es and up a narrow stair that seemed almost endless,
until, at length, the figure unlocked a massive door, and when they had
passed it, locked it again behind them.

Now Merytra found herself in a very richly furnished room lit by
hanging-lamps, that evidently was the abode of one who watched the
stars and practised magic, for all about were strange-looking brazen
instruments and rolls of papyrus covered with mysterious signs, and
suspended above the table a splendid divining ball of crystal. Merytra
sank into a chair, throwing off her dark cloak.

"Of a truth, friend Kaku," she said, so soon as she had got her breath,
"you dwell very near the gods."

"Yes, dear Merytra," he answered with a dry chuckle, "I keep a kind of
half-way house to heaven. Perched here in my solitude I see and make
note of what goes on above," and he pointed to the skies, "and retail
the information, or as much of it as I think fit, to the groundlings
below."

"At a price, I suppose, Kaku."

"Most certainly at a price, and I may add, a good price. No one thinks
much of the physician who charges low fees. Well, you have managed to
get here, and after all these years I am glad to see you again, looking
almost as young and pretty as ever. Tell me your secret of eternal
youth, dear Merytra."

Merytra, who was vain, smiled at this artful flattery, although, in
truth, it was well deserved, for at an age when many Egyptians are old,
she remained fresh and fair.

"An excellent conscience," she answered, "a good appetite and the
virtuous, quiet life, which is the lot of the ladies of Pharaoh's
Court--there you have the secret, Kaku. I fear that you keep too late
hours, and that is why you grow white and withered like a mummy--not but
that you look handsome enough in those long robes of yours," she added
to gild the pill.

"It is my labours," he replied, making a wry face, for he too was vain.
"My labours for the good of others, also indigestion and the draughts
in this accursed tower where I sit staring at the stars, which give me
rheumatism. I have got both of them now, and must take some medicine,"
and filling two goblets from a flask, he handed her one of them, saying,
"drink it, you don't get wine like that in Thebes."

"It is very good," said Merytra when she had drunk, "but heavy. If I
took much of that I think I should have 'rheumatism,' too. Now tell me,
old friend, am I safe, in this place? No, not from Pharaoh, he trusts
me and lets