"The fleetest dromedary in the land of Shinar was tethered in the court of the fortress when the sun set yesterday. I have heard it passed out of Ascalon, bearing a double burden, before the morning watch. Are these things so?"
It was obvious that the Prince had already made himself acquainted with the truth. Agron only faltered out,
"The rider bore the royal signet. What am I, that I should canvass the commands of my lord?"
The voice of Ninyas grew softer, his manner more gentle every moment.
"You are an Assyrian captain," said he, "a trained man of war from your youth. Rehearse me, lest I forget them, your duties as chief watchman at the gate."
Agron felt that the shadow of death was overtaking him fast, while he replied,
"Thy servant quits not his post on any pretence until relieved, but at the express command of my lord. He visits the walls."
"Enough!" exclaimed the Prince, bursting into fury at last, while his cheeks kindled, his eyes blazed, and he looked like an angel possessed by a fiend. "Coward! and slave! out of your own mouth you are judged, by your own words you are condemned! All last night you were absent from your post, passing the wine cup, striking the timbrel—what do I know or care? And the gate of Ascalon was left open and unguarded as the great market-place in Babylon. For such an offence there is a fitting punishment, never yet remitted amongst the sons of Ashur.—Cover his face, and lead him forth! I have spoken."
Then, while the archers in attendance seized on their late commander to fulfil the awful sentence, Ninyas turned with a calm brow and sweet smile to a stately official standing near, and said,
"Those fugitives from Egypt—I can attend to their matters now. Bring them into my presence."