"I do not know. Let us call Ludar hither, Nânâ, and speak with him of Gobryas."
"Thou wilt never read Ludar's mind by his words, O king. Yet—let him be summoned."
"Kudashû!" shouted the king, accordingly, and at the cry the waiting eunuch came quickly in. "Kudashû, bear word to the priest Ludar that I would talk with him. Let him return with thee here."
There was a prostration and an exit, and then silence. Neither the king nor Nânâ said anything till, ten minutes later, the slave returned alone.
"Ludar follows thee?" asked Nabonidus, quickly.
"May the king regard me with favor—Ludar is not in the college. He is gone forth into the city, none knows why."
The man was dismissed with a nod, and the two were left alone again. Presently Nânâ rose and made his obeisance.
"Lord king, I must go forth. The hour is late, and I have not yet numbered the night-guards. Before I go—let it please thee to take up thy abode from to-morrow in the palace of Sharrukin. Everything there was prepared for thee. Here, with Ludar, thou art not safe. If thou wilt not escape from Sippar, come thou and take up thy dwelling with those that regard thee with loyalty and devotion." Nânâ was not an emotional man, but the feeling in these words was genuine, and Nabonidus was touched.
"The gods send thee peace of heart," he said, gently.
"My lord king will not come?" persisted the soldier.