and Phorenice was the first to break it. "Those two guards," she
said, in her clear, carrying voice, "who held the door, are not
equal to their work. I cannot have imperfect servants; remove
them."

The soldiers next in the rank lifted their spears and drove
them home, and the two fellows who had admitted the old man fell to
the ground. One shrieked once, the other gave no sound: they were
clever thrusts both.

The old man found his voice, thin, and high, and broken.
"Another crime added to your tally, Phorenice. Not half your army
could have hindered my entrance had I wished to come, and let me
tell you that I am here to bring you your last warning. The Gods
have shown you much favour; they gave you merit by which you could
rise above your fellows, till at last only the throne stood above
you. It was seen good by those on the Sacred Mountain to let you
have this last ambition, and sit on this throne that has as long
and honourably been filled by the ancient kings of Atlantis."

The Empress sat back on the divan smiling. "I seemed to get
these things as I chose, and in spite of your friends' teeth. I
may owe to you, old man, a small parcel of thanks, though that I
offered to repay; but for my lords the priests, their permission
was of small enough value when it came. I would have you remember
that I was as firm on the throne of Atlantis as this pyramid stands
upon its base when your worn-out priests came up to give their
tottering benediction."

The old man waved aside her interruption. "Hear me out," he