.
But in fact he is coming to conclude a treaty about dividing the
countries which lie between our sea and the Euphrates River."

"May the earth swallow them!" imprecated Rabsun.

"What dost Thou think of this Dagon?" inquired Hiram.

"But what would ye do if Assar attacked you really?"

Hiram shook his head with anger.

"What? We should go on board of ships with our families and treasures
and leave to those dogs the ruins of cities and the rotting corpses of
slaves. Do we not know greater and more beautiful countries than
Phoenicia, where we can begin a new and richer fatherland?"

"May the gods guard us from such a thing," said Dagon.

"This is just the question, to save the present Phoenicia from
destruction," said Hiram. "And thou, Dagon, art able to do much in this
matter."

"What can I do?"

"Thou mayst learn from the priests whether Beroes met them, and whether
he and they made an agreement."

"A terribly difficult thing," whispered Dagon. "But I may find a priest
who will tell me."

"Thou canst prevent at the court of the pharaoh a treaty with Sargon,"
continued Hiram.

"It is very difficult. I could not do that unassisted."

"I will be with thee, and Phoenicia will find the gold. A tax is in
course of collection at present."

"I have given two talents!" whispered Rabsun.

"I will give ten," added Dagon. "But what shall I get for my labor?"

"What? Well, ten ships," answered Hiram.

"And how much wilt Thou gain?" inquired Dagon.

"Is ten not enough? Thou wilt get fifteen."

"I ask, what wilt Thou get?" insisted Dagon.

"We will give twenty ships. Does that suffice thee?"

"Let it be so. But will ye show my ships the road to the country of
silver?"

"We will show it."

"And the place where ye get tin? Well."

"And the place where amber is found?" continued Dagon.

"May Thou perish at once!" answered the gracious Prince Hiram,
extending his hand. "But Thou wilt not keep up a malignant heart toward
me because of those two little flat boats?"

Dagon sighed.

"I will work to forget. But what a property I should have now if Thou
hadst not driven them off at that time!"

"Enough!" interrupted Rabsun; "talk of Phoenicia."

"Through whom wilt Thou learn of Beroes and the treaty?" asked Hiram of
Dagon.

"Let that drop. It is dangerous to speak of it, for priests will be
involved in the matter."

"And through whom couldst Thou ruin the treaty?"

"I think I think that perhaps thro