“What is your name?” he said, still keeping those fierce eyes on my face.
“Take your arm off Jupiter’s neck,” I answered, “he is not used to strangers.”
He laughed, revealing a row of firm, white teeth, that gave a ferocious expression to his whole countenance.
“I am almost answered,” he said, with a low chuckle, “the blood spoke out there!”
His language was broken, and his appearance strange. I was sure that he came from foreign parts, and looked at him with curiosity unmixed with fear.
“Take your arm away,” I repeated, angrily, “you shall not hurt my horse!”
He removed his arm with another laugh, and then said, in a tone that gave me a sensation nearer affright than I had yet known—
“Well, my little queen, I have taken my arm away; now tell me your name.”
“Why do you wish to know it?” I demanded.
“Perhaps I have a reason—perhaps not—only tell me, if it is no secret.”