Sarhad ceased his questions and became absorbed in silent calculations on his fingers. He turned again to Musdo.
"When do you think they will reach the pass of Sakkal-Doottan?"
After a moment's thought Musdo answered:—
"About sunset."
"I think so myself," murmured Sarhad; then he added:—
"Listen, now, Musdo; how soon can you reach the village of Bishingerd?"
"By noon."
"Do you know a small chapel in a valley a little way from Bishingerd?"
"Yes, there are two, and one of them is in ruins. Which do you mean?"
"The one in ruins."
"I know it. I hid there a whole night once when I had stolen a horse. It’s a capital place to hide."
Sarhad then put a different question.
"What animals can you imitate with your voice?" asked he.
"I can bark like a dog, I can crow like a cock, I can bray like a donkey, I can howl like a wolf, I can mew like a cat, I can hoo-poo like a plover, What others do you want? I know a great many more."
"That last is enough. Now, listen. Go straight to that ruined chapel where you hid the stolen horse. Before you reach it, there is a low hill—"
"On the top of which stands a stone cross with a hole in it," interrupted Musdo.
"Yes. Stand near that stone and utter the note of a plover three times. They will answer you in the same way. Then call twice like an owl. A man will come to you. Tell him that they all must be ready near the pass of Sakkal-Doottan before sunset.
"Perhaps he will ask who sent me."
"Give him my name."
"Suppose he does not believe me."
