comrades!" New life surged up into Steve's bosom and he rose, staggering. "Out of here," he mumbled. "Out of here, quick!" Like dying men they stumbled to the horses, tore them loose and climbed fumblingly into the saddles. "We'll lead the spare mounts," croaked Steve, and Yar Ali nodded emphatic agreement. "Belike we shall need them ere we sight the coast." Though their tortured nerves screamed for the water that swung in canteens at the saddle-horns, they turned the mounts aside and, swaying in the saddle, rode like flying corpses down the long sandy street of Kara-Shehr, between the ruined palaces and the crumbling columns, crossed the fallen wall and swept out into the desert. Not once did either glance back toward that black pile of ancient horror, nor did either speak until the ruins faded into the hazy distance. Then and only then did they draw rein and ease their thirst. "_Allah il allah!_" said Yar Ali piously. "Those dogs have beaten me until it is as though every bone in my body were broken. Dismount, I beg thee, _sahib_, and let me probe for that accursed bullet, and dress thy shoulder to the best of my meager ability." While this was going on, Yar Ali spoke, avoiding his friend's eye, "You said, _sahib_, you said something about--about seeing? What saw ye, in Allah's name?" A strong shudder shook the American's steely frame. "You didn't look when--when the--the Thing put back the jewel in the skeleton's hand and left Nureddin's head on the dais?" "By Allah, not I!" swore Yar Ali. "My eyes were as closed as if they had been welded together by the molten irons of Satan!" Steve made no reply until the comrades had once more swung into the saddle and started on their long trek for the coast, which, with spare horses, food, water and weapons, they had a good chance to reach. "I looked," the American said somberly. "I wish I had not; I know I'll dream about it for the rest of my life. I had only a glance; I couldn't describe it as a man describes an earthly thing. God help me, it
Prev.
Back
Top