The Ethiopians are a faithful people, Master, and will not reject me because I have spent some years seeing the world afar, that I might learn how to rule them better." "I have remembered that it cannot be, Bes," I said.
"Why not, Master ?" "For this reason.

You left your country because of a woman?
I cannot leave mine again because of a woman." Bes rolled his eyes around as though he thought to see that woman in the desert.

Not discovering her, he stared upwards and there found light.
"Is she perchance named the lady Amada, Master ?" I nodded.
"So.

The lady Amada who you told the Great King is the most beautiful one in the whole world, causing the fire of Love to burn up in his royal heart, and with it many other things of which we do not know at present." "_You_ told him, Bes," I said angrily.
"I told him of a beautiful one; I did not tell him her name, Master, and although I never thought of it at the time, perhaps she will be angry with him who told her name." Now fear took hold of me, and Bes saw it in my face.
"Do not be afraid, Master.

If there is trouble I will swear that I told the Great King that lady's name." "Yes, Bes, but how would that fit in with the story, seeing that I was brought out of the boat for this very purpose ?" "Quite easily, Master, since I will say that you were led from the boat to confirm my tale.