CHAPTER XI - MAPHIR

It no great distance from the fernery was a second, but more cavernous legacy of the old mining industry, from which the congeries of drifts, used in the later method, radiated. This spacious chamber had commended itself to Maphir as a suitable location for his lions, and under his direction most ample and comfortable quarters had been constructed. At the rear was a cave-snug, warm and silent - with accommodation for their sleeping such as nature in all her prodigality would never have placed at their disposal; and in the foreground the thoughtful hunter had most carefully considered the dispositions and predilections of the brutes. He understood animals almost better than they knew themselves, and, profiting by the suggestions of experience, had grasped the significant fact so often lost sight of in the present day, that kindness and consideration in dealing with the brute creation is a far more potent and efficient agent than force or the inspiration of fear. The Nubian's remedy for vice and protection against accident was to create a firm confidence in his own sympathy; never to allow any nervous excitement to overpower himself; and when - before the animals were fully grown - they betrayed any symptoms of unrest, to quietly sooth and comfort them till the irritation was over. By such means he cultivated their finest and noblest qualities. It was to assist towards this end he had laid out and arranged the larger apartment, where every provision for their comfort had been so thoughtfully made; and he spent no small amount of his time in their company.

In all the royal retinue of freemen and slaves, this Hercules - noble, courageous, and yet as innocent as his pets - had no other friends or acquaintances. There were others who knew him, loved him, whose hearts hungered for him as he pined for them; but they were far away. Only in dreams were they allowed to meet since the morning when he left them with such bright hopes of the result of his journey - the journey not yet over. Would it ever come to an end? Would fate ever allow them to meet again? It was in this overshadowing uncertainty he turned away from his kind, and found what content was possible in the silent sympathy of the lions.

In this desire for solitude, coupled with his inbred fidelity to duty, which even his captivity had no power to shake, he had also arranged his own lodgings within a corner of the cave; and when the craving of his heart refused to be satisfied by the only companionship available, he would turn aside to wander through the drifts of the mine, and by the light of a torch seek what distraction was possible in making himself acquainted with the almost interminable windings and connections of those subterranean cloisters. What a treasure of wealth, ready to hand and yet neglected, did these excursions discover! In the pursuit of such as this he had left his home, his wife, his children. For only a hope of a tithe of this he had sacrificed his freedom. Now, when he found it, it had no value, only to remind him how valueless gold at times became in purchasing the greater needs of life. Then he returned disconsolate. The only possible ease his life could grant lay in the transient lull of sleep - in the hope of the flickering vision of a dream.

In one of these early mining excursions, however, he explored an adit leading away from the general route. Its direction was more parallel than leading into the heart of the hill, and he was not much surprised when presently he saw a subdued light ahead. He threw his torch aside and went forward, his feet becoming buried in a growth of moss and leaves, creeping towards him from a vine-covered opening, which he found to be above, and commanding a full view of the fernery. This secluded spot became a favourite resort, having the greater attraction because its aperture looked away in the direction of his home, and by the mystic powers of the reveries he there indulged he came to foster the illusion that at such times he was nearer to his loved ones.

With the promise of the Princess, Maphir's heart was singularly elate to­day. Apart from his better judgment, he had become the victim of a trembling nervousness the lions could neither understand nor rouse him from. They were accustomed to frolicsome notice and congratulation when returning from the palace; but this morning Maphir was absent­minded, and made no response to their solicitations or playful reminders of their presence. He hurried forward with a quick, impatient step, strangely at variance with his usual gait, oblivious of all and everything in his wish to see the animals safely housed, that he might send the good news, on the wings of his joyous soul, homeward.

The gates of the cave were hastily thrown open, and for the first time the lions were left without a word - even a look - of recognition or explanation.

The hunter turned away, and without waiting for a torch, or even the removal of his tiger skin or ornaments, sought his retreat to give his message flight.

Alas for intention! As Maphir threw himself down in his favourite position for reverie his trained ear caught the sound of an impassioned voice and carefully looking from his hiding-place, he saw Zillah, who at the moment was wildly giving utterance to her scheme of vengeance.

