people slaughtered unnecessarily. Nor do I wish to see my lord
exposed to a hopeless risk. This poor place, such as it is, has
been given to me as an abode, and, if my lord can remain decorously
till nightfall in a maiden's chamber, he may at least be sure of
quietude. I am a person," she added simply, "that in this camp has
some respect. When darkness comes, I will take my lord down to the
sea and a boat, and so he may come with ease to the harbour and the
watergate."



8. THE PREACHER FROM THE MOUNTAINS


It was long enough since I had found leisure for a parcel of
sleep, and so during the larger part of that day I am free to
confess that I slumbered soundly, Nais watching me. Night fell,
and still we remained within the privacy of the temple. It was our
plan that I should stay there till the camp slept, and so I should
have more chance of reaching the sea without disturbance.

The night came down wet, with a drizzle of rain, and through
the slits in the temple walls we could see the many fires in the
camp well cared for, the men and women in skins and rags toasting
before them, with steam rising as the heat fought with their
wetness. Folk seated in discomfort like this are proverbially
alert and cruel in the temper, and Nais frowned as she looked on
the inclemency of the weather.

"A fine night," she said, "and I would have sent my lord back