Page:Selections from the Writings of Lord Dunsany.djvu/72

 THE KING'S OVERSEER So you have been praying.

KING ARGIMĒNĒS (kneeling) No, Master.

THE KING'S OVERSEER The slave-guard saw you. (Strikes him) It is not lawful for a slave to pray.

KING ARGIMĒNĒS I did but pray to Illuriel to make me a good slave, to teach me to dig well and to pull the rounded stone, and to make me not to die when the food is scarce, but to be a good slave to my master, the great King.

THE KING'S OVERSEER Who art thou to pray to Illuriel? Dogs may not pray to an immortal god. (Exit. Zarb comes back, digging.)

KING ARGIMĒNĒS (digging) Zarb.

ZARB (also digging) Do not look at me when you speak. The guards are watching us. Look at your digging.

KING ARGIMĒNĒS How do the guards know we are speaking because we look at one another?

ZARB You are very witless. Of course they know.

KING ARGIMĒNĒS Zarb.

ZARB What is it?

KING ARGIMĒNĒS How many guards are there in sight?