Scribe Ana, accompany me hence to my house where I would speak with you.

Let guards precede and follow me." He rose and all the people bowed.

As he turned to go the lady Merapi stepped forward, and falling upon her knees, said: "O most just Prince, now and ever I am your servant." Then we set out, and as we left the market-place on our way to the palace of the Prince, I heard a tumult of voices behind us, some in praise and some in blame of what had been done.

We walked on in silence broken only by the measured tramp of the guards.

Presently the moon passed behind a cloud and the world was dark.