It seems probable indeed that these forts were relics of days when the land of Kaloon was guarded from attack by rulers of a very different character to that of the present Khan and his immediate predecessors.
At length even the watch-towers were left behind, and by sundown we found ourselves upon a vast uninhabited plain, where we could see no living thing.

Now we made up our minds to rest our horses awhile, proposing to push forward again with the moon, for having the wrath of the Khania behind us we did not dare to linger.

By this evening doubtless she would have discovered our escape, since before sundown, as she had decreed, Leo must make his choice and give his answer.

Then, as we were sure, she would strike swiftly.

Perhaps her messengers were already at their work rousing the country to capture us, and her soldiers following on our path.
We unsaddled the horses and let them refresh themselves by rolling on the sandy soil, and graze after a fashion upon the coarse tufts of withering herbage which grew around.