naught to do with her. And when the forthcoming espousals of Anuti and
myself were announced, Siluce forced her way into my presence, upbraided
me for robbing her of her lover, and sought to slay me! Therefore I
dismissed her from my household, and forbade her ever to appear again in
my presence; but it was Anuti who caused her to be whipped, and
afterwards ordered her banishment. And because, after our espousals, I
learned this, and rebuked Anuti for his cruelty, he has quarrelled with
me and become my enemy."

"U-um!" I returned. "That, of course, is a very different story from
the one told me by Siluce."

"And it is the truth," asserted the queen; "although doubtless there are
those who will declare to the contrary. I possess much knowledge,
Chia'gnosi, yet I know not how I am to convince you of the truth; for
he, my husband, who could verify my words, resents my rebuke and has
become my most bitter and implacable enemy, and doubtless he will seek
to win you over to his side by bearing false witness against me. I
would that I could make you my friend, Chia'gnosi, for never have I so
sorely needed a friend as now, when Anuti has turned against me and
seeks to oust me from my place and become supreme in the land. And you
are wise with the wisdom of the white man; you are a warrior, and come
of the race of those who always conquer: therefore if I could win you to
my side I should certainly triumph in the struggle that I foresee is at
hand. Tell me, Chia'gnosi, how may I win you to become my champion?"

"Nay, O Queen," answered I, "ask me not, I pray you; for I came here not
to take part in any quarrel, but merely to--"

"Yes, I know," interrupted the queen. "You came hither hoping to obtain
much gold and many shining stones. Well, whether or not you will become
my friend, I can at least help you to realise your wish. You shall have
as much gold and as many shining stones as you can carry away. I have
many stones already, and I will give orders that more shall be obtained,
so that you may have as many as you desire; while as for gold, all that
I possess is yours for the asking."

What could I say by way of reply to such lavish generosity as this? I
could but thank the queen with all my heart, and did so, yet with a
lurking dread that she might attach to the acceptance of her gift some
condition which I certainly could not assent to without a great deal
more knowledge than I then possessed. But she did