The whole truth was thus plain: we were prisoners, and were at their mercy.
Layelah showed no excitement or anger whatever.

She looked and spoke in her usual gracious and amiable fashion, with a sweet smile on her face.
"We knew," said she, "that you would be in distress in this desolate place, and that you would not know where to go from Magones; and so we have come, full of the most eager desire to relieve your wants.

We have brought with us food and drink, and are ready to do everything for you that you may desire.

We have had great trouble in finding you, and have coursed over the shores for vast distances, and far over the interior, but our athalebs found you at last by their scent.

And we rejoice to have found you in time, and that you are both so well, for we have been afraid that you had been suffering.