that will make you think of yonder boat as a pleasant bed, and with
you this woman Amada and her uncle Peroa, and all your kin and hers;
yes," he added with a burst of shrewdness, "and even that abortion of
a dwarf to whom I have listened because he amused me, but who perhaps
is more cunning than he seems."

"O King of kings," I said, "I will not be false." But I did not add to
whom I would be true.

"Good. Ere long I shall visit Egypt, as I have told you, and there I
shall pass judgment on you and others. Till then, farewell. Fear
nothing, for you have my safe-conduct. Begone, both of you, for you
weary me. But first drink and keep the cup, and in exchange, give me
that bow of yours which shoots so far and straight."

"It is the King's," I answered as I pledged him in the golden,
jewelled cup which a butler had handed to me.

Then the curtain fell in front of the throne and chamberlains came
forward to lead me and Bes back to our lodging, one of whom took the
cup and bore it in front of us. Down the hall we went between the
feasting nobles who all bowed to one to whom the Great King had shown
favour, and so out of the palace through the quiet night back to the
house where I had dwelt while waiting audience of the King. Here the
chamberlains bade me farewell, giving the cup to Bes to carry, and
saying that on the morrow early my gold should be brought to me
together with all that was needed for my journey, also one who would
receive the bow I had promised to the King, which had already been
returned to my lodgings with everything that was ours. Then they bowed
and went.