"'Was it not Fate, that on this July midnight....'
"At any other moment, that verse, traced in the stone of the window through which the English officer had hurled himself, would have killed me with overpowering emotion. But just then, another thought was in my heart.
"'Tell me,' I said, controlling my voice as well as I could, 'when Antinea holds one of us in her power, she shuts him up near her, does she not? Nobody sees him any more?'
The old woman shook her head.
"'She is not afraid that he will escape. The mountain is well guarded. Antinea has only to strike her silver gong; he will be brought back to her immediately.'
"'But my companion. I have not see him since she sent for him....'
"The Negress smiled comprehendingly.
"'If you have not seen him, it is because he prefers to remain near her. Antinea does not force him to. Neither does she prevent him.'
"I struck my fist violently upon the table.
"'Get along with you, old fool. And be quick about it!'