hern wall of the temple fortress, and not more than a
few paces from its narrow entrance, through which in case of alarm the
inhabitants of the palace could fly for safety. All down this chamber
were placed tables, accommodating more than two hundred feasters, but
the principal guests were seated by themselves upon a raised dais at the
head of the hall. Among them sat Sakon himself, a middle-aged man stout
in build, and thoughtful of face, his daughter Elissa, some other
noble ladies, and a score or more of the notables of the city and its
surrounding territories.

One of these strangers immediately attracted the attention of Aziel, who
was seated in the place of honour at the right of Sakon, between him and
the lady Elissa. This man was of large stature, and about forty years of
age; the magnificence of his apparel and the great gold chain set with
rough diamonds which hung about his neck showing him to be a person
of importance. His tawny complexion marked him of mixed race. This
conclusion his features did not belie, for the brow, nose, and
cheek-bones were Semitic in outline, while the full, prominent eyes,
and thick, sensuous lips could with equal certainty be attributed to
the Negroid stock. In fact, he was the son of a native African queen, or
chieftainess, and a noble Phoenician, and his rank no less than that of
absolute king and hereditary chief of a vast and undefined territory
which lay around the trading cities of the white men, whereof Zimboe
was the head and largest. Aziel noticed that this king, who was named
Ithobal, seemed angry and ill at ease, whether because he was not
satisfied with the place which had been allotted to him at the table, or
for other reasons, he could not at the time determine.

When the meats had been removed, and the goblets were filled with wine,
men began to talk, till presently Sakon called for silence, and rising,
addressed Aziel:--

"Prince," he said, "in the name of this great and free city--for free it
is, though we acknowledge the king of Tyre as our suzerain--I give you
welcome within our gates. Here, far in the heart of Libya, we have
heard of the glorious and wise king, your grandfather, and of the mighty
Pharaoh of Egypt, whose blood runs also within your veins. Prince, we
are honoured in your coming, and for the asking, whatever this land of
gold can boast is yours. Long may you live; may the favour of those gods
you worship attend you, and in the pursuit of wisdom,