armed that lady whom you have
stolen. Also that you will bring her and us safely out of your country
by the roads you know, and meanwhile that you will let this lord see his
wife."

"Not last, no," replied Harut, "that not possible. That bring us all to
grave. Also no good, 'cause her mind empty. For rest, you come to other
place, sit down and eat while I talk with priests. Be afraid nothing;
you quite safe."

"Why should we be afraid? It is you who should be afraid, you who stole
the lady and brought Bena to his death. Do you not remember the words of
your own Oracle, Harut?"

"Yes, I know words, but how _you_ know them _that_ I not know," he
replied.

Then he issued some orders, as a result of which a guard formed itself
about us and conducted us through the crowd and along the passage to the
second court of the temple, which was now empty. Here the guard left us
but remained at the mouth of the passage, keeping watch. Presently women
brought us food and drink, of which Hans and I partook heartily though
Ragnall, who was so near to his lost wife and yet so far away, could eat
but little. Mingled joy because after these months of arduous search he
found her yet alive, and fear lest she should again be taken from him
for ever, deprived him of all appetite.

While we ate, priests to the number of about a dozen, who I suppose had
been summoned by Harut, were admitted by the guard and, gathering out of
earshot of us between the altar and the sanctuary, entered on an earnest
discussion with him. Watching their faces I could see that there was a
strong difference of opinion between them, about half taking one view
on the matter of which they disputed, and half another. At length Harut
made some proposition to which they all agreed. Then the door of the
sanctuary was opened with a strange sort of key which one of the priests
produced, showing a dark interior in which gleamed a white object, I
suppose the statue of the Child. Harut and two others entered, the door
being closed behind them. About five minutes later they appeared again
and others, who listened earnestly and after renewed consultation
signified assent by holding up the right hand. Now one of the priests
walked to where we were and, bowing, begged us to advance to the altar.
This we did, and were stood in a line in front of it, Hans being set in
the middle place, while the priests ranged themselves on either side.
Next Harut, having once more opened the door