"Thank you," she said. "I, sir, was frightened. Your friends look----"
Here she stumbled for a word, then added, "terrocious."

I laughed at this composite adjective and answered,

"Well, so they are in a way, though they will not harm you or me. But,
young lady, tell me, can we outspan here? Perhaps your husband----"

"I have no husband, I have only a father, sir," and she sighed.

"Well, then, could I speak to your father? My name is Allan Quatermain
and I am making a journey of exploration, to find out about the country
beyond, you know."

"Yes, I will go to wake him. He is asleep. Everyone sleeps here at
midday--except me," she said with another sigh.

"Why do you not follow their example?" I asked jocosely, for this young
woman puzzled me and I wanted to find out about her.

"Because I sleep little, sir, who think too much. There will be plenty
of time to sleep soon for all of us, will there not?"

I stared at her and inquired her name, because I did not know what else
to say.

"My name is Inez Robertson," she answered. "I will go to wake my father.
Meanwhile please unyoke your oxen. They can feed with the others; they
look as though they wanted rest, poor things." Then she turned and went
into the house.