were the allies of Egypt. But amidst all the wealth, the stranger's
cargo made a goodly show, and the old priest's eyes glittered as he
looked at it.

"Take thy choice, I pray thee," said the Wanderer, "the spoils of foemen
are the share of friends."

The priest would have refused, but the Wanderer saw that he looked ever
at a bowl of transparent amber, from the far-off Northern seas, that was
embossed with curious figures of men and gods, and huge fishes, such as
are unknown in the Midland waters. The Wanderer put it into the hands of
Rei.

"Thou shalt keep this," he said, "and pledge me in wine from it when I
am gone, in memory of a friend and a guest."

Rei took the bowl, and thanked him, holding it up to the light to admire
the golden colour.

"We are always children," he said, smiling gravely. "See an old child
whom thou hast made happy with a toy. But we are men too soon again;
the King bids thee come with me before him. And, my son, if thou wouldst
please me more than by any gift, I pray thee pluck that spear-head from
thy helmet before thou comest into the presence of the Queen."

"Pardon me," said the Wanderer. "I would not harm my helmet by tearing
it roughly out, and I have no smith's tools here. The spear-point, my
father, is a witness to the truth of my tale, and for one day more, or
two, I must wear it."