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138 reached the Scavenger-king's cars, he determined in some way or another to get rid of the young man, lest the truth should leak out.

Now, just at this time, the fleet of merchant vessels which annually came to the city with merchandise and spices was detained in harbour by calms and country winds.So long they detained that the merchants feared lest they should be unable to return within the

year; and as this was a serious matter, the auguries were consulted.They declared that until a human sacrifice was made the vessels would never leave port.When this was reported to the Scavenger-king he seized his opportunity, and said, 'Be it so; but do not sacrifice a citizen.Give the merchants that good-for-nothing potter-lad, who comes no one knows whence.'

The courtiers of course lauded the kindness of the Scavenger-king to the skies, and the Prince was handed over to the merchants, who, taking him on