s that we supped together outside, or rather Leo and I
supped, for as there were guards around us Ayesha did not even lift her
veil.

That evening Ayesha was disturbed and ill at ease, as though new fears
which she could not overcome assailed her. At length she seemed to
conquer them by some effort of her will and announced that she was
minded to sleep and thus refresh her soul; the only part of her, I
think, which ever needed rest. Her last words to us were--"Sleep you
also, sleep sound, but be not astonished, my Leo, if I send to summon
both of you during the night, since in my slumbers I may find new
counsels and need to speak of them to thee ere we break camp at dawn."

Thus we parted, but ah! little did we guess how and where the three of
us would meet again.

We were weary and soon fell fast asleep beside our camp-fire, for,
knowing that the whole army guarded us, we had no fear. I remember
watching the bright stars which shone in the immense vault above me
until they paled in the pure light of the risen moon, now somewhat past
her full, and hearing Leo mutter drowsily from beneath his fur rug that
Ayesha was quite right, and that it was pleasant to be in the open air
again, as he was tired of caves.

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 gua