now it is good to obey him. He is an ugly man to disobey!"

"I obey him until she sets me free, then," grumbled Darya Khan.

"Better for thee!" said Ismail.

The packs were laid on the ground, and the mules shook themselves,
while the jackals that haunt the Khyber came closer, to sit in a
ring and watch. King dug a flashlight out of one of the packs,
gave it to Ismail to hold, sat on the other pack and began to write
on a memorandum pad. It was a minute before he could persuade
Ismail that the flashlight was harmless, and another minute before
he could get him to hold it still. Then, however, he wrote swiftly.

"In the Khyber, a mile below you.
"Dear Old Man--I would like to run in and see you, but
circumstances don't permit. Several people sent you
their regards by me. Herewith go two mules and their
packs. Make any use of the mules you like, but store
the loads where I can draw on them in case of need.
I would like to have a talk with you before taking the
rather desperate step I intend, but I don't want to be
seen entering or leaving Ali Masjid. Can you come
down the Pass without making your intention known?
It is growing misty now. It ought to be easy. My men
will tell you where I am and show you the way. Why
not destroy this letter?
--"Athelstan."

He folded the note and stuck a postage stamp on it in lieu of seal.