, Elissa, as the
Baaltis, unlocked the gates of bronze with a golden key that hung at her
girdle, and the bearers of the bowls of offerings pushed them into the
mouth of the tomb, whose threshold they were not allowed to pass. Next,
with bowed heads and hands crossed upon her breast, Elissa entered the
tomb, and locking the bronze gate behind her, took up two of the bowls
and vanished with them into its gloomy depths.

"Why did she lock the gates?" asked a priestess of Mesa. "It is not
customary."

"Doubtless because it was her pleasure to do so," answered Mesa sharply,
though she also wondered why Elissa had locked the gate.

When an hour was gone by and Elissa had not returned, her wonder turned
to fear and doubt.

"Call to the lady Baaltis," she said, "for her prayers are long, and I
fear lest she should have come to harm."

So they called, setting heir lips against the bars of the gate till
presently, Elissa, holding a lamp in her hand, came and stood before
them.

"Why do you disturb me in the sanctuary?" she asked.

"Lady, because they set the night watch on the walls," answered Mesa,
"and it is time to return to the temple."

"Return then," said Elissa, "and leave me in peace. What, you cannot,
Mesa? Nay, and shall I tell you why? Because you had plotted to deliver
me this night to those who should lead me as a peace-offering to
Ithobal, and when you come to them empty-handed they will greet you with
harsh words. Nay, do not trouble to deny it, Mesa. I also have my spies,
and know all the plan; and, therefore, I have taken sanctuary in this
holy place."

Now Mesa pressed her thin lips together and answered:--

"Those who dare to lay hands upon the person of the living Baaltis will
not shrink from seeking her in the company of her dead sisters."

"I know it, Mesa; but the gates are barred, and here I have food and
drink in plenty."

"Gates, however strong, can be broken," answered the priestess, "so,
lady, do not wait till you are dragged hence like some discovered
slave."

"Ay," replied Elissa, with a little laugh, "but what if rather than be
thus dishonoured, I should choose to break another gate, that of my own
life? Look, traitress, here is poison and here is bronze, and I swear to
you that should any lay a hand upon me, by one or other of them I will
die before their eyes. Then, if you will, bear these bones to Ithobal
and take his thanks for them. Now, begone, and give this message to
my fa