By Harrik's death I was free--no more a slave.

Once Laka had been the joy of Achmet's heart, but, because she had no child, she was despised and forgotten.

Was it not meet I should fly to her whose sorrow would hide my loneliness?
And so it was--I was hidden in the harem of Achmet.

But miserable tongues--may God wither them!--told Achmet of my presence.

And though I was free, and not a bondswoman, he broke upon my sleep...." Mahommed's eyes blazed, his dark skin blackened like a coal, and he muttered maledictions between his teeth.