"I have brooded over the thing so long that it seems to me that I have disgraced myself.

Well, there came a chance, and I took it.

This lady, Walda Nagasta, or Maqueda, who, I think, had also brooded over things, made me an offer--I fancy without the knowledge or consent of her Council.

'Help me,' she said, 'and I will help you.

Save my people, and I will try to save your son.