The Challenge
above the women. He was armed with his sword and appeared well pleased with the situation.
"A fine stage setting," thought Gray whimsically. "Just like the plays at home. Only the savage in this case isn't ready to drop by the footlights when the time comes. And his sword isn't papier maché..
His mind ran on, illogically. But his gaze fastened hungrily on the girl. He admired the pluck which kept her erect and calm in the face of the multitude.
"A thoroughbred!" he muttered. He wanted to call to her, but the commotion would drown his voice. He did not look at her again. The appeal in the girl's mute eyes was too great.
With this came a quick revulsion of feeling. His stupor of indifference vanished at sight of the light figure among the staring Wusun. A hot longing to fight for her swept over him—a desire to match his strength with her enemies, to win her for himself and keep her.
The thought sent the blood pulsing through him quickly. He smiled and waved at the girl, who responded bravely.
Gray moved toward her, followed by Timur. He wished to speak to her. And then came the incident which altered matters entirely and which set in motion the strange events of that night.
Gela had been talking with Bassalor Danek. In a burst of pride, the Kha Khan turned to the girl,
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