o, so they said in the fort, but
she was caught without hurt. She says she has got nothing that would be
of use to tell. She says she has tired of living like a savage outside
the city, and moreover that, inside, there is a man for whose nearness
she craves most mightily."

"Tut!" said Phorenice. "Is this a romance we have swum to? You see what
affectionate creatures we women are, Deucalion."--The galley was brought
up against the royal quay and made fast to its golden rings. I handed
the Empress ashore, but she turned again and faced the boat, her
garments still yielding up a slender drip of water.--"Produce your woman
prisoner, master captain, and let us see whether she is a runaway
wife, or a lovesick girl mad after her sweetheart. Then I will deliver
judgment on her, and as like as not will surprise you all with my
clemency. I am in a mood for tender romance to-day."

The port-captain went into the little hutch of a cabin with a white
face. It was plain that Phorenice's pleasantries scared him. "The man
appears to be dead, Your Majesty. I see that his wounds--"

"Bring out the woman, you fool. I asked for her. Keep your carrion where
it is."

I saw the fellow stoop for his knife to cut a lashing, and presently who
should he bring out to the daylight but the girl I had saved from the
cave-tigers in the circus, and who had so strangely drawn me to her
during the hours that we had spent afterwards in companionship. It was
clear, too, that the Empress recognised her also. Indeed, she made no
secret about the matter, addressing her by name, and mockingly making
inquiries about the menage of the rebels, and the success of the
prisoner's amours.

"This good port-captain tells me that you made a most valiant attempt to
return, Nais, and for an excuse you told that it was your love for
some man in the city here which drew you. Come, now, we are willing to
overlook much of your faults, if you will give us a reasonable chance.
Point me out your man, and if he is a proper fellow, I will see that he
weds you honestly. Yes, and I will do more for you, Nais, since this day
brings me to a husband. Seeing that all your estate is confiscate as a
penalty for your late rebellion, I will charge myself with your dowry,
and give it back to you. So come, name me the man."

The girl looked at her with a sullen brow. "I spoke a lie," she said;
"there is no man."

I tried myself to give her advocacy. "The lady doubtless spoke what cam