med always to know even the most secret things that were passing
in that city. Moreover, often her information proved true."

"That is not to be wondered at, Nurse, seeing that doubtless it came
from this Kaku, Abi's astrologer and magician."

"No, Queen, it is not to be wondered at, especially as she paid back
secret for secret. Well, I believe that after I had warned Pharaoh of
what I knew, never mind how, he sent for Merytra, who laughed the tale
to scorn, and told him that Abi his brother had long ago abandoned all
ambitions, being well content with his great place and power which one
of his sons would inherit after him. She told him also that the troops
were but assembled to do the greater honour to your Majesties who had no
more loyal or loving subject than the Prince Abi, whom for her part she
hated with good cause, as she loved Pharaoh and his House--with good
cause. If there were any danger, she asked would she dare to put herself
within the reach of Abi, the man that she had once betrayed because her
heart was pure and true, and she was faithful to her king. So Pharaoh
believed her, and I obeyed the orders of Pharaoh, knowing that if I
did not do so he would grow angry and perhaps separate me from you, my
beloved Queen and fosterling, which, now that Rames has gone, would, I
think, have meant my death. Yet I fear that I have erred."

"Yes, I fear also that you have erred, Asti, but everything is forgiven
to those who err through love," answered Tua kindly and kissing her.
"Oh, my father, Pharaoh! What god fashioned you so weak that an evil
spirit in a woman's shape can play the rudder to your policy! Leave me
now, Asti, for I must sleep and call on Amen to aid his daughter. The
snare is strong and cunning, but, perchance, in my dreams he will show
me how it may be broke."

That night when the feast was ended Merytra, Pharaoh's favoured
waiting-maid, did not return with the rest of the royal retinue to
the temple where he lodged. As they went from the hall in state she
whispered a few words into the ear of the chief Butler of the Household
who, knowing that she had the royal pass to come in and out as she
would, answered that the gate should be opened to her, and let her go.

So covering her head with a dark cloak Merytra slipped behind a certain
statue in the ante-hall and waited till presently a tall figure, also
wrapped in a dark cloak, appeared and beckoned to her. She followed it
down sundry passag