He felt his howdah lurch to one side as some one leaped up beside him; he felt remotely the great grasp of hands on him, which must have been Momus'; the quick military voice of Aquila he heard and then, keen and distinct as a call upon him, the sound of Laodice's tones made sharp with terror.
He opened his eyes and saw her, holding him in her arms.

Somewhere in the background were the faces of Momus and Aquila.

Between the pagan and the old servant passed a look that the old man caught.

Then he heard Aquila say: "The village--his sole chance, if there is a physician there." Laodice held him fast only for a moment, when it seemed that she was wrenched away.

The dying man was glad.