He forgot himself in his indignation at the treachery of the Iberian, and though the thought of eavesdropping was repugnant to every instinct he possessed, his sense of loyalty and duty demanded attention to enable him to render a necessary service to those Zillah would betray.

His purpose was taken without a second qualm of conscience, and, with keen ears devouring every word, he kept his ground and listened to all that passed until the moment when Glarces and Vedrona joined Lais. Then his duty ended, and, cautiously taking his departure, he began to consider how best to act for the frustration of the conspiracy.

On reaching the end of the adit his feet mechanically turned towards the lions rather than his own lodgings, and they, scenting or hearing his approach, gleefully awaited his return, as though expecting to hear some explanation and apology for his strange conduct towards themselves.

“Don't make me more ashamed of myself than I am already,” he said, as they vied with each other in expression of their glee at his return. “But steady, my boys, steady!” he commanded, as they betrayed a disposition to finish their interrupted romp. “You are getting older now, my beauties, and must learn to attend to business when required, and to-day we have serious matters to transact. There is treachery abroad. Our master and mistress are in danger. Do you hear that, Zhan? Zhade, are you listening to what I say? Come here, and let us see what is best to be done.”

Then he took his usual seat upon a large piece of rock with the lions crouching on either side of him, as two sage counsellors understanding all he said and able to advise him in his difficulty. All the restlessness of the brutes had disappeared, and with an arm of the hunter playfully, tenderly caressing each, as he communed with himself through them, they nestled beside him in a confirmation of their fidelity and support.

“I was just a bit thoughtless of you this morning, my tawny boys, in my own selfishness; but I am sorry for it now. Shall we kiss each other and make it up?” So far they understood at least one word, for each brute raised his head to receive the suggested peace overture. “It came about like this: while you were dozing at the feet of the Princess she asked me how I found you. You don't remember how that came about, do you? No, you were too young, and I won't recall it to your minds, because we have learned to love each other now, and you have been generous enough to forget the wrong I did to you; I am not so fortunate. But when I told the lady how, to bring you here, I had been compelled to leave my home and those I love - who are still waiting and looking for me every day till I return - she grew sorry for me, and said she would at once try to find someone who would be kind to you - someone you would love as well as you love me - to take my place for a little time, while I went home to see my wife and children. She was sure you would be willing to spare me for that purpose, and it was the thought of her unexpected kindness that made me forget you - or, rather, appear to forget you, for I only did it to see if you would really miss me when I went. You didn't like it, did you? I know it, my beauties. It will be hard to part; but, much as I love you, the other parting is a great deal harder.” He had to pause here for a sense of suffocation in his throat. It was only momentary; then he continued in a firmer voice: “But all this is very uncertain for the present, and we need not say anything more about it. We have other business to attend to, you and I. Secret business we must keep to ourselves So serious that I cannot go home until we have accomplished it; and if we are not able to prevent this threatened mischief, it may mean your lives and my own as well as others. Hush, my faithful lads. Make no noise; learn to control yourselves, for the secret I have discovered will try your tempers as you have never known before. The brute within you will rise in indignation against the man. Listen. I have overheard that Lais the sister, Casca the friend, and Zillah the slave of our master and mistress are conspiring to injure them. No, no! we must be quiet. I only know so much. How, why, in what way, and when, I have yet to find out; and I have none to help me but your selves. But we will save them, lads, won't we? I don't know how; but if my own cunning deserts me, and I am unable to discover what I want, I shall watch, and as a last extremity I have already a scheme in my mind by which you can assist me. I don't want to do it, because it is a risk to yourselves; but you would run it for Glarces, wouldn't you, Zhan? Yes, I knew you would. So let me tell you all about it. If I can learn nothing of what is going on, I must carefully watch the movements of those nearest to the Prince and his sister. I have no doubt but that I shall be able to interpret the signs, and if the worst fear should arise shall learn the best time for you and I to take our exercise. We shall meet the one through whom the danger threatens; I will sprinkle him or her - I care not who for Glarces' or Vedorna's sake - with the juice of the taso plant. What is that? Ah ! I forgot for the moment. I have always been so careful you should not even see it, because the taste of the herb, or the smell of its juice as I can make it, would drive you mad; and Casca, or whoever I may sprinkle with it, would be torn to pieces in your uncontrollable rage. It will be painful to you, and destroy your reputation, for I shall not be able to explain the actual cause of your unexpected temper; but you will save the Prince and Princess, and that will be all you and I can ask in compensation. But you must not be afraid my beauties; whatever takes place I shall be with you, and as soon as you have well done your work I will drive the demon of your passion away. I know the antidote to the poison. The one is quite as powerful as the other. It will be in my wallet – see, here it is already. I am never without this” (he took from his pouch a phial to assure them of its presence),” and when you are quiet I shall point to your nervous trembling and swear that your temper was due to scenting treachery. I can tell lots of stories to show that you have this instinct. Then enquiries will be made, the truth will come out, and you will have all the credit. Are we to do it, Zhan? What do you say, Zhade? Yes, I knew you would say so. You and I will save our master and mistress yet.

