his keeping!"

"Not that, O Satrap, only the commands of the King of kings which are
prepared ready to deliver to you under the White Seal that you
acknowledge."

"And what may they be, Egyptian?"

"This, O Satrap: That you and all the army which you have brought with
you retire to Sais and thence out of Egypt as quickly as you may, or
pay for disobedience with your lives."

Now Idernes and his captains gasped.

"Why this is rebellion!" he said.

"No, O Satrap, only the command of the Great King given under the
White Seal," and drawing a roll from his breast, Peroa laid it on his
brow and cast it down before Idernes, adding,

"Obey the writing and the Signet, or by virtue of my commission, as
soon as you are returned to your army and your safe-conduct is
expired, I fall upon you and destroy you."

Idernes looked about him like a wolf in a trap, then asked,

"Do you mean to murder me here?"

"Not so," answered Peroa, "for you have our safe-conduct and Egyptians
are honourable men. But you are dismissed your office and ordered to