I
stand next to her."

"Then I pray you," said Leo, "keep me out of the way of that drunken
man, for, look you, if I am attacked _I_ defend myself."

"And who can blame you?" Simbri replied with one of his slow, mysterious
smiles.

Then we parted, and having placed both our beds in one chamber, slep