"Don't think of him. If he's dead, I killed him, not you, and I don't repent. I'd do it again. He deserved to die."
"He tried to kill you!"
"I don't mean for that reason. But come, darling. You must go into the house, I have to take my turn in the fighting now——"
"You've done more than any one else!" she cried, proudly.
"No, it was little enough. And there's the wall to defend. I—but look, your sister's fainting."
"My Saidee! And I didn't see her lying there!" The girl fell on her knees beside the white bundle on the ground. "Oh, help me get her into the house."
"I'll carry her."
But Victoria would help him. Together they lifted Saidee, and Stephen carried her across the courtyard, making a détour to avoid passing the two dead Arabs. But Victoria saw, and, shuddering, was speechless.
"This time you'll promise to stay indoors!" Stephen said, when he had laid Saidee on the pile of blankets in a corner of the room.
"Yes—yes—I promise!"