Again Laleli cried out, and rocked her body, apparently suffering more than ever.
"The medicine!" she whispered almost inaudibly.—"Quick—I cannot speak—— am dying of the pain." The perspiration streamed down her yellow wrinkled face, and Balsamides feared the end was come.
"You must tell me first, or it will be of no use," he said. But he quickly filled the syringe, and prepared to repeat the former operation.
"I cannot," groaned Laleli. "I die!—quick! Then I will tell."
A physician might have known whether the woman were really dying or not, but Balsamides' science did not go so far as that. Without further hesitation he pricked the skin of her hand and injected a small quantity, a very little more than the first time. The effect was not quite so sudden as before, but it followed after a few seconds. The signs of extreme suffering disappeared from the Khanum's face, and she once more looked up.
"Your medicine is good, Giaour," she said, with the ghost of a disdainful laugh. But her voice was still very weak and hoarse.
"It will not save you unless you confess what became of the Frank," said Gregorios, again putting his instrument into the case, and the case into his pocket.
"It is very easy for me to have you kept here, and to force you to cure me," she answered with a wicked smile. "Do you think you can leave my house without my permission?"
"Easily," returned Balsamides, coolly. "I have not come here unprotected. His Majesty's adjutant is outside. You will not find it easy to take him prisoner."
"Who knows?" exclaimed Laleli. "The only thing which prevents me from keeping you is, that I see you have very little of your medicine. It is a good medicine. But I do not believe your story about repentance. It may serve for Franks; it is not enough for a daughter of the true Prophet."