Each one felt his spirit thrill.
“Are you not the steward of the khan?” Balthasar asked next.
“I am.”
“What would the king with us?”
“His messenger is without; let him answer.”
“Tell him, then, to abide our coming.”
“You were right, O my brother!” said the Greek, when the steward was gone. “The question put to the people on the road, and to the guard at the gate, has given us quick notoriety. I am impatient; let us up quickly.”
They arose, put on their sandals, girt their mantles about them, and went out.
“I salute you, and give you peace, and pray your pardon; but my master, the king, has sent me to invite you to the palace, where he would have speech with you privately.”
Thus the messenger discharged his duty.