Phalax was admitted first; Genghis received his message, and heard his story. “You have been a long time,” said the king, “in performing your journey. Was no other messenger despatched?”
“Yes, sire,” said Phalax, “Abdael was sent by the route of the mountains.”
“Has he arrived?” said the king.
“This moment,” was the reply.
“You arrived first?” said the king.
“I did, sire,” said Phalax.
The young prince was now dismissed, and as he passed Abdael in the hall, he darted upon him a look of insolent triumph. The latter was immediately ushered into the presence of the king. He told his story briefly and modestly, and took his leave. The next day, the two young men were summoned before the Khan. As both stood in his presence, the king noticed the calm but modest demeanor of Abdael, and contrasted it with the evident doubt and fear, which lay beneath a veil of assurance, upon the face of Phalax. At last, Genghis spoke as follows:
“I have seen your companions, young gentlemen, and learned the history of your adventures from them. Phalax reached the city first, but only by an hour; yet his route was the easier by at least a fortnight. Let him remember that success is not the evidence of merit. He arrived before his rival, yet he neglected his duty, and violated his trust; nay, more—he has exalted himself in his own account, beyond the truth: besides, he has come with one of his party missing—and he has not dared to tell the reason!”
The king looked keenly at the young prince—who first reddened, then turned pale, and finally kneeled before the king. “Speak not!” said Genghis, sternly—“I know it all; it had been better for thee, if thou hadst not glossed over thy madness and folly, for confession may palliate, if it cannot excuse, guilt. Thy doom is perpetual banishment! Abdael, thou hast done nobly; not only hast thou excelled in prudence, energy, and devotion to thy duty, but thou hast excelled in modesty also. In thy brief and simple story, thou hast rather hidden than exaggerated, thine own merits; it shall be mine to make them known. I hereby make thee a captain of my guard.” Saying this, the monarch hung a rich sash of silk, glittering with costly jewels, around Abdael’s neck, as a mark of his special favor.
“And now, tell me, my friend,” said the king, “how is it that thou hast performed such worthy deeds, and set so good an example?”