"But how did she come and go?"
"Funny place, Gold House. I tell you that yesterday, Major. People come
up through hole, like rat. Never quite sure you alone in Gold House. But
what this lady like?"
Alan described his visitor to the best of his ability.
"Ah!" said Jeekie, "pretty girl. Big eyes, gold crown, gold stays which
fit tight in front, very nice and decent; sort of night-shirt with
little gold stars all over--by Jingo! I think that Asika herself. If
so--great compliment."
"Confound the compliment, I think it great cheek," answered Alan
angrily. "What does she mean by poking about here at night and putting
rings on my finger?"
"Don't know, Major, but p'raps she wish make you understand that she
like cut of your jib. Find out by and by. Meanwhile you wear ring, for
while that on finger no one do you any harm."
"You told me that this Asika is a married woman, did you not?" remarked
Alan gloomily.
"Oh, yes, Major, always married; one down, other come on, you see. But
she not always like her husband, and then she make him sit up, poor
devil, and he die double quick. Great honour to be Asika's husband, but
soon all finished.
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