The old woman shuffled up nearer to the screen. Cora felt as if she must cry out or faint, but Helka spoke quickly.
"Don't you dare to step one inch nearer," she said, assuming a voice of power. "I have told you to go!"
A dog was barking fiercely under the window.
"They will watch," said the old woman, meaning that the dogs would stay on guard if Cora should attempt escape.
"Oh, I know that," answered Helka. "But I have told you to go!"
Cora was trembling. She remembered the voice, although she was too deeply under the effects of the chloroform when in the wagon to recall more of this woman.
"I only came to warn you," said the woman.
"You are always warning," and Helka laughed. "I am afraid, Mother Hull, that we will begin to doubt your warnings. This young girl makes an admirable gypsy, yet you warned me so much before she came."
The woman stooped over and whispered into Helka's ear. "And I warn you now," she said, "that if she gets away I will not save you from Sam. You will marry him."
"Go away instantly," commanded the queen, springing up like an infuriated animal. "I have told you that before I will marry Sam I will—I will—— He sent you to threaten me! I——"