The Phoenician woman heard him with fright.
"Astaroth!" cried she, suddenly. "Save me! Hide me, O earth! for if that wretch Lykon returns mighty misfortune is threatening me."
The prince laughed, but he had not patience to listen to the complaints of the ex-priestess.
"Be at rest," said he, when going, "and wonder not if after some days men bring in thy Lykon bound like a jackal. That insolent ruffian has worn out my patience."
On returning to his palace the prince summoned Hiram and the chief of police in Pi-Bast. He told them that Lykon, the Greek with a face resembling his, was prowling around among the palaces, and he gave command to seize him. Hiram swore that if Phoenicians helped the police the Greek would be taken. But the chief shook his head.
"Dost doubt?" asked the prince.
"Yes, lord. In Pi-Bast dwell many pious Asiatics who think the priestess worthy of death because she deserted the altar. If this Greek has bound himself to kill Kama, they will help him, they will conceal the man, and facilitate flight for him."
"What is thy answer to this?" asked the heir of Hiram.
"The worthy master of the palace speaks wisely," replied the old
Phoenician.
"But ye have freed Kama from the curse."