Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/105

Rh I? Oh ! I heard the grating of a dagger in its sheath and the distant baying of the death-hounds.

And what have you seen, Shaman? she asked again, looking through the Gate you guard?

Strange sight, Khania, my niece. But—men awake from swoons.

Aye, she answered, so while this one sleeps, bear him to another chamber, for he needs change, and the lord yonder needs more space and untainted air.

The Guardian, whom she called Shaman or Magician, held a lamp in his hand, and by its light it was easy to see his face, which I watched out of the corner of my eye. I thought that it wore a very strange expression, one moreover that alarmed me somewhat. From the beginning I had misdoubted me of this old man, whose cast of countenance was vindictive as it was able; now I was afraid of him.

To which chamber, Khania? he said with meaning.

I think, she answered slowly, to one that is healthful, where he will recover. The man has wisdom, she added as though in explanation, moreover, having the word from the Mountain, to harm him would be dangerous. But why do you ask?

He shrugged his shoulders.

I tell you I heard the death-hounds bay, that is all. Yes, with you I think that he has wisdom, and the bee which seeks honey should suck the flower—before it fades! Also, as you say, there are commands with which it is ill to trifle, even if we cannot guess their meaning.

Then going to the door he blew upon his whistle, and instantly I heard the feet of his servants upon the stairs. He gave them an order, and gently enough they lifted the mattress on which I lay and followed him down sundry passages and past some stairs into another chamber shaped like that we had left, but not so large, where they placed me upon a bed.

The Guardian watched me awhile to see that I did not