am I to do, Prophet?"

"Do what dead Pharaoh bade you in your dream, Prince. At the hour of
dawn go to the Temple of Sekhet, where you will find the Queen become
obedient to your wishes, for did not the dream declare that she will not
say you nay? Then lead her to your palace, and marry her in the face
of all men, and rule by right of her Majesty and of your own conquering
arm."

"It can be tried," said Abi, "for then, at least, we shall learn what
truth there is in dreams. But what of this Asti her companion?"

"Asti has been an ill guide to her Majesty, Prince," replied Kaku,
rubbing his chin as he always did when there was mischief in his mind.
"Moreover, she is advanced in years, and must be weak with grief and
hunger. If she still lives Merytra here will take her in charge and care
for her. You are old friends, are you not, Merytra?"

"Very," answered that lady with emphasis, "like the cat and the bird
which were pets of the same master. Well, we shall have much to say to
each other. Only, beware, Husband, Asti is no weakling. Your magic may
be strong, but hers is stronger, for she is a great priestess and draws
it from gods--not devils."

So it came about that at dawn Prince Abi, clad in magnificent robes, and
accompanied by Councillors, among them Kaku, and by a small guard, was
carried in a litter to the gates of the old temple of Sekhet, being too
heavy to walk so far, and there descended. As there were none to defend
them these gates were opened easily enough, and they passed through,
leaving the guard without. When they came to the inner court, Abi
stopped and asked where they should search.

"In one place only, your Highness," answered Kaku, "that pylon tower
which overlooks the Nile, for there her Majesty starves with Asti."

"Pylon tower," grumbled Abi. "Have I not climbed enough steps this
night? Still, lead on."

So they went to the narrow stair, up which the thin Kaku ran like a cat,
while the officers pushed and led the huge Abi behind him. On the third
landing they all halted at Abi's command.

"Hurry not," he said in a thick whisper. "Her Majesty dwells on the next
floor of this hateful tower, and since Asti is with her she cannot be
surprised. Beware, then, of frightening her by your sudden appearance,
lest she should run to the top of the pylon, and hurl herself into the
Nile, as she has sworn that she will do. Halt now, and I will call to
her when I have got my breath."

So after a