"Mirai Khan: why is it that you fear the city of Sungan? I thought you were a brave man." Gray's purposeful taunt failed of its effect. Mirai Khan stared at him and spat out into the sand. "The region of Sungan is unclean. It is the law of the Prophet that no one shall touch what is unclean." "But you do not know that," cried the exasperated white man. "You are running from a shadow." "A shadow may betoken evil. My father said it, and it is so." Gray sighed. "Then buy a half dozen mules. They can carry our stores. Watch for the coming of the tribe you spoke of. When they are here let me know. Meanwhile, purchase water jars, flour, rice and tea sufficient for six men for three weeks." The Kirghiz blinked understandingly. "It is written that a white man shall go into the desert from here," he assented. "What is written will come to pass. It is also said by our priests that a white man's grave is waiting in the Gobi. If this thing also comes to pass, I and my comrades will bury you, so the kites will not make a meal of your eyes--for once you saved my life." Whereupon the hunter turned over on his side and went to sleep, leaving Gray to his own thoughts. They were not cheerful. The Hastings had left for Sungan. They had camels and would make good time. With luck, if they escaped the black sand-storms, they should be at their destination in seven or eight days. No wonder, he thought, Sir Lionel had spoken frankly to him about the inscription, when he had all the camels bought. Camels could move faster than mules, over the bad footing. Gray would make his start four days--three if the Kirghiz arrived promptly--later than Sir Lionel. And he would fall behind steadily. If it had been possible, he would have gone alone. But he could not carry the necessary food and water for ten days. For a moment he pondered the advisability of pushing on alone as soon as the mules could be bought. This plan he dismissed as useless. Mirai Khan had assured him that it would take at least two days to get the animals and the needed supplies. Also, he would be without a guide--for Mirai Khan would not start until the tribesmen arrived. It would be tempting providence for one man to venture with a string of mules into the Gobi. Even so, Gray might have attempted it if he had a guide. There was nothing for it but to wait. And Gray passed the time as best he could, overhauling his rifle and small stock of ammunition, and packing with the help of Mirai Khan the food the latter bought for him. Fate moves in strange ways. If Gray had started before the four days were up, the events that took place in the Gobi would have shaped themselves differently. For one thing, he would not have seen the tracks of the wild camel in the sand. Nor would he have heard the story of the pale sickness.