The next moment the figure accosted him.
"It is you, Tish? What does Lehonti say?"
"He returns the same answer that he has sent the past two nights. He will not come down to parley with you."
"Did you tell him it was of vital importance?"
"He said that if that was the case, that you could send the message up to him."
"You told him I would assure his safe conduct."
"He answered that a man who had betrayed two masters might do no better by an enemy."
Amalickiah showed sudden magnanimity.
"Go tell the coward dog that I come alone to confer with him. Bid him bring his guards and meet me at his own gate."
Swiftly the messenger sped off and Amalickiah picked his more deliberate way up the side of the mountain. When he reached the place appointed, he found that Lehonti already awaited him and that he had taken the precaution to bring his full body guard.