"You did not know it?" asked Malbihn. "That is strange. It
was during the last moon. He fell from his horse when the beast
stepped in a hole. The horse fell upon him. When his men came up
The Sheik was quite dead."
Kovudoo scratched his head. He was much disappointed. No Sheik
meant no ransom for the white girl. Now she was worthless, unless
he utilized her for a feast or--a mate. The latter thought aroused
him. He spat at a small beetle crawling through the dust before
him. He eyed Malbihn appraisingly. These white men were peculiar.
They traveled far from their own villages without women. Yet he knew
they cared for women. But how much did they care for them?--that
was the question that disturbed Kovudoo.
"I know where there is a white girl," he said, unexpectedly. "If
you wish to buy her she may be had cheap."
Malbihn shrugged. "We have troubles enough, Kovudoo," he said,
"without burdening ourselves with an old she-hyena, and as for
paying for one--" Malbihn snapped his fingers in derision.
"She is young," said Kovudoo, "and good looking.
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