"They are mine. If you want such things, as they say you do, take them and give me their value—that is all."
"Do you come here to sell them?"
"Yes. I came three leagues to-day. I heard a woman from near Rioz say that you liked such things. Take them, or leave them."
"Who gave them to you?"
"Phratos."
Her voice lingered sadly over the word. She still loved the memory of Phratos.
"And who may Phratos be?"
Her eyes flashed fire at the cross-questioning.
"That is none of your business. If you think that I stole them, say so. If you want them, buy them. One or the other."
The old man watched her amusedly.