Till then, if you would live, do not suffer that bandage to be loosed, however much it pains you," and he departed swiftly.
Aziel put his lips to the hurt to draw out the poison.
"Nay," she said faintly, trying to pull away her hand, "it is not fitting, the venom may kill you." "It seems that it was meant for me," he answered, "so at the worst I do take but my own." Presently, directing Elissa to hold her hand above her head, he put his arms about her and carried her a hundred paces or more into the open glade.
"Why do you move me ?" she asked, her head resting on his shoulder.
"Because whoever it was that shot the arrow may return to try his fortune a second time, and here in the open his darts cannot reach us." Then he set her down upon the grass and stood looking at her.
"Listen, prince Aziel," Elissa said after a while, "the venom with which these black men soak their weapons is very strong, and unless Metem's salve be good, it may well chance that I shall die.

Therefore before I die I wish to say a word to you.

What brought you to this place to-night ?" "A letter from yourself, lady." "I know it," she said, "but I did not write that letter; it was a snare, set, as I think, by the king Ithobal, who would do you to death in this way or in that.

A messenger of his bribed my waiting-maid to deliver it, and afterwards I learnt the tale from Metem.

Then, guessing all, I came hither to try to save you." "But how could you guess all, lady ?" "In a strange fashion, Prince." And in a few words she told him her dream.
"This is marvellous indeed, that you should be warned of my danger by visions," he said wondering, and half-doubtingly.
"So marvellous, Prince, that you do not believe me," Elissa answered.
"I know well what you think.