ou think, king Ithobal," Elissa answered, looking at him with angry
eyes, "that a woman such as I am can be won by threats? I have spoken,
king Ithobal."

"I know not," he replied; "but I do know that she can be won by force,
and then surely, lady, your pride shall pay the price, for you shall be
mine, but not my queen."

Now one of the council rose and said:--

"It seems, Sakon, that there is more in this matter than whether or no
the king Ithobal pleases your daughter. Is the city then to be plunged
into a great war, of which none can see the end, because one woman looks
askance upon a man? Better that a thousand girls should be wedded where
they would not than that such a thing should happen. Sakon, according
to our ancient law you have the right to give your daughter in marriage
where and when you will. We demand, therefore, that for the good of the
commonwealth, you should exercise this right, and hand over the lady
Elissa to king Ithobal."

This speech was received with loud and general shouts of approval, for
no Phoenician audience would have been willing to sacrifice its interests
for a thing so trivial as the happiness of a woman.

"Between the desire of a beloved daughter to whom I have pledged my
word and my duty to the great city over which I rule, my strait is hard
indeed," answered Sakon. "Hearken, king Ithobal, I must have time. Give
me eight days from now in which to answer you, for if you will not, I
deny your suit."

Ithobal seemed about to refuse the demand of Sakon. Then once more his
counsellors plucked him by the sleeve, pointing out to him that if he
did this, it was likely that none of them would leave the city alive. At
some sign from the governor, they whispered, the captains of the guard
were already hastening from the hall.

"So be it, Sakon," he said. "To-night I camp without your walls, which
are no longer safe for one who has threatened war against them, and on
the eighth day from this see to it that your heralds being me the Lady
Elissa and peace--or I make good my threat. Till then, farewell." And
placing himself in the midst of his company king Ithobal left the hall.

CHAPTER VII

THE BLACK DWARF

Some two hours had passed since the break-up of the assembly in the
great hall. Prince Aziel was seated in his chamber, when the keeper of
the door announced that a woman was without who desired to speak with
him. He gave orders that she should be admitted, and presently a veil