ens of the shrine, and passed
them, and methinks that they are gone. I have looked upon the Hathor
also, and more than that seek ye not to know. Now give me food, for I am
weary."

So they bowed before him, and leading him thence to their chamber of
banquets gave him of their best, and watched him while he ate and drank
and put from him the desire of food.

Then he rose and went from the temple, and again the priests bowed
before him. Moreover, they gave him freedom of the temple, and keys
whereby all the doors might be opened, though little, as they thought,
had he any need of keys.

Now the Wanderer, walking gladly and light of heart, came to his own
lodging in the courts of the Palace. At the door of the lodging stood
Rei the Priest, who, when he saw him, ran to him and embraced him, so
glad was he that the Wanderer had escaped alive.

"Little did I think to look upon thee again, Eperitus," he said. "Had
it not been for that which the Queen----" and he bethought himself and
stayed his speech.

"Nevertheless, here I am unhurt, of ghost or men," the Wanderer
answered, laughing, as he passed into the lodging. "But what of the
Queen?"

"Naught, Eperitus, naught, save that she was grieved when she learned
that thou hadst gone up to the Temple of the Hathor, there, as she
thought, to perish. Hearken, thou Eperitus, I know not if thou art God
or man, but oaths are binding both men and Gods, and thou didst swear an
oath to Pharaoh--is it not so?"

"Ay, Rei. I swore an oath that I would guard the Queen well till Pharaoh
came again."

"Art thou minded to keep that oath, Eperitus?" asked Rei, looking on him
strangely. "Art thou minded to guard the fair fame of Pharaoh's Queen,
that is more precious than her life? Methinks thou dost understand my
meaning, Eperitus?"

"Perchance I understand," answered the Wanderer. "Know, Rei, that I am
so minded."

Then Rei spake again, darkly. "Methinks some sickness hath smitten
Meriamun the Queen, and she craves thee for her physician. Now things
come about as they were foreshown in the portent of that vision whereof
I spoke to thee. But if thou dost break thy oath to him whose salt thou
eatest, then, Eperitus, God or man, thou art a dastard."

"Have I not said that I have no mind so to break mine oath?" he
answered, then sank his head upon his breast and communed with his
crafty heart while Rei watched him. Presently he lifted up his head and
spoke:

"Rei," he said, "I am