But so very weary were we with our labours that we could scarcely keep ourselves awake through the sumptuous meal, and as soon as it was over we indicated that we desired to sleep.

As a further precaution against surprise we left Umslopogaas with his axe to sleep in the main chamber near the curtained doorways leading to the apartments which we occupied respectively, Good and I in the one, and Sir Henry and Alphonse in the other.

Then throwing off our clothes, with the exception of the mail shirts, which we considered it safer to keep on, we flung ourselves down upon the low and luxurious couches, and drew the silk-embroidered coverlids over us.
In two minutes I was just dropping off when I was aroused by Good's voice.
'I say, Quatermain,' he said, 'did you ever see such eyes ?' 'Eyes!' I said, crossly; 'what eyes ?' 'Why, the Queen's, of course! Sorais, I mean -- at least I think that is her name.' 'Oh, I don't know,' I yawned; 'I didn't notice them much: I suppose they are good eyes,' and again I dropped off.
Five minutes or so elapsed, and I was once more awakened.
'I say, Quatermain,' said the voice.
'Well,' I answered testily, 'what is it now ?' 'Did you notice her ankle?
The shape -- ' This was more than I could stand.

By my bed stood the veldtschoons I had been wearing.

Moved quite beyond myself, I took them up and threw them straight at Good's head -- and hit it.
Afterwards I slept the sleep of the just, and a very heavy sleep it must be.