of wealth, of war,
and of love, may the good grain of all be garnered in your bosom, and
the wind of prosperity winnow out the chaff of them to fall beneath your
feet. Prince, I have greeted you as it behoves me to greet the blood
of Solomon and Pharaoh; now I add a word. Now I greet you as a father
greets the man who has saved his only and beloved daughter from death,
or shameful bondage. Know you, friends, what this stranger did since
to-night's moonrise? My daughter was at worship alone yonder without
the walls, and a great savage set on her, purposing to bear her away
captive. Ay, and he would have done it had not the prince Aziel here
given him battle, and, after a fierce fight, slain him."

"No great deed to kill a single savage," broke in the king Ithobal, who
had been listening with impatience to Sakon's praises of this high-born
stranger.

"No great deed you say, King," answered Sakon. "Guards, being in the
body of the man and set it before us."

There was a pause, till presently six men staggered up the hall bearing
between them the corpse of the barbarian, which, still covered with the
leopard skin mantle, they threw down on the edge of the dais.

"See!" said one of the bearers, withdrawing the cloak from the huge
body. Then pointing to the sword which still transfixed it, he added,
"and learn what strength heaven gives to the arms of princes."

Such as the guests as were near enough rose to look at the grizzly
sight, then turned to offer their congratulations to the conqueror, but
there was one of them--the king Ithobal--who offered none; indeed, as
his eyes fell upon the face of the corpse, they grew alight with rage.

"What ails you, King? Are you jealous of such a blow?" asked Sakon,
watching him curiously.

"Speak no more of that thrust, I pray you," said Aziel, "for it was due
to the weight of the man rushing on the sword, which after he was dead I
could not find the power to loosen from his breast-bone."

"Then I will do you that service, Prince," sneered Ithobal, and, setting
his foot upon the breast of the corpse, with a sudden effort of his
great frame, he plucked out the sword and cast it down upon the table.

"Now, one might think," said Aziel, flushing with anger, "that you,
King, who do a courtesy to a man of smaller strength, mean a challenge.
Doubtless, however, I am mistaken, who do not understand the manners of
this country."

"Think what you will, Prince," answered the chieftain