Moreover, if our departure becomes known, half the city would wish to join us, having no love of soldiering, and misdoubting them much of the issue of this war with Ithobal." "As you will," said Issachar, "you are captain of the caravan, and charged with the safety of the prince upon his journeyings.

I am ready whenever you appoint, and the quicker that hour comes, the more praise you will have from me." "Come with me, I wish to speak with you," said Aziel to the Phoenician as they left the presence of Issachar.

"Listen," he added, when they had reached his chamber, "we leave this city soon, and I have farewells to make." "To the Baaltis ?" suggested Metem.
"To the lady Elissa.

I desire to send her a letter of farewell; can you deliver it into her own hand ?" "It may be managed, Prince, at a price--nay, from you I ask no price.
I have still some images that I wish to sell, and we merchants go everywhere, even into the presence of the Baaltis if it pleases her to admit them.

Write your scroll and I will take it, though, to be plain, it is not a task which I should have sought." So Aziel wrote slowly and with care.