Gradually the streets emptied, and chariots rolled from the palace gates, drawn by the amazons who had been guests of the queen and king. Only the husbands were left behind with Sotu. The queen had retired. Another hour of fearful suspense passed, and then Pylea appeared with the signet-ring. King Sotu had kept his word for once in his aimless life. CHAPTER THIRTY THREE. THE ESCAPE. Swiftly and silently the leopards were harnessed to the chariots. Then each amazon took the reins, and, with her particular friend beside her, drove through the gates and into the almost deserted streets. It was two hours past midnight now, and the citizens, with the exception of the guards and the male revellers, were long since asleep. A lovely night for a drive, for young people particularly. Only the roaring of the confined beasts, with the calling of the frogs in the papyrus reeds, could be heard. Serene and mellow the moon looked down from a cloudless sky upon the restful city, the empty wharfs and stairs, and the fringe-lined lake, where also slept their god-ships, the crocodiles. It was a splendid country for women, cats, crocodiles, serpents, and other sacred and venerated things, but not so favourable to men. Our adventurers were leaving it gladly. At the outer gate they had a little trouble, as Pylea had expected. The commandress chanced to be one of the ladies who had decided to compete in the lists on the morrow. She had fixed her discriminating eyes upon Cocoeni, and when roused up by a subordinate, regarded the exodus with gloomy suspicion. The order, however, was so definite, and the signet-ring beyond dispute; yet she wanted some particulars. "It is the written command of Queen Isori, that these strangers pass through without delay. They go to offer sacrifice to their gods in the desert before the contest," added Pylea, with a dig of her heel at Ned, who crouched behind. "Yes, dauntless captain," said Ned. "Your gods are not our gods, nor your customs ours." "Are these the sacrifices you take with you?" asked the stately amazon, pointing to the packages. "Yes," answered Ned, brazenly, "our offerings are all there." "It is strange, for I was with the queen before supper, and she said nothing of this. Let me send a messenger to her." "By no means. See, it is written here that she is not to be disturbed this night on pain of death. She is weary with her journey, and wishes to prepare also against the morning." "Humph! it is my duty; pass on." Ned waited with Pylea to see the other chariots go through. As they did so, the native amazon looked at each one keenly. "Stop!" she cried, as Cocoeni was passing; "this is the man I have chosen to fight with. Step forth and let me look at you." "Get out and satisfy the captain, Cocoeni," said Ned. "Show your muscles, and be quick about it."