tone.

"I see that Thou lovest Mother Isis," said the priestess, aloud. "Thou
must be wealthy and art bountiful, so it is worth while to soothsay for
thee."

She sat down near him, ate a couple of dates, and looking at his hand
began,

"Thou art from a distant region, from Bretor and Hagit. [The spirits of
the northern and eastern parts of the world.]Thou hast had a pleasant
journey. For some days the Phoenicians are watching thee," added she,
in a lower voice.

"Thou hast come for money, though Thou art not a merchant. Visit me
this day after sunset. Thy wishes will be accomplished," said she,
aloud. "They should be accomplished. I live on the Street of Tombs in
the house of the Green Star," whispered she. "But beware of thieves who
are watching for thy property," finished she, seeing that the worthy
Asarhadon was listening.

"There are no thieves in my house!" burst out the Phoenician. "None
steal except those who come from the street."

"Be not angry, old man," replied the priestess, jeeringly, "or a red
line will come out oil thy neck right away; that means an unlucky
death."

When he heard this, Asarhadon spat three times, and in a low voice
repeated a charm against evil predictions. When he had moved away to
the depth of the gallery, the priestess began to coquet with the Harran
man. She gave him a rose from her crown, embraced him at parting, and
went to the other tables.

The traveler beckoned to the host.

"I wish," said he, "that woman to come to me. Give command to conduct
her to my chamber."

Asarhadon looked into his eyes, clapped his hands, and burst out
laughing.

"Typhon has possessed thee, O man of Harran!" cried he. "If anything of
that sort happened in my house with an Egyptian priestess, they would
drive me out of the city. Here it is permissible to receive only
foreign women."

"In that case I will go to her," answered Phut, "for she is a wise and
devout person, and has told me of many happenings. After sunset Thou
wilt give me a guide, so that I may not go astray."

"All the evil spirits have entered thy heart," said Asarhadon. "Dost
Thou know that this acquaintance will cost thee two hundred drachmas,
perhaps three hundred, not counting that which Thou must give the
servants and the sanctuary. For such a sum, or say five hundred
drachmas, Thou mayst make the acquaintance of a young and virtuous
woman, my daughter, who is now fourteen years of age, and like a
prudent girl is co