“Now we have settled so much, I must leave you for awhile. I must find the taso root; but I know where it grows, and you need not be afraid. You shall not see it till it must be used, though it has to be prepared. So let us seal our compact with another kiss, then keep your own counsel till I come back again.”

He lingered with love-like fondness over his temporary adieu, then struck off through a seldom frequented part of the grounds towards a distant coppice. His path lay through a kind of wilderness, where nature was simply encouraged rather than supplanted, with the result that the wild beauties of the one part of the gardens contrasted pleasingly with the cultivation of the other. Maphir, however, had scarcely passed the dividing line and settled down into his long, swinging stride before he saw Tasha in search of early wild flowers, which were the special favourites of the Queen. Such a meeting was to him a certain augury of good, and without the slightest hesitation he turned aside to ask her advice and assistance.

“I crave your pardon, lady, for my boldness in intruding upon you,” he said, “but I am in a difficulty, with immediate need of advice, without anyone from whom to ask it.”

“There is no need for any apology,” she answered, kindly, “if you think I am able to help you; though I am afraid you will not find me a very wise or competent counsellor.”

“I have accidentally learned a secret which may or may not be important, and I am at a loss what to do.”

“Forget it, Maphir, even before you tell me what it is, it is the secret of another, and should at once be forgotten by yourself.”

“Some secrets are better exposed than respected, lady; and I think you would agree with me if you knew the nature of this one.”

“You try to arouse my curiosity,” she answered, pleasantly “and so tempt me to consent to a breach of honour.” “There is little honour in this matter, lady, or I should have turned away. The first words I heard were of treachery - conspiracy. Therefore I listened, and feel in honour bound to prevent its success. But I am friendless!”

“Do you say conspiracy in the palace of Velia? Oh, my good Maphir! the promise of the Princess must have been too much for you. But speak; I will hear, though I may have to seek a friend for advice.”

Then without any comment or exaggeration he made known to her the substance of the conversation to which he had listened, leaving her to draw her own conclusions and interpret his communication as she would. The indignation she betrayed at Zillah's conduct, changed to apprehension, fear, alarm, and positive dismay as he disclosed the participation and action of Lais and Casca. The slave could easily be dealt with, but the chamberlain and Lais at once presented to Tasha a difficulty sufficient to tax the ingenuity of a far more acute mind than her own. Like everyone in the palace - even Glarces and Vedrona, as we have seen - she had heard whispers and rumours, and laughed at the jealousies by which they had been inspired. Now the storm of fear burst upon her in all its relentless fury. She could no longer doubt or turn away, but stood before the hunter paralysed and speechless, until the torrent of her tears gave freedom to her tongue.

