Patch and Robin threw themselves on their faces. The twins saluted.
“Lie down, O Jael,” said Colin abruptly.
Frid crawled into the tent. “I am aweary unto death,” she repeated.
“Here comes S-S-Sis-Sis—” began Stephen.
“Hist!” shouted Patch, coming to his rescue. “I hear footprints. Stand to!”
“Stand!” said the twins.
The door opened and Henry came in. He wore a solar topee and his gauntlet driving gloves. He had turned up his trousers to resemble shorts. He focussed his field-glasses on the audience and said: “An arid desert, by gad!”
“ ’Tis Sisera,” said Frid. “Lure him hither, slaves.”
Roberta and Patch made winning gestures. Henry watched them through his field-glasses. When they drew nearer he seized Roberta by the arm. “A damn fine girl, by gad,” he said.
“Come hither, O Sisera,” invited Roberta uneasily. “Come to yonder tent.”