a
company of Egyptian horse led by none other than the Count Amenmeses.
Seeing the Prince in the Chariot, they halted and gave the salute.
Amenmeses leapt to the ground.

"We are come out to search for your Highness," he said, "fearing lest
some hurt had befallen you."

"I thank you, Cousin," answered the Prince, "but the hurt has befallen
another, not me."

"That is well, your Highness," said the Count, studying Merapi with a
smile. "Where is the lady wounded? Not in the breast, I trust."

"No, Cousin, in the foot, which is why she travels with me in this
chariot."

"Your Highness was ever kind to the unfortunate. I pray you let me take
your place, or suffer me to set this girl upon a horse."

"Drive on," said Seti.

So, escorted by the soldiers, whom I heard making jests to each other
about the Prince and the lady, as I think did the Hebrew Laban also, for
he glared about him and ground his teeth, we came at last to the town.
Here, guided by Merapi, the chariot was halted at the house of Jabez her
uncle, a white-bearded old Hebrew with a cunning eye, who rushed from
the door of his mud-roofed dwelling crying he had done no harm that
soldiers should come to take him.

"It is not you whom the Egyptians wish to capture, it is your niece and
my betrothed," shouted Laban, whereat the soldiers laughed, as did some
women who had gathered round. Meanwhile the Prince was helping Merapi to
descend out of the chariot, from which indeed he lifted her. The sight
seemed to madden Laban, who rushed forward to tear her from his arms,
and in the attempt jostled his Highness. The captain of the soldiers--he
was an officer of Pharaoh's bodyguard--lifted his sword in a fury and
struck Laban such a blow upon the head with the flat of the blade that
he fell upon his face and lay there groaning.

"Away with that Hebrew dog and scourge him!" cried the captain. "Is the
royal blood of Egypt to be handled by such as he?"

Soldiers sprang forward to do his bidding, but Seti said quietly:

"Let the fellow be, friends; he lacks manners, that is all. Is he hurt?"

As he spoke Laban leapt to his feet and, fearing worse things, fled away
with a curse and a glare of hate at the Prince.

"Farewell, Lady," said Seti. "I wish you a quick recovery."

"I thank your Highness," she answered, looking about her confusedly. "Be
pleased to wait a little while that I may return to you your jewel."

"Nay, keep it, Lady, and if ever you are in ne