"We have waited long upon your pleasure, and already troops move out from the city to learn what has befallen us." "Do they then fear that I should ambush ambassadors ?" asked Ithobal hotly.

"For the rest, is it not right that servants should bide at the door of their king till it is his pleasure to open ?" "I know not what they fear," answered Sakon, "but at least we fear nothing, for we are too many," and he glanced at his soldiers, a thousand strong, upon the hillside.

"Nor are the citizens of Zimboe the servants of any man unless he be the king of Tyre." "That we shall put to proof, Sakon," said Ithobal; "but say, what does the Jew with you ?" and he pointed to Aziel.

"Is he also an envoy from Zimboe ?" "Nay, King," answered the prince laughing, "but my grandsire, the mighty ruler of Israel, charged me always to take note of the ways of savages in peace and war, that I might learn how to deal with them.

Therefore, I sought leave to accompany Sakon upon this embassy." "Peace, peace!" broke in Sakon.