"You know those two Greek girls my fool of a master holds in his house?" he asked.
"What are they called—Thais and Artemisia? You told me of them," Joel responded. "What of them?"
"Thais promised to have me flayed alive," Mena remarked.
"Well?" the young Hebrew said.
"So I am going to have Artemisia included in the sacrifice to Moloch," the slave said coolly.
Joel started but instantly restrained himself.
"What has that to do with Thais' promise?" he asked.
"Thais loves her," Mena explained. "No doubt she will be glad to see her in Moloch's arms!"
"How did you manage it?" Joel inquired carelessly.
"Why, I told you of the oath that Thais got from Phradates," Mena said. "Well, I have convinced him that the only way in which he can win Thais and at the same time obtain release from his oath is by having Artemisia burned."