Would you retire to discuss them with me and my Councillors?"

"Where is the need, O Peroa, seeing that I have naught to say which
may not be heard by all?"

"As it pleases you. Speak on, O Satrap."

"I have been summoned here, Prince Peroa, by a writing under what
seems to be the Signet of signets--the ancient White Seal that for
generations unknown has been worn by the forefathers of the King of
kings. Where is this Signet?"

"Here," said the Prince, opening his robe. "Look on it, Satrap, and
let your lords look, but let none of you dare to touch it."

Idernes looked long and earnestly, and so did some of his people,
especially the lord with the hawk eyes. Then they stared at each other
bewildered and whispered together.

"It seems to be the very Seal--the White Seal itself!" exclaimed
Idernes at length. "Tell me now, Peroa. How came this sacred thing
that dwells in the East hither into Egypt?"

"The lord Shabaka brought it to me with certain letters from the Great
King, O Satrap."

"Shabaka for the third time, by the holy Fire!" cried Idernes. "He
brought the cup; he brought the famous pearls; he brought the gold,
and he brought the Signet of signets. What is there then that he did
not bring? Perchance he has the person of the King of kings himself in