"If the fish of malachite, with the message which it beareth, shall go into Bactria, coming not to Menon, but to the King's own hand, then in truth thy lord may suffer grievously."
At his thin-veiled threat the woman quailed, while terror leaped into her eyes.
"Nay--nay," she pleaded, clinging to his arm, "'twere cruel to do this thing. Be merciful, good Kishra, and I give a tenth."
The battle was won. The eunuch could scarce restrain his joy, for in his heart an evil plan took root. The treasure once dug from the river bank, the body of Semiramis should fill the hole; yet, lest suspicion rise, he wrought by subtlety, grumbling at the smallness of his pay.
"And my messenger," Semiramis demanded, "what of him? Two days will he wait--no more. Alas, we will be too late!"
"Then come with me to-night," breathed Kishra, biting at his nails.
The Syrian wavered, her will tossed back and forth on the shields of doubt and love, till Kishra hinted at further ills to Menon; then her spirit broke. Trembling from head to heel, she agreed to go, but laid an oath upon him, and sought to bind him with a thong of bribery.
"Kishra," she faltered, "I have promised you a tenth. Be faithful and I give a greater part. Dost swear to guard me from every harm and bring me in safety to the palace once again?"
In the gloom the man smiled wickedly, yet gave his pledge; then whispered into her ear:
"Go to thy chamber, and when the princess sleepeth, creep forth and join me at the garden-seat. An hour must pass, for I send a messenger to the river shore to find a boat. A cloak will I have for thee, and pigment wherewith to stain thy skin, lest the keepers of the gate should marvel at thy comeliness. Go now, and count on Kishra as a servant faithful to the end."
For a moment more she lingered, faltering; then bowed her head and passed from the garden with a weary tread.
In the sleeping-chamber, Sozana drew her down beside the couch, asking in whispered mirth:
"Didst hear my answer to the night-bird's call? How fareth the jest with Kishra?"
"It worketh," breathed Semiramis into a tiny ear, "for the son of fools will journey to the river bank and dig for dreams. Sleep, dear one, and to-morrow we may laugh aloud."