As is my accustomed part, I bent over her to hear and to announce the message of the gods, but in place of the hallowed words there issued babblings about this Hebrew stranger and of a meeting to be held with him at one hour before moonrise by the pillar of El in the courtyard of the temple.

Thereafter for several nights as was my duty I hid myself in the pit of offerings in the courtyard and watched.

Last night at an hour before the moonrise the Lady Baaltis came disguised by the secret way and waited at the pillar, where presently she was joined by the Jew Aziel and the Levite, who spoke with her.
"What they said I could not hear, because they were too far from me, but at length they left the temple and I traced them to the chambers of the Jew Aziel, in the palace of Sakon.

Then, Shadid, I warned you, and the priests and you accompanied me and took them.

Now, as Mother of the priestesses, I demand that justice be done upon these wicked ones, according to the ancient custom, lest the curse of Baaltis should fall upon this city." When she had finished her evidence, with a cold stare of triumphant hate at her rival, Mesa stepped to one side.
"You have heard," said the Shadid addressing his fellow-judges.