leave Egypt."

Idernes thought a little while, then said,

"If I leave Egypt, there is at least one whom I am commanded to take
with me under orders and writings that you will not dispute, a maiden
named Amada whom the Great King would number among his women. I am
told it is she who sits yonder--a jewel indeed, fair as the pearls
upon her breast which thus will return into the King's keeping. Let
her be handed over, for she rides with me at once."

Now in the midst of an intense silence Peroa answered,

"Amada, the Royal Lady of Egypt, cannot be sent to dwell in the House
of Women of the Great King without the consent of the lord Shabaka,
whose she is."

"Shabaka for the fourth time!" said Idernes, glaring at me. "Then let
Shabaka come too. Or his head in a basket will suffice, since that
will save trouble afterwards, also some pain to Shabaka. Why, now I
remember. It was this very Shabaka whom the Great King condemned to
death by the boat for a crime against his Majesty, and who bought his
life by promising to deliver to him the fairest and most learned woman
in the world--the lady Amada of Egypt. And thus does the knave keep
his oath!"

Now I leapt to my feet, as did most of those present. Only Amada kept
her seat and looked at me.

"You lie!" I cried, "and were it not for your safe-conduct I would