"They are cabalistic signs," the Professor replied, "part of the language
of the tribe. They indicate that this is the guest tent, and there are a
few little maxims traced upon it, extolling the virtues of hospitality.
Out in the desert there we met the Mongars as foes, and we had, I can
assure you, a very narrow escape of our lives. Here, under the shelter of
their encampment, it is a very different matter. We have eaten their
salt."

"It's a strange position," Quest remarked moodily.

Lenora leaned forward to where a little group of Mongars were talking
together.

"I wish that beautiful girl would come and let us see her again," she
murmured.

"She," the Professor explained, "is the Chief's daughter, Feerda, whose
life Craig saved."

"And from the way she looks at him," Laura observed, "I should say she
hadn't forgotten it, either."

The Professor held up a warning finger. The girl herself had glided to
their side out of the shadows. She faced the Professor. The rest of the
party she seemed to ignore. She spoke very slowly and in halting English.

"My father wishes to know that you are satisfied?" she said. "You have no
further wants?"

"None," the Professor assured her. "We are very grateful for this