Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/328

316 After that I knew no more until I was awakened by the challenge of a sentry in the distance; then after a pause, a second challenge from the officer of our own guard. Another pause, and a priest stood bowing before us, the flickering light from the fire playing upon his shaven head and face, which I seemed to recognize.

I —and he gave a name that was familiar to me, but which I forget— am sent, my lords, by Oros, who commands me to say that the Hesea would speak with you both and at once.

Now Leo sat up yawning and asked what was the matter. I told him, whereon he said he wished that Ayesha could have waited till daylight, then added—

Well, there is no help for it. Come on, Horace, and he rose to follow the messenger.

The priest bowed again and said—

The commands of the Hesea are that my lords should bring their weapons and their guard.

What, grumbled Leo, to protect us for a walk of a hundred yards through the heart of an army?

The Hesea, explained the man, has left her tent; she is in the gorge yonder, studying the line of advance.

How do you know that? I asked.

I do not know it, he replied. Oros told me so, that is all, and therefore the Hesea bade my lords bring their guard, for she is alone.

Is she mad, ejaculated Leo, to wander about in such a place at midnight? Well, it is like her.

I too thought it was like her, who did nothing that others would have done, and yet I hesitated. Then I remembered that Ayesha had said she might send for us; also I was sure that if any trick had been intended we should not have been warned to bring an escort. So we called the guard—there were twelve of them—took our spears and swords and started.

We were challenged by both the first and second lines of sentries, and I noticed that as we gave them the