THE MESSAGE OF JABEZ That night there were none who rejoiced in the streets of the city, and save in the palace and houses of those of the Court, none who feasted.

I walked abroad in the market-place and noted the people going to and fro gloomily, or talking together in whispers.

Presently a man whose face was hidden in a hood began to speak with me, saying that he had a message for my master, the Prince Seti.

I answered that I took no messages from veiled strangers, whereon he threw back his hood, and I saw that it was Jabez, the uncle of Merapi.

I asked him whether he had obeyed the Prince, and borne the body of that prophet back to Goshen and told the elders of the manner of the man's death.
"Yes," he answered, "nor were the Elders angry with the Prince over this matter.