or standing, axes and snakes and birds and beetles! My father, what
tokens are these?" and he gave the scroll back to Rei.

"The King has made his Chief Scribe write to thee, naming thee Captain
of the Legion of Pasht, the Guard of the Royal House, for last night
the Captain was slain. He gives thee a high title, and he promises thee
houses, lands, and a city of the South to furnish thee with wine, and
a city of the North to furnish thee with corn, if thou wilt be his
servant."

"Never have I served any man," said the Wanderer, flushing red, "though
I went near to being sold and to knowing the day of slavery. The King
does me too much honour."

"Thou wouldest fain begone from Khem?" asked the old man, eagerly.

"I would fain find her I came to seek, wherever she may be," said the
Wanderer. "Here or otherwhere."

"Then, what answer shall I carry to the King?"

"Time brings thought," said the Wanderer; "I would see the city if thou
wilt guide me. Many cities have I seen, but none so great as this. As we
walk I will consider my answer to your King."

He had been working at his helm as he spoke, for the rest of his armour
was now mended. He had drawn out the sharp spear-head of bronze, and was
balancing it in his hand and trying its edge.

"A good blade," he said; "better was never hammered. It went near to