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Pearl-Maiden by H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
page 43 of 479 (08%)
seeing the evil which he has brought upon me?"

"Do not speak of that," interrupted Nehushta hastily, and for a long
while they were silent.

It was an hour before sunset, or a little less, when at length Nehushta
saw two persons walk on to the patch of open ground which she watched
continually--Amram and a slave who bore a bundle on his head. Just then
the rope which bound this bundle seemed to come loose; at least, at his
master's command, the man set it down and they began to retie it, then
advanced slowly towards the archway. Now Nehushta descended, unlocked
the door and admitted Amram, who carried the bundle.

"Where is the slave?" she asked.

"Have no fear, friend; he is trusty and watches without, not knowing
why. Come, you must both of you be hungry, and I have food. Help me
loose this cord."

Presently the package was undone, and within it appeared, first, two
flagons of old wine, then meats more tasty then Nehushta had seen
for months, then rich cloaks and other garments made in the Phœnician
fashion, and a robe of white with coloured edges, such as was worn by
the body-slaves of the wealthy among that people. Lastly--and this
Amram produced from his own person--there was a purse of gold, enough to
support them for many weeks. Nehushta thanked him with her eyes, and was
about to speak.

"There, say nothing," he interrupted. "I passed my word, and I have kept
it, that is all. Also on this money I shall charge interest, and your
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