Guard yourself, Leo, guard yourself.

I believe that this is a trial sent to you, and doubtless there will be more to follow.

But I believe also that it would be better for you to die than to make any mistake." "I know it well," he answered; "and you need not be afraid.

Whatever this Khania may have been to me in the past--if she was anything at all--that story is done with.

I seek Ayesha, and Ayesha alone, and Venus herself shall not tempt me from her." Then we began to speak with hope and fear of that mysterious Hesea who had sent the letter from the Mountain, commanding the Shaman Simbri to meet us: the priestess or spirit whom he declared was "mighty from of old" and had "servants in the earth and air." Presently the prow of our barge bumped against the bank of the river, and looking round I saw that Simbri had left the boat in which he sat and was preparing to enter ours.