I may protect you both, and if I can, bring
about what you desire. That lady has a great heart, as I learned but
now, and after all you did well to love her, as she does well to love
you. Therefore, although the dangers are so many, if I am able, I will
help you in your love and bring you together, yes, and save her from the
arms of Urco. Nay, ask me not how, for I do not know, and the case seems
desperate."

"But if you go, what shall I do alone?" I asked, alarmed.

"Bide here, I think, Lord, giving it out that your servant Zapana has
deserted you. Indeed it seems that this you must do, since the king
of this country will scarcely suffer you to be the companion of his
daughter upon her marriage journey to Cuzco, even if Upanqui so desires.
Nor would it be wise, for if he did, misfortune might befall you on
the road. There are some women, Lord, who cannot keep their love out of
their eyes, and henceforward there will be plenty to watch the eyes and
hearken to the most secret sighings of one of the greatest of them. Now
farewell until I come to you again or send others on my behalf. Trust
me, I pray you, since to whomever else I may seem false, to you I am
true; yes, to you and to another because she has become a part of you."

Then before I could answer, Kari took my hand and touched it with his
lips. Another moment and I had lost sight of him in the shadows.

CHAPTER VI

THE CHOICE

That night I slept but ill who was overwhelmed with all that had
befallen me of good and evil. I had gained a wondrous love, but she who
gave it was, it seemed, about to be lost to me, aye, and to be thrown
to another whom she hated, to forward the dark policies of a great and
warlike people. I had spoken to her with high words of hope, but of it
in my heart there was little. She would follow what she held to be her
duty to the end, and that end, if she kept her promise and did not die
as she desired to do--was--the arms of Urco. From these I could see no
escape for her, and the thought maddened me. Moreover, Kari was gone
leaving me utterly alone among these strangers, and whether he would
return again I did not know. Oh! almost I wished that I were dead.

The morning broke at last and I arose and called for Zapana. Then came
others who said that my servant, Zapana, could not be found, whereat
I affected surprise and anger. Still these others waited on me well
enough, and I rose and ate in pomp and luxury. Scarcely had I finish