"Dost Thou not trust me?" asked the astonished prince.
"In this affair I should require a promise from the pharaoh himself," answered Hiram, with decision.
"If I swear on my sword, and the standards of my troops, that I will tell no man."
"Enough," said Hiram.
"I am listening."
"Does the prince know what is happening at this moment in Phoenicia?"
"I know nothing of that, even," interrupted the irritated viceroy.
"Our ships," whispered Hiram, "are coming home from all parts of the earth to convey at the first signal our people and treasures to some place beyond the sea to the west."
"Why?" asked the astounded viceroy.
"Because Assyria is to take us under her dominion."