folks do not willingly relinquish is personal comfort, and I thank you
for enduring annoyances so patiently for the sake of securing mine.--It
is a terrific summer! You, Paula, from the heights of Lebanon, know what
ice is. How often have I wished that I could have a bed of snow. To
feel myself one with that fresh, still coldness would be all I wish for!
The cold air which you dread does me good. But the warmth of youth
rebels against everything that is cool."

This was the first long sentence the Mukaukas had uttered since the
beginning of the game. Orion listened respectfully to the end, but then
he said with a laugh: "But there are some young people who seem to take
pleasure in being cool and icy--for what cause God alone knows!"

As he spoke he looked the girl at whom the words were aimed, full in the
face; but she turned silently and proudly away, and an angry shade passed
over her lovely features.



CHAPTER V.

When the Arab was at last admitted to the governor's presence his
attendants unfolded a hanging before him. The giant Masdakite did the
chief share of the work; but as soon as the Mukaukas caught sight of the
big man, with his bushy, mane-like hair, and a dagger and a battle-axe
stuck through his belt, he cried out:

"Away, away with him! That man--those weapons--I will not look at the
hanging till he is gone."