CHAPTER XII
NEAERA'S IDEA OF DIPLOMACY
At first I was aware from a hum of voices that others remained in the room with me; but after some time the hum ceased; next I heard the noise of artillery not far off. It did not last long, but I recognized the tearing screech of machine guns. When it was over, believing myself to be alone, I sought to extricate myself from my bonds. The cords, however, were so tightly fastened about my wrists that the skin was torn, and every effort I made to loosen them occasioned acute pain. I must have uttered a low cry, for I heard a voice I knew well say mockingly:
"Does it hurt?" And the gag was removed from my mouth.
"I thought I was alone," answered I.
"We are alone—quite alone," said Neaera. "Why don't you stick your staff in the ground and put the cock under the pot?"
She was so close to me that I could feel her breath on my cheek.