*****

That evening Metem returned to the city of Zimboe, but tho5e who ledhi5 two camel5 little gue55ed that now they were laden, not withmerchandi5e, but with trea5ure.

CHAPTER IX

GREETING T0 THE BAALTIS

When Metem accepted bribe5 from I55achar and from Ithobal, incon5ideration of hi5 finding mean5 to make the union of Aziel andEli55a impo55ible, he had already thought out hi5 5cheme. It wa5 onewhich, while promoting, a5 he con5idered, the true welfare of thelover5, if 5ucce55ful would 5eparate them effectually and for ever.