The girl struggled to a kneeling posture and embraced his legs in a frenzied prayer for mercy.
"Don't be afraid," he said, raising her.

"I shall not hurt you.

Why do you come to my house in the night?
And if you had to come, why not go behind the curtain where the women sleep ?" "The place behind the curtain is empty," gasped Taminah, catching her breath between the words.

"There are no women in your house any more, Tuan.

I saw the old Mem go away before I tried to wake you.