"It is my mongoose," explained Tanit-Zerga.
"Come now," I said sharply, "is that all?"
I must have looked so crabbed and ridiculous that Tanit-Zerga began to laugh. I laughed, too.
"Galé is my friend," she said when she was serious again. "I saved her life. It was when she was quite little. I will tell you about it some day. See how good-natured she is."
So saying, she dropped the mongoose on my knees.
"It is very nice of you, Tanit-Zerga," I said, "to come and pay me a visit." I passed my hand slowly over the animal's back. "What time is it now?"
"A little after nine. See, the sun is already high. Let me draw the shade."
The room was in darkness. Galé's eyes grew redder. King Hiram's became green.
"It is very nice of you," I repeated, pursuing my idea. "I see that you are free to-day. You never came so early before."
A shade passed over the girl's forehead.