THE TALISMAN OF SOLOMON

hidden treasure of the ancient kings of Egypt—tell me, is
it now thine as it was once his?”

“Yes,” said the young man, ‘it is now all mine as it
was once all his.” ;

“‘ And do you really love me as you say?”

“Yes,” said the young man, “and ten thousand times
more than I say.”

“Then, as you love me, I beg one boon of you. It is
that you show me this treasure of which I have heard so
much, and which we are to enjoy together.”

The young man was drunk with happiness. ‘‘Thou
shalt see it all,” said he.

Then, for the first time, the Talisman spoke without being
questioned. ‘ Fool!” it cried; ‘wilt thou not be advised?”

“Be silent,” said the young man. “Six times, vile
thing, you would have betrayedme. Six times you would
have deprived me of joys that should have been mine,
and each was greater than that which went before. Shall
I now listen the seventh time? Now,” said he to the
queen, “I will show you our treasure.” He called aloud,
“ Zadok, Zadok, Zadok !”

Instantly the ground shook beneath their feet, and dust
rose in clouds, and Zadok appeared, as black as ink, and
with eyes that shone like coals of fire.

“T command you,” said the young man, ‘‘to carry the
queen and myself to the garden where my treasure lies
hidden.”

Zadok laughed aloud. “I hear thee and obey thee,
master,” said he.

He seized the queen and the young man by the girdle,
and in an instant transported them to the garden and to
the treasure-house.

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