CHAPTER IX
Victory! She was here, a slave to these black conquerors. Once more I started toward her, but better judgment held me back—I could do nothing to help her other than by stealth. Could I even accomplish aught by this means? I did not know. It seemed beyond the pale of possibility, and yet I should try.
“ And you will not bend the knee to me?” continued Menelek, after she had spoken. Victory shook her head in a most decided negation.
“ You shall be my first choice, then,” said the emperor. “I like your spirit, for the breaking of it will add to my pleasure in you, and never fear but that it shall be broken—this very night. Take her to my apartments,” and he motioned to an officer at his side.
I was surprised to see Victory follow the man off in apparent quiet submission. I tr
