Then the old man’s lips began to move, as if in answer, and she heard him say in the Parthian tongue: 

“Not so, my Lord!  For when saw I thee an hungered, and fed thee?  Or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw I thee a stranger, and took thee in?  Or naked, and clothed thee?  When saw I thee sick or in prison, and came unto thee?  Three-and-thirty years have I looked for thee; but I have never seen thy face, nor ministered to thee, my King.”

He ceased, and the sweet voice came again.  And again the maid heard it, very faintly and far away.  But now it seemed as though she understood the words: 

“Verily I say unto thee, inasmuch as thou hast done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, thou hast done it unto me.”

[Illustration:  “The other wise man had found the king”]

A calm radiance of wonder and joy lighted the pale face of Artaban like the first ray of dawn on a snowy mountain-peak.  One long, last breath of relief exhaled gently from his lips.

His journey was ended.  His treasures were accepted.  The other Wise Man had found the King.

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