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Momus drew up his camel The woman who had followed halted Except for

the hurried breathing of their beasts, a critical silence brooded over

the ony of

huable despatch of death There

could be no thanksgiving for their own safety froiven life Laodice resented her preservation; old Momus,

aside from the wound of personal loss sore in his heart, was stricken

with the realization of the grief of his young mistress, which he

could not help He did not raise his eyes to her face when he turned

toward her; there was no speech In the young woreat for her to venture expression safely The silence was

poignant with unnatural restraint

Presently Moo on to the

lifeless village below the caestures, and

Momus decided for her He drove on and the wo wind of the hills heightened through the

narrow defiles to the north, followed

But almost the next instant Momus drew up his an to ns Laodice

half rose as she read theether

"Seven days!" she exclaimed in dismay There was silence

Moan to undo

the tent-cloth in a roll beside the howdah The woman rode up and

instantly themistress and went

on with his work