"No, Opara; their skill is not for me. Tell them so; and tell them I thank them, and will not forget them. Listen. Many moons ago, I walked in the woods, where the leaves were singing to each other, and where the wind whispered strange things as it travelled through the trees. I heard a voice; I listened; and I was told that when the next summer came, I should be wanted--There!"
Opara gravely followed the motion of her hand, as it pointed upwards.
"The summer is coming, and I must go. Do not disturb me then; my brother will see to me; and tell your young men and women to let me rest."
"I will tell them, and they will obey. Will our daughter return to us?"
Minnie catches at this question eagerly, and clasps Joshua's hand with a firmer clasp.
"I will return, if you will do one thing for me."
"Opara will do it."
"It will take many days to do."
"If it takes many moons to do, it shall be done."
"Opara's name shall be known in the Grand Vault," says Minnie in an earnest tone. "Take heed of my words. Those men of the same color as my brother, of which you were told some time ago, you have not seen them?"