They straightway quarreled over the matter; the crowd took sides. A clash was imminent whereat Abish burst into tears. In this emergency she went over to the queen, and tenderly helped her to her feet. The latter's face was radiant as she took hold of the hand of the king. He confronted the multitude. In few words he endorsed the work of Ammon. His conversion was wrought during his trance. From that time forth he was the missionary's ablest advocate.
That night a great feast was given to celebrate the recovery of the king. The palace gardens were thrown open to the people. Bands played on the terraces, fountains sprayed by the lurid light of the bon fires, and the moonlight kissed the lake. The whole city rejoiced in gala attire, while the attaches of the palace, relieved from the recent strain, relapsed into abandon. The queen's heart expanded toward all mankind; the king, snatched from the grave, lorded it graciously over his subjects. The nobles exchanged merry quips and the banquet was long drawn out. People treated Ammon with semi-worship. He was in an exalted frame of mind for he knew that his work was auspiciously begun.
Blinded with the lights and deafened with the noise, he felt faint, and clambered out into the open air to walk beneath the stars. Back and forth he paced when he heard his name called in a soft voice. He wheeled to behold Alla beneath the rubber plants. As he went towards her, she, in her yellow robes against the dark green of the foliage, reminded him more than ever of a gorgeous butterfly.
"I have not had a chance to thank you before for what you did for my father," she said between sips of fruit juice.
Ammon disclaimed credit, saying it was all due to the power of the Lord.
"I want you to help me tonight. Come into the garden. We will have to hurry, or Hebron, who went to fetch me an ice, will be back."
Without more ado she took hold of his arm and hastily urged him down the stairs. On reaching the garden she plucked a burning brand from the fire and led him through dark, circuitous paths beneath the umbrella trees till the roof of a round topped building loomed before them.
"Be careful of the steps," she cautioned as she started to descend into it, but she herself jumped when a black beetle fell from one of the overhanging branches. He came to her rescue and together they entered the underground chamber. Ammon looked about him curiously. The place was lined with hewn stone. He laid his hand on a porphyry vase that contained incense.
"See," Alla held the light up to the wall. "These paintings depict the principal events in my father's life."
Ammon's eyes followed the intricate designs without grasping their meaning.