But Alan did not answer. He was thinking of two deep blue eyes, a laughing mouth, wilful golden curls that flirted on two soft, pink cheeks. He was longing to crush the lithe and sweet body close to his, and smother her roses with kisses. The knowledge and fear of Death had lapsed; Jupiter had eradicated it,—but with its extinction had come love. Love, stronger a thousandfold than Death. He looked upward to where the Sun, Kymo in all his glory, was shining. The whole world was bathed in a glory of light. Yes, Jupiter had conquered death, and before him lay life and love! CHAPTER VII HATRED ON KEEMAR Marlinok, the Jkak’s majordomo, called on Sir John and Alan a few days after they had witnessed the Sacrament of Schlerik-itata. “Will you be ready,” he asked them, “when the Kymo is at the full, to start on your journey to Hoormoori to render homage to the Rorka?” “Are we all to go?” asked Alan. “But one of you need go,” he answered. “The Rorka will visit Minniviar later, and then the other strangers may make their bows.” “I am glad of that,” said Sir John, “for I should like to stay here in quietness and retirement for a little while. I am beginning to feel the burden of my age, and am worn out with the strain of the last few years.” “I will go to Hoormoori,” announced Alan, “I can start at whatever time the Jkak thinks best.” “He has prepared incense and jewels for you to take as gifts from the absent ones,” said Marlinok, “if you will now see Waz-Y-Kjesta all your arrangements can be made.” “I’ll go now,” said Alan.