"It seems that this Egyptian has killed a lion," said the King to one
of his lords, him of the painted face and scented hair.

"May be please the King," he answered, bowing, "a tail is not the
whole beast and may have been taken thither, or cut from a lion lying
dead already. The King knows that the Egyptians are great liars."

So he spoke because he was jealous of the deed.

"These men look as though they had met a live one, not one that is
dead," said the King, scanning our blood-stained shapes. "Still, as
you doubt it, you will wish to put the matter to the proof. Therefore,
Cousin, take six men with you, enter the reeds and search. In that
soft ground it will be easy to follow their footmarks."

"It is dangerous, O King," began the prince, for such he was, no less.

"And therefore the task will be the more to your taste, Cousin. Go
now, and be swift."

So six hunters were called and the prince went, cursing me beneath his
breath as he passed us. For he was terribly afraid, and with reason.
Suddenly Bes ceased from his antics and prostrating himself, cried,

"A boon, O King. This noble lord throws doubt upon my master's word.
Suffer that I may lead him to where the lion lies dead, since
otherwise wandering in those reeds the great King's cousin might come
to harm and the great King be grieved."

"I have many cousins," said the King. "Still go if you wish, Dwarf."