himself before the dais and touching the ground humbly with his
forehead and hands. The King stirred slightly, but did not alter
his position, ... he was evidently wrapped in a deep and seemingly
unpleasant reverie.

"Dread my lord. ... !" began the Herald-in-Waiting. A movement of
decided impatience on the part of the monarch caused him to stop
short.

"By my soul!" said a rich, strong voice that made itself
distinctly audible throughout the spacious hall--"Thou art ever
shivering on the edge of thy duty when thou shouldst plunge boldly
into the midst thereof! How long wilt mouth thy words? ... Canst
never speak plain?"

"Most potent sovereign!" went on the stammering herald--"Sah-luma
waits thy royal pleasure!"

"Sah-luma!" and the monarch sprang erect, his eyes flashing fire--
"Nay, that HE should wait, bodes ill for thee, thou knave! How
darest thou bid him wait?--Entreat him hither with all gentleness,
as befits mine equal in the realm!"

As he thus spoke, Theos was able to observe him more attentively;
indeed it seemed as though a sudden and impressive pause had
occurred in the action of a drama in order to allow him as
spectator, to thoroughly master the meaning of one special scene.
Therefore he took the opportunity offered, and, looking full at
Zephoranim, thought he had never beheld so magnificent a man. Of
stately height and herculean build, he was most truly royal in