'
Benaiah jumped up with a cheerful face. 'I am ever ready, Sire.'
'I know it; but remember I am no more a king, only a co-mate. Away with
me, and let us form some order.'
The companions quitted the amphitheatre and reconnoitred the adjoining
buildings. They found many stores, the remains of old days, mats, tents,
and fuel, drinking-bowls, and other homely furniture. They fixed upon
a building for their stable, and others for the accommodation of their
band. They summoned their companions to the open place, the scene of
Hassan Subah's fate, where Alroy addressed them and explained to them
his plans. They were divided into companies; each man had his allotted
duty. Some were placed on guard at different parts; some were sent out
to the chase, or to collect dates from the Oasis; others led the horses
to the contiguous pasture, or remained to attend to their domestic
arrangements. The amphitheatre was cleared out. A rude but convenient
pavilion was formed for Schirene. They covered its ground with
mats, and each emulated the other in his endeavours to study her
accommodation. Her kind words and inspiring smiles animated at the same
time their zeal and their invention.
They soon became accustomed to their rough but adventurous life.
Pages:
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313