When can your caravan be ready ?" "So I have heard, Issachar, for Sakon tells me that he has come to an agreement with the prince upon this matter.

Well, I am glad to learn it, for troubles thicken here, and I think that the woe you prophesied is not far from this city of Zimboe where every man seeks to serve his own hand, and is ready to sell his neighbour.

When can the caravan be got ready?
Well, the night after next; at least, we can start that night.
To-morrow evening, so soon as the sun is down, I will send on the camels by ones and twos, and with them the baggage and treasure, to a secret place I know of in the mountains, where we and the prince's guard can follow upon the mules and join them.

As it chances, I have a safe conduct from Ithobal.

Still I should not wish to put his troops into temptation by marching through them with twenty laden camels, or to lose certain earnings of my own that will be hidden in the baggage.