These they raised in salute and through the portal strode a dwarf huge as Rador, dressed as he and carrying only the poniard that was the badge of office of Muria's captainry.
The green dwarf swept the shell expertly against the ledge; leaped out.
"Greeting, Serku!" he answered.

"I was but looking for the _coria_ of Lakla." "Lakla!" exclaimed Serku.

"Why, the handmaiden passed with her _Akka_ nigh a _va_ ago!" "Passed!" The astonishment of the green dwarf was so real that half was I myself deceived.

"You let her _pass_ ?" "Certainly I let her pass--" But under the green dwarf's stern gaze the truculence of the guardian faded.

"Why should I not ?" he asked, apprehensively.
"Because Yolara commanded otherwise," answered Rador, coldly.
"There came no command to me." Little beads of sweat stood out on Serku's forehead.
"Serku," interrupted the green dwarf swiftly, "truly is my heart wrung for you.