THE BEGGAR AND THE KING It was the afternoon of the third day.

Tua and Asti, seated in the window-place of their splendid prison, looked through the wooden screen down into the court below, where, according to his custom at this hour, Janees the King sat in the shadow to administer justice and hear the petitions of his subjects.

The two women were ill at ease, for the time of respite had almost passed.
"Night draws near," said Tua, "and with it will come Janees.

Look how he eyes this window, like a hungry lion waiting to be fed.

Kepher has made no sign; perchance after all he is but a wandering beggar-man filled with strange fancies, or perchance he is dead, as may well happen at his age.