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But the pretended Philadelphus was not impressed by this beauty

"Ho, Salome?" he demanded "What play is this?"

The Ephesian actress motioned toward the shittim-wood casket

"For that," she said calmly

Her voice became, instantly, her foremost charm It was a deep voice;

the profoundest contralto with an illiestion

"Where is--what is that?"

"Two hundred talents"

Philadelphus took a step toward her

"What!" he exclaimed evilly "Whose two hundred talents?"

"Mine"

There was silence in which the ers bent, as if he felt her

throat between them Then he recovered himself

"But--this woman--where is she?"

The actress lifted her shapely shoulders

"Where is the Maccabee?" she asked in return

He et that treasure here--since yesterday?" he asked at last

querulously

"No, by Pluto! I got it in the hills near to Ehed i in his face

"Then, since you are such a shrewd thief, why did you coold?" he dee