old, for he knew that this royal savage was not
one who uttered idle threats. Yet the coolness and cunning which had so
often served him well did not fail him in his need.

"I have heard that your people have strange customs," he answered with
a laugh, "but I think that even a spear-shaft would scarcely gain beauty
from my wrinkled hide, and if anything, the eating of my flesh would
make tradesmen and not warriors of your chiefs. Well, let the jest pass,
and listen. King, in all my schemings one thought never crossed my mind,
namely, that you were a man to suffer scruples to stand between you and
the woman you would win. You think that now she is a goddess? Well, if
that be so--and it is not for me to say--who could be a fitter mate for
the greatest king upon the earth than a goddess from the heavens? Take
her, king Ithobal, take her, and this I promise you, that when your
armies are encamped without the walls, the priests of El will absolve
you of the crime of aspiring to the fair lips of Baaltis."

"The lips of Baaltis," broke in Ithobal; "do you think that I shall find
them sweet when another man has rifled them? Secret chambers are many
yonder in the palace of the gods, and doubtless the Jew will find his
way there."

"Nay, King, for between these two I have indeed built a wall which
cannot be climbed. The worshipper of the Lord of Israel may not traffic
with the high-priestess of Ashtoreth. Moreover, I shall bring it about
that ere long Prince Aziel's face is set seawards."

"Do that, and I will believe you, merchant, though it would be better if
you could bring it about that his face was set earthwards, as I will
if I can. Well, this time I spare you, though be sure that if aught
miscarry, you shall pay the price, how, I have told you. Now I go to
talk with these traders, these outlanders, of Zimboe. Why do you wait?
You are dismissed and--alive."

Metem looked steadily at the tablets which he still held in his hand.

"I have heard," he said humbly, "that the king Ithobal, the great king,
always pays his debts, and as I--an outlander--shall be leaving Zimboe
shortly under his safe conduct, I desire to close this small account."

Ithobal went to the door of his tent and commanded that his treasurer
should attend him, bringing money. Presently he came, and at his lord's
bidding weighed out one hundred ounces of gold.

"You are right, Phoenician," said Ithobal; "I always pay my debts,
sometimes in gold and so