I always had a feeling that Zerka was hiding a laugh about something, and especially so when we went through the silly flubdub of Zani ritual. Hers was a most engaging personality that seemed to me to be wholly out of harmony with the stupidities of Zanism.

"My!" she exclaimed with a little laugh, "what a handsome Zani Guardsman we make."

"With this haircut?" I demanded, making a wry face. She put a finger to her lips. "Ssh!" she cautioned. "I thought that you would have learned better than that by this time."

"Mayn't I even criticize myself?" I asked, laughing.

She shook her head. "Were I you, I should criticize only Atorians and the enemy in Sanara."

"I don't even do that," I said. "I am what would be called in my wor--country a rubber stamp."

"That is a word I do not know," she said. "Can it be possible that the Vodaroans do not speak the same language as we?"

"Oh no; we speak the same language," I assured her.

"And read it, too?" she inquired.

"Why, of course."

"I thought so," she mused.

I couldn't imagine why she had thought otherwise, or why the matter was of any importance. Before I could ask her she veered off onto another track. "Do you like Mantar?" she asked.

"Very much," I said. "It is nice to have the companionship of one gentleman at least."

"Be careful," she cautioned again. "That is indirect criticism, but I can assure you it may be just as fatal. You needn't worry about me, however; I caution you only because there are always spies. One never may know who may be listening intently to his conversation in addition to the one to whom it is addressed. Suppose we go for a ride; then we can talk, and you can say anything you wish to. My driver has been with my family all his life. He would never repeat anything he heard.

It seemed a little strange that she should be encouraging me to talk openly, in view of the fact that she had previously warned me against it.

"I'm sure," I said, "that all the world might listen to what I have to say. I am most happy here."

"I am glad of that," she said.

"I have learned though that it is just as well not to talk too much. In fact, I am surprised that I have not forgotten how to talk."

"But of course you talk freely with Mantar?" she asked.

"I do not talk at all about anything I am not supposed to talk about," I said.

"But with Mantar, it is different she urged. "You may trust him fully. Discuss anything you wish with him. Mantar would never betray you."

"Why?" I asked bluntly.

"Because you are my friend," she replied.

"I appreciate all that that implies," I said, "and am very grateful for your friendship. I wish that I might repay the obligation in some way."

"Perhaps you may have the chance some day--when I know you better."

A gantor was brought into the courtyard of the palace, and we mounted to the howdah. This time there were no armed guards--only ourselves and the driver.

"Where shall we go?" asked Zerka.

"Anywhere. I should like to see some more of the public buildings." I hoped in this way to discover the location of the Gap kum Rov, where the mysterious jong was imprisoned. I hadn't dared ask anyone; and I didn't dare ask Zerka, for notwithstanding her assurances that I might speak freely to her, I was not so sure that it would be wise. As far as I knew she might be a spy herself. The sudden friendship that she had fostered between us gave some color to this suspicion. I didn't want to believe it, for she seemed very sincere in her liking for me; but I could take no chances. I must suspect everyone.