As the mighty Elborous appeared in view, with numerous other wild and rugged mountains at its base, "Know you," said the Hadji to Selem, "that the brother of that traitor Besin Kaloret Khan has his dwelling among yonder rugged mountains, though they prove not so wild and barren, as at this distance they appear? He is rich in flocks, herds and noble horses, and many fierce followers are at his beck. I think he will prove a dire foe to you and your's, if he discovers that his traitor brother fell by your hand; or worse still, by that of your youthful page. But, Mashallah! fear him not. He knows himself in the wrong, and will dread to take vengeance." Ina turned pale, as she heard this account. "Does, indeed, that dreadful Khan dwell so near us?" said she. "I always feared to look on him: he seems so fierce, so cruel, so unlike our father or you. Oh, avoid him, for his presence can bring nothing but harm." "Fear him not, fear him not, maiden," exclaimed the Hadji. "What harm can he do? His followers cannot compete with us. Till he washes out the stain of his brother's dishonour in the blood of our foes, he cannot again appear in the company of the chiefs of Abasia." "I fear not for myself," answered Ina; "but I fear him for the evil he may work to my father and brother: I know that to meet him in open fight they would have nought to dread; but he is subtle as well as fierce, and may seek secret means to injure them." "Do not let such thoughts alarm you for our father or for me, dear Ina," said her brother. "The Khan could not harm us, if he wished." "Mashallah! if he were as cunning as the fox," exclaimed the Hadji, "we would rout him out of his den, should he attempt any revenge for that young traitor's just punishment." The travellers were now approaching the residence of the venerable Prince Aitek Tcherei, the kinsman of Arslan Gherrei, with whom Ina was to remain during his and her brother's absence. The whole party, also, were invited to sojourn there that day, ere they proceeded to the camp of the allied princes and chiefs on the Ubin. The party were descending a hill bounding another beautiful and romantic vale, on the side of which stood the residence of the aged chief, and had just arrived in sight of a grove of lofty trees surrounding the house, when being perceived from the watch-tower in the neighbourhood, a band of gaily caparisoned youths on horseback, galloped out to meet the chiefs, uttering loud shouts of welcome, and firing off their rifles and pistols as they came on at full speed. Halting at the moment they arrived abreast of the leaders of the party, they respectfully saluted them, exchanging greetings with their younger friends as they passed, and then joined the rear of the cortege.