“No, none would come to me at this time of night,” said Onrai. “And then there is no reason whatever for any of my people coming to me. The people know my wishes regarding the repairs to be made where the storm has brought ruin, and this is the only thing which they could wish to consult me upon. But they come nearer, and now we can distinguish the different sounds; yes, it is a body of riders, but where they are bound I cannot say,” and as Onrai finished speaking, a hundred flickering lights could be seen far down the avenue toward the town.
“Yes, it is a large body of men,” said Mr. Graham, as the riders came in sight, “and they are riding fast, as if their mission, whatever it may be, was important.”
“Yes, they seem in earnest,” said Onrai, “and they are turning toward the villa. They are coming here. I cannot understand,” and Onrai looked puzzled.
There seemed to be thousands of them as they rode toward the villa, winding in and out between the trees, for they disdained the single roadway. The leaders at last reached the terrace and seeing the King standing with Mr. Graham, they dismounted and stood beside their steeds. One of the leaders came forward and doffing his helmet and bowing low before the King, said,
“We have come from the city, oh King, to consult you on a matter which has come up to-day before the people.”
“I am always glad to heed the matters of my people. But why do you come to me at this hour of the night; would not the morrow do as well? It is late and within the villa lies one of our guests very near unto death, a victim of yesternight’s storm. Will the matter not rest then until daylight when a more suitable place can be chosen for its discussion, and where there will be no fear of disturbing the fair sufferer? I ask this not for myself but for one whose comfort you should all consider.”
“It is of her and her companions that we wish to speak,” answered the man.
“And what manner of business can the people possibly have with the strangers? Have they not been given into my charge and am I not responsible for their welfare and comfort? I cannot understand your reasons, man, for coming here on such an errand or the object the people had in sending you. Have you lost confidence in the ability of the King, to take care of and make enjoyable the life of our guests?”
“No, it is not that, oh King,” said the man. “We do not fear for the well-being of the strangers nor do we doubt your power to make all things pleasing for them. Our mission is of a different character; we wish to complain of them.”
“To complain of them,” said Onrai. “What do you mean, man? Have my people then so far forgotten their respect to the King’s wishes as to complain to him of his guests or the guests of the Land of On? For have not these strangers come to us from afar and have they not thrown themselves on to our hospitality, and is it not our sacred duty to care for them as long as they are with us? It is your duty as well as mine, then why do you forget this so far as to make complaints of them?”