“I would escape along the jungle-paths,” whispered Helen, excitedly.
“No,” said the girl, “you could not do that. There is only one path through the jungle, and that goes from this house to the river. That is all. You cannot escape; why do you try?”
Helen rose from her knees, and clutched the girl’s arms fiercely.
“I can escape, and I will!” she panted excitedly. “How dare he seize an English lady and insult her like this!”
“Because he is Sultan here, and he is stronger and greater than we are,” said the girl. “Murad is a mighty prince, and all the people here are his slaves and have to obey. You must obey him too.”
“I!” cried Helen.
“Yes, you; and you will be happy, for he loves you more than all. He used to come from Sindang here, and talk to us, and praise you, and tell us that you would come and be our mistress here. He loves you very much, and you will be quite happy soon.”
“Happy? With him?” cried Helen, in horror.
“Yes, happy. You have won his love from us, and we here are only like your slaves. It is you who take away our happiness, and I ought to hate you; but I do not, for you are so young. Do you love someone else?”
“Yes—no, no!” panted Helen, excitedly.