“Then there is nothing left for us but to die,” said Richard.
“Nothing but to die,” she answered, “to die together; and, dear, that should not be so hard, seeing that for so long we have thought each other dead apart.”
“Yet it is hard,” answered Richard, “after living through so much and being led so far to die at last and go whither we know not, before our time.”
Rachel looked at Noie, who sat opposite to them, her head rested on her hand.
“Have you anything to say, Sister?” she asked.
“Yes, Zoola. Here is a little moss that I have found upon the stones,” and she produced a small bundle. “Let us boil it and eat, it will keep us alive for another day.”
“What is the use?” asked Rachel, “unless there is more.”
“There is no more,” said Noie, “for the leaves of yonder tree are deadly poison, and here grows no other living thing. Still, eat and live on, for I wait a message.”
“A message from whom?” asked Rachel.
“A message from the dead, Sister. It was promised to me by Nya before she passed, and if it does not come, then it will be time to die.”