"After a little time I ventured to approach the curtained palankin.
"I spoke just loud enough to be heard by its occupant:
"'May your day, O queen, be peaceful! Your servant, most humble and devoted, awaits your orders.'
"'Peace be to thee, O thou trustful and brave hakeem. Take me to the protection of thy wife and home.'
"It was a soft, melodious woman's voice that had spoken, tremblingly, imploringly, and yet withal in a tone of authority.
"'As thou hast commanded, so shall it be done,' was my brief reply.
"After a little time the cavalcade, without any undue attention being attracted, had passed through the gateway of my home, and the doors had been barred behind us.
"To my surprise a gallant youth, some twelve years of age, sprang through the momentarily parted curtains of the palankeen.
"'I salute thee, O hakeem, our deliverer,' he exclaimed, kissing the hem of my robe. 'My royal mother is in the palankeen, and craves for sanctuary in your zenana.'
"'Let her pass,' I replied, and I urged the docile mules toward the second archway that led to the women's courtyard.