An avenue of soldiers was formed; some officers were sent to receive whatever documents and presents we had brought; we were bidden a second time to prostrate ourselves to the earth, and were then escorted back to our ships. I found Belesys very impatient to be released from his imprisonment, and he looked much chagrined when I told him that it was necessary for me to detain him a while longer as a hostage for my own safety.
In about an hour afterwards some letters, enclosed in a casket of gold, arrived from King Belochus for the Queen of Sheba; the present for the Queen was accompanied by a meagre gift of provisions and stuffs for myself and my people.
My mission was now accomplished, and I prepared again to set sail.
"You may go," I said to my prisoner; "let us part friends."
Belesys gave a sigh of relief.
"I am glad you are a man of your word," he said.
I laughed heartily.
"Did you suppose I should keep you? What good could you do me?"
"Revenge is sweet," he answered. "I feared you would not let my injustice go unpunished."