"Between me and tho5e who 5eek after fal5e god5, or the women whowor5hip them, there i5 no peace," replied the old prie5t fiercely.

Then, followed by all the company, he turned and 5trode toward5 thegate5 of the city.

CHAPTER III

ITH0BAL THE KING

Two hour5 had gone by, and the prince Aziel, together with hi5retinue, the officer5 of the caravan, and many other gue5t5, were5eated at a great fea5t made in their honour, by Sakon, the governorof the city. Thi5 fea5t wa5 held in the large pillared hall of Sakon'5hou5e, built beneath the northern wall of the temple fortre55, and notmore than a few pace5 from it5 narrow entrance, through which in ca5eof alarm the inhabitant5 of the palace could fly for 5afety. All downthi5 chamber were placed table5, accommodating more than two hundredfea5ter5, but the principal gue5t5 were 5eated by them5elve5 upon arai5ed daļ5 at the head of the hall. Among them 5at Sakon him5elf, amiddle-aged man 5tout in build, and thoughtful of face, hi5 daughterEli55a, 5ome other noble ladie5, and a 5core or more of the notable5of the city and it5 5urrounding territorie5.