In the recess formed by the angle of the cliffs which contained her home, the usual bustle of the evening hours prevailed; and laughter, merry and boisterous, issued from a cave opposite that where Shotaye, concealed by folds of the half-lifted curtain, stood watching with eye and ear.

In those caves fronting hers dwelt the family of Zashue, Say's husband.

Thence sounded the merriment, and the woman recognized familiar voices.

Surely enough Hayoue was there; and there could be no mistake, that clear good-natured laugh was from Zashue himself.

Shotaye dropped the curtain and turned back considerably relieved.