Gefasto bowed his acknowledgment of the compliment.
"Had it not been for Gefasto the Trohanadalmakusians would have trapped us fairly the other day," continued Gofoloso.
"I advised the king against pushing the assault," interjected Gefasto, "as soon as it became evident that we had failed to surprise them. We should have withdrawn. It was only after we had advanced and I was free from him that I could direct the affair without interference, and then, as you saw, I quickly extricated our troops and withdrew them with as little loss of men and prestige as possible."
"It was nobly done, Gefasto," said Torndali. "The troops worship you. They would like a king who led them in battle as you might lead them."
"And let them have their wine as of old," interjected Makahago.
"We would all rally around a king who permitted us the innocent pleasure of our wine," said Gofoloso: "what say you, Vestako?"
The Chief of the Royal Dome, the king's major domo, who had remained silent throughout the arraignment of his master, shook his head.
"It is not wise to speak treason now," he said.
The three looked sharply at him and glanced quickly at one another.
"Who has spoken treason, Vestako?" demanded Gofoloso.
"You have all come too close to it for safety," said the oily Vestako. He spoke in a much louder voice than the others had spoken, as though, far from being fearful of being overheard, he rather hoped that he would be. "Elkomoelhago has been good to us. He has heaped honors and riches upon us. We are very powerful. He is a wise ruler. Who are we to question the wisdom of his acts?"
The others looked uneasily about. Gofoloso laughed nervously. "You were ever slow to appreciate a joke, my good Vestako," he said. "Could you not see that we were hoaxing you?"
"I could not," replied Vestako; "but the king has a fine sense of humor. I will repeat the joke to him and if he laughs then I shall laugh, too, for I shall know that it was indeed a joke. But I wonder upon whom it will be!"
"Oh, Vestako, do not repeat what we have said--not to the king. He might not understand. We are good friends and it was said only among friends." Gofoloso was evidently perturbed in spirit--he spoke rapidly. "By the way, my good Vestako, I just happened to recall that the other day you admired one of my slaves. I have intended giving him to you. If you will accept him he is yours."