Here Lael interposed: "Stand not on the price. My father will pay whatever they demand."
The Bulgarians seemed to consider a moment.
"It is the best we can do," the leader said.
"Yes, the very best," the other returned.
Thereupon the first one went to the new sedan, and opened the door. "If the Princess will take seat," he said, respectfully, "we will pick up, and follow close after her."
Lael stepped in, saying as the door closed upon her: "Make haste, for the night is near."
The strangers without further ado faced about, and started up the road.
"Wait, wait," she heard her old leader call out.
There was a silence during which she imagined the Bulgarians were adjusting the straps upon their shoulders; then there came a quick: "Now go, and hurry, or we will pass you."
These were the last words she heard from them, for the new men put themselves in motion. She missed the cushions of her own carriage, but was content—she was returning home, and going fast. This latter she judged by the slide and shuffle of the loose-sandalled feet under her, and the responsive springing of the poles.