t you know of these things, these memoranda are
genuine?"

"Genuine. That is the scanty wisdom of the least of your Highness's
slaves."

The Oriental bowed himself, then stood erect in a manner that reminded
Democrates of some serpent that had just coiled and uncoiled.

"Good," continued the emissary; "yet I must ask our good Athenian to
confirm them with an oath."

The orator groaned. He had not expected this last humiliation; but being
forced to drink the cup, he drained it to the lees. He swore by Zeus
Orchios, Watcher of Oaths, and Dike, the Eternal Justice, that he brought
true copies, and that if he was perjured, he called a curse upon himself
and all his line. The Cyprian received his oath with calm satisfaction,
then held out the half of a silver shekel broken in the middle.

"Show this to Mydon, the Sicyonian banker at Phaleron. He holds its
counterpart. He will pay the man who completes the coin ten talents."

Democrates received the token, but felt that he must stand upon his
dignity.

"I have given an oath, stranger, but give the like to me. What proof have
I of this Mydon?"

The question seemed to rouse the unseen lion in the Cyprian. His eye
kindled. His voice swelled.

"We leave oaths, Hellene, to men of trade and barter, to men of trickery
and guile. The Aryan noble is taught three things: to fear the king, to
bend the bow, to speak the truth. And he learns all well. I have
spoken,--my word is my oath."

The Athenian shrank at the storm he had roused. But the Prince almost
instantly curbed himself. His voice sank again to its easy tone of
conciliation.

"So much for my word, good friend; yet better than an oath, look here. Can
the man who bears this ring afford to tell a lie?"

He extended his right hand. On the second finger was a huge beryl signet.
Democrates bent over it.

"Two seated Sphynxes and a winged cherub flying above,--the seal of the
royal Achaemenians of Persia! You are sent by Xerxes himself. You are--"

The Prince raised a warning finger. "Hush, Athenian. Think what you will,
but do not name me, though soon my name shall fly through all the world."

"So be it," rejoined Democrates, his hands clutching the broken coin as at
a last reprieve from death. "But be warned, even though I bear you no
good-will. Themistocles is suspicious. Sicinnus his agent, a sly cat, is
searching for you. The other day Themistocles, in the boat at Peiraeus, was
fain to have you questioned. If