Ayesha was waiting for him in the hall of
her dwelling, and gliding to him--I cannot say she walked--overwhelmed
him with mingled solicitude and reproaches. He listened awhile, then
asked--"How dost thou know anything of this matter? The leopard skin has
not yet been brought to thee."
"I know because I saw," she answered. "The worst hurt was above thy
knee; hast thou dressed it with the salve I sent?"
"Not I," he said. "But thou hast not left this Sanctuary; how didst thou
see? By thy magic?"
"If thou wilt, at least I saw, and Holly also saw thee rolling in the
snow with that fierce brute, while those curs ran round like scared
children."
"I am weary of this magic," interrupted Leo crossly. "Cannot a man be
left alone for an hour even with a leopard of the mountain? As for those
brave men----"
At this moment Oros entered and whispered something, bowing low.
"As for those 'brave men,' I will deal with them," said Ayesha with
bitter emphasis, and covering herself--for she never appeared unveiled
to the people of the Mountain--she swept from the place.
"Where has she gone, Horace?" asked Leo. "To one of her services in the
Sanctuary?"
"I don't know," I answered; "but if so, I think it will be that chief's
burial service."
"Will it?" he exclaimed, and instantly limped after her.
A minute or two later I thought it wise to follow.
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