black monkey hang yonder."

"Because he tried to do murder with his poisoned arrows," answered
Ithobal sullenly.

"And failed? Well, it must comfort you to think that he did fail if he
was of the number of your servants. It is strange now that some knave
unknown attempted murder last night in the palace gardens, also with
poisoned arrows. I say attempted, but as yet I cannot be sure that he
did not succeed."

"What!" exclaimed Ithobal, "was----" and he stopped.

"No, King, prince Aziel was not hit; the Lady Elissa took that shaft
through her hand, and lies between life and death. I am doctoring her,
and had it not been for my skill she would now be stiff and black--as
the rogue who shot the arrow."

"Save her," said Ithobal hoarsely, "and I will pay you a doctor's fee
of a hundred ounces of pure gold. Oh! had I but known, the clumsy fool
should not have died so easily."

Metem took out his tablets and made a note of the amount.

"Take comfort, King," he said, "I think that I shall earn the fee.
But to speak truth, this matter looks somewhat ugly, and your name is
mentioned in it. Also it is said that your cousin, the great man whom
the prince Aziel slew, was charged to abduct a certain lady by your
order."

"Then false tales are told in Zimboe, and not for the first time,"
answered Ithobal coldly. "Listen, merchant, I have a question to ask
of you. Will the prince Aziel meet me in single combat with whatever
weapons he may choose?"

"Doubtless, and--pardon me if I say it--slay you as he slew your cousin,
for he is a fine swordsman, who has studied the art in Egypt, where it
is understood, and your strength would not avail against him. But your
question is already answered, for though the prince would be glad enough
to fight you, Sakon will have none of it. Have you nothing else to ask
me, King?"

Ithobal nodded and said:--

"Listen, merchant. I know your repute of old, that you love money and
will do much to gain it, and that you are craftier than any hill-side
jackal. Now, if you can do my will, you will have more wealth than ever
you won in your life before."

"The offer sounds good in a poor man's ears, King, but it depends upon
what is your will."

Ithobal went to the door of the tent, and commanded the sentries who
stood without to suffer none to disturb him or draw near. Then he
returned and said:--

"I will tell you, but beware that you do not betray my counsels in this
or in any other matter,