Is fifty golden shekels too much for these images which have been
blessed and sprinkled with the blood of children by the high priest of
Baal at Sidon?"
Mesa lifted her cold eyes and looked at them. "I think it too much," she
said, "but it is for the lady Baaltis to judge. Who am I that I should
open my lips in the presence of the lady Baaltis?"
"I have appealed to the oracle, and it has spoken against me," said
Metem, wringing his hands in affected dismay. "Well, I abide the result.
Queen, you offered me forty shekels and for forty you shall take them,
for the honour of the holy gods, though in truth I lose ten shekels
by the bargain. Give your order to the treasurer, and he will pay me
to-morrow. So now farewell," and bowing till his forehead touched the
ground, he kissed the hem of her robe.
Elissa bent her head in acknowledgment of the salute, and as he rose her
eyes met his. In them was written a warning which he could not fail to
understand, and although she did not speak, her lips seemed to shape the
word, "Remember."
Ten minutes later Metem stood in the chamber of Aziel.
"Has she seen the letter, and what did she answer?" asked the prince,
springing up almost as he passed the threshold.
"In the name of all the gods of all the nations I pray you not to
speak so loud," answered Metem when he had closed the door and looked
suspiciously about him.
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