Page:The Song of the Sirens.djvu/88

 streets and the citadel. Bitias is under guard in his own house scared and submissive."

"You have done well," Anna declared.

"I have indeed," Iarbas boasted, "Carthage is in my hands. I have been completely successful."

"You prayed to Jupiter to help you before you left Usinaz, I suppose," Anna remarked.

"I sacrificed a hundred white bulls," Iarbas informed her, "all two-year-olds, every one perfect. I was sure of Jupiter's favor."

"He has indeed protected you," Anna said with her nearest approach to a sneer. "You did not meet Aeneas in Magar gorge." "What do you mean?" Iarbas exclaimed.

"I mean," said Anna, sitting up haughtily, her eyes as near brightness as they were capable of, "that had you met Aeneas in Magar gorge it would have been your last hour. You would have seen a lion's rush, an eagle's swoop, his spear point would have struck you wherever he aimed and that would have been the end of you."

"You appraise me too low," the royal Moor snarled, nettled.

"I appraise you," spoke Anna placidly, "the most redoubtable champion in all Africa, but no match for Aeneas of Troy."

"I should have had my best hundred guards with me," Iarbas reminded her.