“Oh, Maphir, my friend! whatever shall we do?” she cried. “Where can we go, or who can help us in our trouble? I dare not tell Glarces, for he would first smile, then chide me, as he has treated others fifty times already. But I have also done the same. Others have seen it, but I have been as blind as he. The Queen has doubted Casca - has never liked him; but the Prince would trust him - is trusting him - with his life. As for Lais, I can see it now; she is far too cunning - too crafty for my innocent children, and I shall lose them because I have been too blindly confident, and persuaded myself that she was better than she is. I have tried to love her as I loved my own. Whenever the Queen has been doubtful about her, I have been her friend; when I have been surprised at her conduct, I have shut my eyes and been content to see her as Glarces saw her; when rumours have come to me, I have even spoken sharply in her defence. Now I find my conduct has been her refuge, and I am only able to understand it when it is too late - the fatal blow has almost fallen! Maphir, what shall I do - what can I do?”

The question was more than he could answer. He was only able to see the mistake he had made in making the communication. He could now recognise the danger which threatened his own success thereby, and wondered why he could have committed such an error. Certainly his native caution had this time forsaken him, and at least in one respect, Tasha had been correct - the promise of the Princess had made him untrue to himself. The cause for which he was willing to forego his emancipation for a time had been jeopardised by an inadvertence a child would have guarded against. Tasha was an artless, impulsive, confiding woman, transparent as air and innocent as snow. In her sorrow she would seek consolation by sharing her grief, and the secret would run like fire in summer grass. It would come to the ears of Lais and Casca, who would at once approach Glarces with the story as his own invention in retaliation for the scene in the peristyle that morning, and not only would his intended service to the Prince be prevented, but his freedom sacrificed.

All this Maphir plainly foresaw in the wild grief of Tasha, and silently cursed the misfortune into which he had fallen. It did seem as if the gods had committed themselves to the fortunes of the conspirators, and the spirits of the great hunters - who were far more potent powers than all the gods to Maphir - had forsaken him in the moment of his greatest need.

But had his conduct really been as culpable as he judged? Apart from Tasha, he had no soul to whom he could appeal for advice and assistance, and if he was to succeed, it was absolutely essential he should be in a position to know what part Zillah played in the presence of the Princess. Tasha was a broken reed upon the sea of his difficulty compared with the dangers he had to cope with; but there was no better support in sight, and duty demanded he should catch at the straw. She was true, if not strong. Many a thoughtful man before him had drawn important deductions from such simple indicators, and if he could only impress Tasha with the necessity for absolute secrecy she might yet become an admirable assistant in his scheme, so far as learning and reporting the movements of all the parties concerned.

“Maphir, why don't you tell me something?” she cried, presently. “What are we to do to save my children? I know! Teresh will tell me. I will find him at once, and whether Glarces consents or not, the Queen shall have the three arrested!”

“May I ask you, lady, not to do anything hurriedly in this matter? We cannot crush this thing apart from the approval of the mighty Glarces, and before we can appeal to him we must be able to make him see the justice of our cause. Neither the Queen nor my lord Teresh can do anything without the Prince, therefore we must be content to wait until we are in a position to safely appeal to him.

So far there is no immediate cause of danger. Lais has to re-arrange her plans, and Casca will tell Zillah what they are and the service Lais requires of her. That meeting is almost sure to take place in the fernery. Now if you can find out when this is to be, which you may easily do by keeping watch on the slave, I will undertake to do the rest. But we must not tell the secret to our dearest friend for the present. And, further, most noble lady, be careful that Æna is not removed by any pretence from attendance on the Princess. Any attempt in that direction will indicate danger, and if you can in any way secure that she shall report to you any conversation between Lais or Zillah with her mistress, and you will let me know, I shall be able to find my way to bring their plans to naught.”

“Yes, yes ! I will do all that, and more, if you wish it; but do you wish me not to say anything to Teresh?”

“Not at present, lady.I shall be glad of his assistance by and by, then I will ask you to bring us together.”

“I will be your slave in this, Maphir, and may the mighty gods aid you in saving my children. Shall I go at once?”