there were power in that staff.

"Business, King," he said. "Not of the State, I think, but with one
who lodges yonder," and he nodded towards the shuttered room whence Tua
watched him. "Well, that is three hours hence after the sun has set, so
you still have time to listen to my prayer, which you will do, as it is
of this same lady with whom you have business."

"What do you know of the lady, you old knave, and of my dealings with
her?" asked Janees angrily.

"Much of both, O King, for I am her father, and--shall I tell the rest?"

"Her father, you hoary liar!" broke in Janees.

"Aye, her father, and I have come to tell you that as our blood is more
ancient than yours, I will not have you for a son-in-law, any more than
that daughter of mine will have you for a husband."

Now some of the courtiers who heard these words laughed outright, but
Janees did not laugh, his dark face turned white with rage, and he
gasped for breath.

"Drag this madman forth," he shouted at length, "and cut out his
insolent tongue."

Again the guards sprang forward, but before ever they reached him Kepher
was speaking in a new voice, a voice so terrible that at the sound of it
they stopped, leaving him untouched.

"Beware how you lay a finger on me, you men of Tat," he cried, "for how
know you who dwells within these rags? Janees, you who call yourself a
King, listen to the commands of a greater king, whose throne is yonder
above the sun. Ere night falls upon the earth, set that maiden upon whom
you would force yourself and her companion and all her goods without
your southern gate, and leave them there unharmed. Such is the command
of the King of kings, who dwells on high."

"And what if I mock at the command of this King?" asked Janees.

"Mock not," replied Kepher. "Bethink you of a certain picture that the
lady Asti showed you in the water, and mock not."

"It was but an Egyptian trick, Wizard, and one in which I see you had
a hand. Begone, I defy you and your sorceries, and your King. To-night
that maid shall be my wife."

"Then, Janees, Lord of Tat, listen to the doom that I am sent to decree
upon you. To-night you shall have another bride, and her name is Death.
Moreover, for their sins, and because their eyes are evil, and they have
rejected the worship of the gods, many of your people shall accompany
you to darkness, and to-morrow another King, who is not of your House,
shall rule in Tat."

Kepher ceased speaking, the