The mission of these envoys was to give the king answer to his suit, for he refused to come to Zimboe unless he were allowed to bring a larger force than it was thought prudent to admit into the city gates.
At some distance from the tents they halted, while messengers were sent forward inviting Ithobal to a conference on the plain, as it seemed scarcely safe to trust themselves within the stout thorn fence which had been built about the camp.

Metem, who said that he had no fear of the king, went with these men, and on reaching the _zeriba_ was at once bidden to the pavilion of Ithobal.

He found the great man pacing its length sullenly.
"What seek you here, Phoenician ?" he asked, glancing at him over his shoulder.
"My fee, King.

The king was pleased to promise me a hundred ounces of gold if I saved the life of the Lady Elissa.

I come, therefore, to assure him that my skill has prevailed against the poisoned arrow of that treacherous dog of the desert, which pierced her hand as she spoke with the prince Aziel the other night, and to claim my reward.