Metem pondered awhile and answered:—­

“I think that I will undertake it, King; that is, if we come to terms, though whether I shall succeed is another matter.  I will undertake it not only because I seek to enrich myself, but because I and others who serve him think it is a very evil thing that this prince, Aziel, whose blood is the most royal in the whole world, without the consent of the great king of Israel, his grandfather, should wed the daughter of a Phoenician officer, however beautiful and loving she may be.  Also I love yonder city, which I have known for forty years, and would not see it plunged in a bloody war and perhaps destroyed because a certain man desires to call a certain girl his sweetheart.  And now if I succeed in this, what will you give me?”

Ithobal named a great sum.

“King,” replied Metem, “you must double it, for that amount you speak of I shall be forced to spend in bribes.  More; you must give me the gold now, before I leave your camp, or I will do nothing.”

“That you may steal it—­and do nothing,” laughed Ithobal angrily.

“As you will, King.  Such are my terms; if they do not please you, well, let me go.  But if you accept them, I will sign a bond under which if within eight days I do not make it impossible for the prince Aziel to marry the lady Elissa, you may reclaim so much of the gold as I do not prove to you to have been spent upon your service, and no bond of Metem the Phoenician was ever yet dishonoured.  No, on second thought I will learn wisdom from Issachar the Levite and put my hand to no writing which it would pain me that some should read.  King, my sworn word must content you.  Another thing, soon war may break out, or I may be forced to fly.  Therefore, I demand of you a pass sealed with your seal that will enable me to ride with twenty men and all my goods and treasure, even through the midst of your armies.  Moreover you shall swear the great oath to me that notice of this pass will be given to your generals and that it shall be respected to the letter.  Do you consent to these terms?”

“I consent,” said the king presently.

*****

That evening Metem returned to the city of Zimboe, but those who led his two camels little guessed that now they were laden, not with merchandise, but with treasure.

CHAPTER IX

GREETING TO THE BAALTIS

When Metem accepted bribes from Issachar and from Ithobal, in consideration of his finding means to make the union of Aziel and Elissa impossible, he had already thought out his scheme.  It was one which, while promoting, as he considered, the true welfare of the lovers, if successful would separate them effectually and for ever.