“Cimon, manager and representative, to Malus, consignee and merchant.
“It has been discovered that the returns which you have made for many years to the business which I represent are not in accordance with the facts, and that now a very large sum of money is due us. I am reluctant to appeal to the courts to enforce our claims; and hope that your sense of justice and of responsibility to a Higher Power will make such an appeal unnecessary. A satisfactory assurance from you of regret for the past and an upright purpose for the future will dispose me to abate much from my just claim upon you.
“Let me hear from you to-day at the
Khan Rachotis.”
“I have great misgivings as to this merciful plan of yours,” said Seti, “and only give my consent to it on condition that you authorize me to place your papers in the hands of our advocate at once, without waiting to see the result of your appeal. If it is successful you can recall the parcel unbroken. Otherwise it is to be used without delay. You agree?”
“So be it,” said Cimon.
“Does the parcel contain as full an explanation of the case as the advocate will need?”
“So it seems to me.”
This ended the conversation. A servant of the khan was immediately called and dispatched with the letter to Malus. Seti himself remained till he had seen the main effects of his friends put into the hands of two servants of his own for transference to the Serapeum. It was agreed that the owners should follow as soon as possible.
As chance would have it (I confess that I dislike such language on both scientific and religious grounds), they were not detained long. Their messenger met Malus at no great distance from the khan; and soon returned with a spoken message that they should either see or hear from him at the khan early the coming evening.