"On my word of honor. But I promise nothing else, remember!"

"So speaks one whose promises are given truly! We are already friends.
I will tell you all that is in my heart now."

"Tell me your name first."

She was about to answer when interruption came from the direction
of the gate. There was a restless horse there, and a rider using resonant
strong language.

"Tom Tripe!" said Tess. "He's earlier than usual."

The Rajputni smiled. Chamu appeared through the door behind them
with suspicious suddenness and waddled to the gate, watched by a
pair of blue eyes that should have burned holes in his back and would
certainly have robbed him of all comfort had he been aware of them.





Chapter Two

Thaw on Olympus

Bright spurs that add their roweled row
To clanking saber's pride;
Fierce eyes beneath a beetling brow;
More license than the rules allow;