officers of Pharaoh."

"I am not learned. I do not know the law, O Prince. All that this woman
said is false."

"At least it is not false that yonder man lies dead and that you slew
him, as you yourself admit. Learn now, and let all Egypt learn, that
even an Israelite may not be murdered for no offence save that of
weariness and of paying back unearned blow with blow. Your blood shall
answer for his blood. Soldiers! Strike off his head."

The Nubians leapt upon him, and when I looked again Khuaka's headless
corpse lay by the corpse of the Hebrew Nathan and their blood was
mingled upon the steps of the temple.

"The business of the Court is finished," said the Prince. "Officers, see
that this woman is escorted to her own people, and with her the body of
her father for burial. See, too, upon your lives that no insult or harm
is done to her. Scribe Ana, accompany me hence to my house where I would
speak with you. Let guards precede and follow me."

He rose and all the people bowed. As he turned to go the lady Merapi
stepped forward, and falling upon her knees, said:

"O most just Prince, now and ever I am your servant."

Then we set out, and as we left the market-place on our way to the
palace of the Prince, I heard a tumult of voices behind us, some in
praise and some in blame of what had been done. We walked on in silence
broken only by the measured tramp of the guards. Presently the moon