Nebenchari's sullen but burning glance met the flashing eye of the Athenian as he finished his tale; he gave him his hand and said: "We are allies."
The Greek clasped the offered hand and answered: "Our first point now is to make sure of the king's favor."
"I will restore Kassandane's sight."
"Is that in your power?"
"The operation which removed Amasis' blindness was my own discovery. Petammon stole it from my burnt papers."
"Why did you not exert your skill earlier?"
"Because I am not accustomed to bestow presents on my enemies."
Phanes shuddered slightly at these words, recovered himself, however, in a moment, and said: "And I am certain of the king's favor too. The Massagetan envoys have gone home to-day; peace has been granted them and...."
While he was speaking the door was burst open and one of Kassandane's eunuchs rushed into the room crying: "The Princess Nitetis is dying! Follow me at once, there is not a moment to lose."
The physician made a parting sign to his confederate, and followed the eunuch to the dying-bed of the royal bride.