ve way.

"He is my husband," she said boldly.

Olfan's face fell; then a look of doubt came into it, for Juanna's mode
of life, every detail of which was known to him, seemed to contradict
her statement.

Seeing that he did not believe her, Juanna plunged still deeper into the
mire.

"He is my husband," she said again. "This man," and she pointed to
Francisco, "who is a priest among us, married us according to our
customs some six moons since, and Otter yonder was witness to the
marriage."

"Is this so?" asked Olfan.

"It is so, King," replied Francisco. "I married them, and they are man
and wife."

"Yes, yes, it is so," put in Otter, "for I saw it done, and we
celebrated a great sacrifice in honour of that wedding feast. I would
that we could have such another here to-night."

"Fear not, Dwarf," answered Olfan with a touch of irritation, "you will
see enough of sacrifices before all is ended."

Then a new thought struck him, and he added, "You say that the Deliverer
is your husband, Queen, and these men bear witness to it, all except
your lord himself! Now tell me one thing more: do you love him and would
you be sorry if he died?"

Juanna's brow burnt red as the ruby stone upon it, for with the
exception of her black robe she was prepared to proceed to the temple.
But there was no help for it now; she must speak clearly, however much
it shamed her to do so, lest Olfan might take her silence as a hint, and
the "husband" for whom she disavowed affection should be removed from
her life for ever.

"You have little right to put such a question to me, King, yet I will
answer it. I love him, and if he died I should die also."

Leonard suppressed an exclamation with difficulty, for here was Juanna
appearing in a new light indeed.

"I am answered, Queen," said Olfan in tones of deep depression. "Now, if
it pleases you, will you end your tale?"

"There is not much to tell," replied Juanna, heaving a sigh of relief,
for this cross-examination as to her exact relations with Leonard had
been somewhat trying. "The woman Soa, my servant, is of your people;
indeed, she is a daughter to Nam the priest, and fled the land forty
years ago because she was destined to the Snake."

"Where is she now?" interrupted Olfan, looking round.

"We do not know; last night she vanished as our other servants have
vanished."

"Perhaps Nam knows, and if so you may see her again soon. Proceed,
Queen."

"After the Deliverer and I