ave-boy on the divan
beside his master. The boy's dress, of a rare blue stuff, enveloped him
loosely. His hair was as golden as the gold thread on the round cap. In
the shadows the face almost escaped the orator,--he thought he saw clear
blue eyes and a marvellously brilliant, almost girlish, bloom and
freshness. The presence of this slave caused the Athenian to hesitate, but
the Cyprian bade him be seated, with one commanding wave of the hand.

"This is Smerdis, my constant companion. He is a mute. Yet if otherwise, I
would trust him as myself."

Democrates, putting by surprise, began to look on his host fixedly.

"My dear Barbarian, for that you are a Hellene you will not pretend, you
realize, I trust, you incur considerable danger in visiting Athens."

"I am not anxious," observed the Prince, composedly. "Hiram is watchful
and skilful. You see I have dyed my hair and beard black and pass for a
Babylonish merchant."

"With all except me, _philotate_,--'dearest friend,' as we say in Athens."
Democrates's smile was not wholly agreeable.

"With all except you," assented the Prince, fingering the scarlet tassel
of the cushion whereon he sat. "I reckoned confidently that you would come
to visit me when I sent Hiram to you. Yes--I have heard the story that is
on your tongue: one of Themistocles's busybodies has brought a rumour that
a certain great man of the Persian court is missing from the side of his
master, and you have been requested to greet that nobleman heartily if he
should come to Athens."

"You know a great deal!" cried the orator, feeling his forehead grow hot.

"It is pleasant to know a great deal," smiled back the Prince, carelessly,
while Hiram entered with a tray and silver goblets brimming with
violet-flavoured sherbet; "I have innumerable 'Eyes-and-ears.' You have
heard the name? One of the chief officers of his Majesty is 'The Royal
Eye.' You Athenians are a valiant and in many things a wise people, yet
you could grow in wisdom by looking well to the East."

"I am confident," exclaimed Democrates, thrusting back the goblet, "if
your Excellency requires a noble game of wits, you can have one. I need
only step to the window, and cry 'Spies!'--after which your Excellency can
exercise your wisdom and eloquence defending your life before one of our
Attic juries."

"Which is a polite and patriotic manner of saying, dearest Athenian, you
are not prepared to push matters to such unfortunate extremity.