PART 12


''What's your name?''

''Efehi''

Ibinabo looked her over carefully, ''your father is a titled man?''

''No,'' the look on the face of the maiden was one of humility or meekness

''What are you doing on the pathway to the riverbank?''

Her expression gave way to an expression of trepidation. she began to breathe heavily but said nothing. Ibinabo turned to address the two tradesmen that walked past them. She answered them in salute. On this cue the maiden began to edge away.