'Then I'll come with you as far as your lodgings,' Waldron laughed. 'Those hill-men do not love mullahs overmuch, but they have respect for them. Till a man takes up the role of fanatical holiness he can't possibly know what a power religion is.... I'll just take a look round before we start Those fellows who were after you may have left a watch outside my gate. Wait until I return.'
He disappeared round the house and was away some five minutes. On his return he said crisply:—
'All clear, Claverdon; we'll start.'
They left the house together and passed into a deserted alley, and by devious paths made, their way to Claverdon's lodgings. Just as they reached the gateway to the courtyard, they heard voices within and a clatter of hoofs.
'Melnikoff!' whispered Claverdon, and fell back in t
