"You are early at home to-day, father," she said, when they came up to him. "Has anything happened to you?"
"Yes and no, child. You double up your questions so, I scarcely know how to answer," said he, in reply. "I was a little anxious about the prince, and returned earlier on that account. He's all right, eh?"
"He seems to be, father. We would not know that he is in the house, from any noise he makes," answered Mitla.
"Where is your game, father?" inquired Oxie, noticing that he brought none with him. "You never before came home with an empty hand."
"No, child; not if I were hunting."
"Have you not been hunting, father," she pursued.
"No, Oxie. Other business has claimed my attention to-day."
"I can guess where you have been, father," said Mitla, eager to give expression to a suddenly conceived thought.
"I wouldn't wonder, child, if you should," he replied, apparently indifferent as to whether she could or not.
"You have been to see the hermit. Am I not correct?"