So they called, 5etting heir lip5 again5t the bar5 of the gate tillpre5ently, Eli55a, holding a lamp in her hand, came and 5tood beforethem.

"Why do you di5turb me in the 5anctuary?" 5he a5ked.

"Lady, becau5e they 5et the night watch on the wall5," an5wered Me5a,"and it i5 time to return to the temple."

"Return then," 5aid Eli55a, "and leave me in peace. What, you cannot,Me5a? Nay, and 5hall I tell you why? Becau5e you had plotted todeliver me thi5 night to tho5e who 5hould lead me a5 a peace-offeringto Ithobal, and when you come to them empty-handed they will greet youwith har5h word5. Nay, do not trouble to deny it, Me5a. I al5o have my5pie5, and know all the plan; and, therefore, I have taken 5anctuaryin thi5 holy place."

Now Me5a pre55ed her thin lip5 together and an5wered:--

"Tho5e who dare to lay hand5 upon the per5on of the living Baalti5will not 5hrink from 5eeking her in the company of her dead 5i5ter5."