Here the girl came to a halt, and, placing her hand upon the shoulder of Leo, said:
“I have brought you to the burial place of our people. You will be safe here, for there are hundreds of nooks and niches to conceal yourselves in. I will go back and endeavor to find your weapons for you.”
“But,” said Leo, “I promised to protect you if you got into trouble. How am I to do so if you leave us?”
“It matters not; come a few paces this way; I would say something that is for your ears alone.”
The boy allowed her to lead him a few yards from his companions.
Then the beautiful girl seized him by the hands, and exclaimed:
“Let me tell you what caused me to break the laws of Hez and lead you from the magic chamber. I saw your face pictured in a dream a few nights ago, and the dream led me to believe that I was looking upon the face of my future lord and master. It was so real, that when I saw you, when you bade me rise to my feet after pulling me down with the skeleton, that I could not refuse to aid you. I believe in dreams, do you not?”
“Well—er—sometimes,” replied Leo, completely staggered at the girl’s speech.
“I knew you did. Then listen: I swear to protect you and your friends as long as you remain in the land of Hez. Now, tell me your name, my future lord and master.”
“Leo Malvern.”