rly.

"Sir," replied Asti, "it is long since we left holy Thebes, some years
indeed, and we know nothing of these things, who ply our trade from
place to place. But if you are the governor of this town, show us, we
pray you, as countrywomen of yours, where we may lodge in safety, and
at your leisure this afternoon permit that we exhibit our pearls before
you, and when that is done, and you have bought or refused them, as you
may wish, that my companion should sing to you some of the ancient songs
of Egypt."

"Ladies," answered Rames, "I am a soldier who would rather buy swords
than pearls. Also, as it chances, I am a man who dwells alone, one
in whose household no women can be found. Yet because you are of my
country, or by Amen I know not why! I grant you your request. I go out
to exercise this company in the arts of war, but after sundown you shall
come to my palace, and I will see your wares and hear your songs. Till
then, farewell. Officer," he added to a captain who had followed him,
"take these Egyptians and their camels and give them a lodging in the
guest-house, where they will not be molested, and at sundown bring them
to me."

Then, still staring at them as though they held his eyes in their
hearts, Rames departed, and the captain led them to their lodging.

It was the hour of sundown, and Tua, adorned in beautiful white raiment,
broidered with royal purple, that she carried in her baggage on the
camel, with her long hair combed out and scented, a necklace of great
pearls upon her bosom, a veil flung over her head, and her harp of gold
and ivory in her hand, waited to be led before Rames. Asti, his mother,
waited also, but she was clad in a plain black robe, and over her
head was a black veil. Presently that captain who had shown them their
lodging, came to them and asked if they were ready to be led before the
Viceroy of Napata.

"Viceroy?" answered Asti, "I thought he was a King."

"So he is, my good Woman," replied the captain, "but it his fancy to
call himself the Viceroy of Neter-Tua, Star of Amen, wife of Abi the
Usurper who rules in Egypt. A mad fancy when he might be a Pharaoh on
his own account, but so it is."

"Well, Sir," said Asti, "we merchants have nothing to do with these high
matters; lead us to this Pharaoh, or General, or Viceroy, with whom we
hope to transact business."

So the captain conducted them to a side gate of the palace, and thence
through various passages and halls, i