CHAPTER XIV

It was with a feeling of exultation that Jill, from her elevated seat,
looked down into the Arab's face, outlined in the scented dimness of
the garden by the snow-white head-cloth, and her brilliant mouth
widened in a low laugh of pleasure as she pulled down a bough of fluffy
mimosa to sniff its perfume, and she also gave a little shriek of
dismay as Taffadaln, taking matters into her own enormous feet, and
utterly ignoring the frantic tugging of the silken reins, suddenly
stalked off towards the gate.

There was a sharp word of command bringing the animal to a standstill,
then a throaty exclamation from somewhere in the long neck as she
pitted her hereditary obstinacy against the man's will.

Five times, with a blatant wink towards her sisters; and a sneer on her
hideous mouth, she journeyed towards the gate, and five times was she
brought back to the starting-place, to be fastened at last by a strong
lead to the bridle of her more submissive sister, who was making
disgusting masticatory noises over a tough twig.

Then, upon the fastening of the lead, there arose a concerto of such
growlings, fretting, sobbing, groaning, and roaring, as to make the
inexperienced Jill beg to be allowed to dismount, for fear of having
caused hurt to the hateful brute.

But it seemed that all the fuss came about through the Queen of the