“Yes. Won’t you take me to her?”
I hardly knew how to answer; I had never seen her myself, although I knew
from Crip’s story and from some unknown source that there was somewhere a
reigning spirit. But my life had been so brief and I had already learned
so many things, I said, as lightly as I might, “Let us go.”
He seemed to know the way to her. He hobbled along as best he might on
his five legs. He was now no longer suspected as an intruder, and we
marched without interruption. Presently we climbed through a hole in a
comb and came face to face with our Queen-Mother.
I stopped, dazed, overcome by her serenity. The grace and magnificent
proportions of her body and the fire of her eyes held me entranced. I
shall not live long enough fitly to describe my emotions. There she was,
queenly and wonderful, and yet simple as any one of us. She approached us
and appeared to nod, as if to say, “I salute you, my children.” Then she
went on with her labors.