No, it cannot
be, though I thank you for the offer. Why, if Zat Arras even dreamed
that I contemplated such a thing he would have my heart cut out of
me."
"There can be no harm in it, my boy," I urged. "By night you may
go to my palace with a note from me to Carthoris, my son. You
may read the note before you deliver it, that you may know that it
contains nothing harmful to Zat Arras. My son will be discreet,
and so none but us three need know. It is very simple, and such
a harmless act that it could be condemned by no one."
Again he stood silently in deep thought.
"And there is a jewelled short-sword which I took from the body of
a northern Jeddak. When you get the harness, see that Carthoris
gives you that also. With it and the harness which you may select
there will be no more handsomely accoutred warrior in all Zodanga.
"Bring writing materials when you come next to my cell, and within
a few hours we shall see you garbed in a style befitting your birth
and carriage."
Still in thought, and without speaking, he turned and left me. I
could not guess what his decision might be, and for hours I sat
fretting over the outcome of the matter.
If he accepted a message to Carthoris it would mean to me that
Carthoris still lived and was free. If the youth returned wearing
the harness and the sword, I would know that Carthoris had received
my note and that he knew that I still lived.
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