A Pledge
Let Miss Rand live, and I will pledge my honor as surety that she will never speak of Yakka Arik outside the valley. It is in my heart to marry Miss Rand if she will consent."
The Sayak chief shook his head.
"It is not enough. We are no more than servants of him"—he pointed to the curtain into which the hadji had retired—"and the law of Yakka Arik is binding. Miss Rand must die."
Donovan looked up at the circle of sky framed in the dome-opening. He drew a long breath and his shoulders stiffened. He had lost his point.
He knew that there was no hope in resistance. Hidden eyes were watching from behind the great curtain. Iskander and the chief were armed. A cry from Mahmoud would bring a dozen Sayak guards from the barred door. Even if he could account for the three Sayaks,—and, weaponless, this was impossible—he could not leave the mosque with the girl. Fleetingly he thought of seeking the hadji, as a last card to be played in the face of the Sayaks' will.
But, knowing the settled purpose of these men, he did not dare leave Edith's side even for a moment. Instead he turned swiftly upon the silent Iskander.
"Scion of Tahir," his words came with the ring of command, "you have drawn sword in the army that once was mine. You have shared the bread and salt of the English. Will you remain passive and see this woman slain?"
The Arab bent his handsome head; his thin fingers plucked at his beard
"Effendi, it is written and what is written will come to pass."
"Iskander, you are my brother in arms. Once I
193
