Angels and Women (1924)

78 ANGELS AND WOMEN
tones, "wilt thou not go with us?" Trembling
with consternation, but strong in courage
not my own, I replied: "Our garden is
overflowed, our date-trees are destroyed, our
camels and kine have perished, my father
and Cheros are dead. I can but go with you.
God save me from sin I"
At the last words a hiss arose from the
giants and a scowl overspread the features
of Satanas. His hand grasped the hilt of his
sword, but Hesperus stepped quickly to the
front, and raising his hand significantly,
said----"My lord, the maiden is mine."
"Give me one moment to prepare," I cried,
"and I will accompany you."
I hastened to the study, and with the assistance
of Aldeth placed in a basket the
manuscripts and writing materials of Allimades,
and the amethyst cylinder presented
by him on my last birthday. I covered all
with a web of fine linen, and gave it in charge
of one of the giant servants.
For one instant I yielded to the sharp pang