Be careful now not to strike it or to fall, and look, your companion awakes." Something over an hour later we started upon our upward journey.

I was again mounted on the Khan's horse, which having been groomed and fed was somewhat rested, while to Leo a litter had been offered.

This he declined, however, saying that he had now recovered and would not be carried like a woman.

So he walked by the side of my horse, using his spear as a staff.

We passed the fire-pit--now full of dead, white ashes, among which were mixed those of the witch-finder and his horrible cat--preceded by our dumb guide, at the sight of whom, in her pale wrappings, the people of the tribe who had returned to their village prostrated themselves, and so remained until she was gone by.
One of them, however, rose again and, breaking through our escort of priests, ran to Leo, knelt before him and kissed his hand.