He thought, also, of Gela's savage love for the girl. For the moment the Wusun was their friend. But the future might alter that. He had seen his opportunity, and seized it. The _tumani_ were drawing their weapons and chattering excitedly. Gray had reasoned that now the Buddhists were assembled at the gates of Sungan. If he and the girl could penetrate their ranks, they might obtain a good start over the desert, which was now free of the outer guards. "As you have said," announced Bassalor Danek, rising, "it shall be done." "What is happening?" Mary asked anxiously. Sensing the importance of what was passing, she had not spoken before. Gray laughed. He touched her shoulder shyly. "Come to me, as soon as you are ready, Mary. Gela is a generous foe. He will guide us beyond the wall." She looked at the young Kha Khan gratefully. Well she knew what the danger would be, although Gray had not mentioned it. On a quick impulse the girl stooped and picked up Gela's weapon from the floor. She placed it in the hand of the Wusun. The action caught the fancy of the _tumani_. "The Kha Rakcha is one at heart with the Wusun!" they cried, looking eagerly at the beautiful woman. "Aye, the Kha Rakcha!" shouted Gela, his moodiness vanished. "We will shed our blood for the white queen." "Ho--the white queen!" echoed the _tumani_. CHAPTER XXV RIFLE AGAINST ARROW What happened now came swiftly and with little warning. Bassalor Danek, once the die was cast, ceded his authority to Gela. The traditional leadership of the Wusun was the Kha Khan's in time of war. Now, for the first time in generations they were to resist the authority of their gaolers. Gray remembers clearly that Bassalor Danek bade them a solemn farewell standing in his white robe at the foot of the daïs. Then the Gur-Khan, who was impressed with the importance of the occasion, raised his hand with dignity. "By the talisman at your throat, O Kha Rakcha," he said, "do not forget the Wusun--if it is the decree of fate that you should pass from here in safety." "She will not forget," promised Gray. He watched the aged figure depart for the tower where Bassalor Danek intended to watch what was to happen through the Eyes-of-Long-Sight. Gela assumed command impetuously. Gray watched him muster the _tumani_. The young men were afire with anticipation of a struggle. The long pent up enmity against their captors was about to be released. From the dwellings of Sungan came the lament of the women. It shrilled in the night air--the world-old plaint of women before battle. Timur lingered with them. The three were surrounded by the hunters who had strung their bows and unsheathed their heavy swords. There was only a half-light in the upper hall of the council-temple where they now stood. It reflected faintly upon the red sandstone of the walls, with the faded, painted figures of an older age looking down upon them.