I asked Ustane how she thought
he was; but she only shook her head and began to cry a little. Evidently
her hopes were small; and I then and there made up my mind that, if it
were in any way possible, I would get _She_ to come and see him. Surely
she would cure him if she chose--at any rate she said she could. While I
was in the room, Billali entered, and also shook his head.
"He will die at night," he said.
"God forbid, my father," I answered, and turned away with a heavy heart.
"_She-who-must-be-obeyed_ commands thy presence, my Baboon," said the
old man as soon as we got to the curtain; "but, oh my dear son, be more
careful. Yesterday I made sure in my heart that _She_ would blast thee
when thou didst not crawl upon thy stomach before her. She is sitting in
the great hall even now to do justice upon those who would have smitten
thee and the Lion. Come on, my son; come swiftly."
I turned, and followed him down the passage, and when we reached the
great central cave saw that many Amahagger, some robed, and some merely
clad in the sweet simplicity of a leopard skin, were hurrying along
it.
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