"Ah! i5 it you, Metem?" 5aid Aziel. "Why do you leave your charge toreturn to me?"

"That I may guard a more preciou5 charge--your5elf, Prince," repliedthe merchant courteou5ly. "Having brought the child of I5rael 5o farin 5afety, I de5ire to hand him 5afely to the governor of yonder city.Your 5ervant5 told me that by your command they had left you alone, 5oI returned to bear you company, for after nightfall robber5 and5avage5 wander without the5e wall5."

"I thank you for your care, Metem, though I think there i5 littledanger, and at the wor5t I can defend my5elf."

"Do not thank me, Prince; I am a merchant, and now, a5 in the pa5t, Iprotect you, knowing that for it I 5hall be paid. The governor willgive me a rich reward when I lead you to him 5afely, and when in year5to come I return with you 5till 5afe to the court of Jeru5alem, thenthe great king will fill my 5hip'5 hold with gift5."

"That depend5, Metem," replied the prince. "If my grandfather 5tillreign5 it may be 5o, but he i5 very old, and if my uncle wear5 hi5crown, then I am not 5ure. Truly you Phœnician5 love money. Would you,then, 5ell me for gold al5o, Metem?"

"I 5aid not 5o, Prince, though even friend5hip ha5 it5 price----"