s to meet at the
appointed place, near the entrance of the park, and the two young
brothers who, attended by Candaules and half a dozen slaves, had
ridden far into the shady recesses of the woods, reluctantly turned
their horses' heads. No thought of disobeying the summons entered
their minds--Persian boys were taught that next to truth and
courage, obedience was the highest virtue, and rarely was a command
transgressed.

They had had a good day's sport; few arrows remained in their quivers,
and the attendants carried bunches of gay plumaged birds and several
small animals, among them a pretty little fawn. "Let's go nearer the
marshes; there are not so many trees, and we can ride faster," said
Otanes as the trumpet-call was repeated, and the little party turned
in that direction, moving more swiftly as they passed out upon the
strip of open ground between the thicket and the marshes. The sun was
just setting. The last crimson rays, shimmering on the pools of water
standing here and there in the morasses, cast reflections on the tall
reeds and rushes bordering their margins.

Suddenly a pretty spotted fawn darted in front of the group, and
crossing the open ground, vanished amid a thick clump of reeds. "What
a nice pet the little creature would make for our sister Hadassah!"
cried Otanes eagerly. "See! it has hidden among the reeds; we might
take it alive. Go with Candaules and the slaves, Smerdis, and form
a half-circle beyond the clump. When you're ready, whistle, and I'll
ride straight down and drive it towards you; you can easily catch it
then. We are so near the entrance of the park now that we shall have
plenty of time; the third signal hasn't sounded yet."

Smerdis instantly agreed to the plan. The horses were fastened to some
trees, and the men cautiously made a wide circuit, passed the bed of
reeds, and concealed themselves, behind the tall rushes beyond. A low
whistle gave Otanes the signal to drive out the fawn.

Smerdis and the slaves saw the lad straighten himself in the saddle,
and with a shout, dash at full speed towards the spot where the fawn
had vanished. He had almost reached it when the stiff stalks shook
violently, and a loud roar made them all spring to their feet. They
saw the brave boy check his horse and fit an arrow to the string, but
as he drew the bow, there was a stronger rustle among the reeds; a
tawny object flashed through the air, striking Otanes from his saddle,
while the horse free