Reaching the little cave at last she would have had me set her down; but I bade her lie still, and getting to my knees within the cave I laid her upon her ferny bed, whereat she uttered a little cry of pleasure.
"Why, Martin," says she, snugging down, "here is wondrous soft bed and fragrant."
"'Twill serve until I can contrive a better," quoth I, and coming without the cave, stood looking down on her, while the night deepened about us apace.
"And what of you, Martin?"
"I shall sleep here, beyond the fire."
"Do you think there be any wild beasts hereabouts?"
"God knoweth!" says I. "Howbeit you may sleep secure and fear nothing."
"I know that, O I know that!" says she gently.
"Do you lack for aught?"
"Only sleep, Martin."