self
near the house of Ptylus. I do not expect to gain any information from
gazing at the high wall which surrounds it, but I will follow, as
closely as I can without attracting observation, all the slaves or
servants who may come out, especially if two issue forth together; I
may then catch a few words of their talk, and possibly gather some
clew to the mystery. Still I own that the chance is small, and you
must not look forward in any way to my returning with news."

"I wish, Jethro," Chebron said, "that if possible you would again go
to our house, see the old woman, and get her to bring out to you a
suit of my priests' garments; with these I could at night enter the
temple, and wander unquestioned through the chambers and courts. The
nights are dark now, and unless I pass close to a lamp none could
recognize me. We overheard one conversation of importance there, and
it may be that I could overhear another."

"There would be danger in the attempt," Jethro said doubtfully.

"That matters not at all!" Chebron exclaimed impetuously. "All this
trouble has come upon us through me, and even should there be some
slight risk I would willing face it; but in truth I think there is no
chance whatever of my being recognized. See how often Amuba went there
with me, and though the nights were always moonlit we never were once
addressed, nor was it noticed that Amuba was not one of the regular
attendants of the temple, who alone have a right to penetrate beyond
the great courts."

"So be it, then," Jethro said. "Then you shall explore the temple,
Amuba and I will search every cavern in the hills. There are many
great tombs behind the temple, and just as we have selected such a
hiding-place, Ptylus may have chosen one as a place of concealment for
Mysa. There are many tombs there built by princes, nobles, and wealthy
priests for their reception after death which could be turned into a
comfortable dwelling. After we have spent some time in searching
there, we must, if unsuccessful, try further away. Ptylus, no doubt,
like Ameres, has farms and country residences, and she may be hidden
in one of these."

"I believe myself," Amuba said, "that a better plan than yours will
be for us to establish a watch over Plexo. Ptylus has his duties and
is no doubt fully occupied in securing his election to the high
priesthood, but Plexo would most probably go sometimes to see Mysa in
her place of imprisonment; he will naturally be anxious to c