Suddenly he seemed struck with an idea.
"Yes, yes," said he.

"The woman first.

It is better so." Saying this he walked toward Almah, and said something to the hags.
At this the chief of them--namely, the nightmare hag--led Almah to the nearest stone, and motioned to her to lie down.

Almah prepared to obey, but paused a moment to throw at me one last glance and wave her hand as a last farewell.

Then without a word she laid herself down upon the stone.