Still, let us go."
Asti nodded, then by an afterthought went into the house and asked some
questions of the servants. Presently she returned, and said:
"It is useless; soldiers are already stationed about the place, and some
of our women who tried to go out have been turned back, for they say
that by the King's order none may leave our door."
"Now shall I strike upon the harp and call upon the name of Kepher, as
he bade me?" asked Tua.
"I think not yet awhile, Lady. This danger may pass by or the night
bring counsel, and then he would be angry if you summoned him for
naught. Let us go in and eat."
So they went in, and while they sat at their food suddenly they heard
a noise, and looking up, perceived by the light of the lamp that women
were crowding into the room led by two eunuchs.
Tua drew a dagger from her robe and sprang up, but the head eunuch, an
old, white-haired man, bowed low before her, and said:
"Lady, you can kill me if you will, for I am unarmed, but there are many
more of us without, and to resist is useless.
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