To-morrow evening, so soon as the sun is down, I will send on the camels
by ones and twos, and with them the baggage and treasure, to a secret
place I know of in the mountains, where we and the prince's guard
can follow upon the mules and join them. As it chances, I have a safe
conduct from Ithobal. Still I should not wish to put his troops into
temptation by marching through them with twenty laden camels, or to lose
certain earnings of my own that will be hidden in the baggage. Moreover,
if our departure becomes known, half the city would wish to join us,
having no love of soldiering, and misdoubting them much of the issue of
this war with Ithobal."
"As you will," said Issachar, "you are captain of the caravan, and
charged with the safety of the prince upon his journeyings. I am ready
whenever you appoint, and the quicker that hour comes, the more praise
you will have from me."
"Come with me, I wish to speak with you," said Aziel to the Phoenician
as they left the presence of Issachar. "Listen," he added, when they had
reached his chamber, "we leave this city soon, and I have farewells to
make."
"To the Baaltis?" suggested Metem.
"To the lady Elissa. I desire to send her a letter of farewell; can you
deliver it into her own hand?"
"It may be managed, Prince, at a price--nay, from you I ask no price.
I have still some images that I wish to sell, and we merchants go
everywhere, even into the presence of the Baaltis if it pleases her to
admit them.
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