thing would be like flies in a spider's web, and that not
only in this life, but in any other that may be given to them in the
world."

"It seems that Isis has a long arm," I said.

"Without doubt a very long arm, my son, since Isis, by whatever name she
is called, is a power that does not die or forget."

"Well, Mother, in this case she can have no reason to remember, since
never again will Amada be her priestess."

"I think not, Shabaka. Yet who can be sure of what a woman will or will
not do, now or hereafter? For my part I am glad that I have served Amen
and not Isis, and that after I was wed."

CHAPTER XII. THE SLAYING OF IDERNES

Whilst I was still talking to my mother I received an urgent summons to
the palace. I went and in a little ante-chamber met Amada alone, who,
I could see, was waiting there for me. She was arrayed in her secular
dress and wore the insignia of royalty, looking exceedingly beautiful.
Moreover, her whole aspect had changed, for now she was no longer a
priestess sworn to mysteries, but just a lovely and a loving woman.

"It is done, Shabaka," she whispered, "and thou art mine and I am
thine."

Then I opened my arms and she sank upon my breast and for the first time
I kissed her on the lips, kissed her many times and oh! my heart almost
burst with joy. But all too fleeting was that sweet moment of love's
first fruits, whereon I had sown the seed so many years ago, for while
we yet clung together, whispering sweet things into each other's ears,
I heard a voice calling me and was forced to go away before I had even
time to ask when we might be wed.

Within the Council was gathered. The news before it was that the Satrap
Idernes lay camped upon the Nile with some ten thousand men, not far
from the great pyramids, that is, within striking distance of Memphis.
Moreover his messengers announced that he purposed to visit the Prince
Peroa that day with a small guard only, to inquire into this matter of
the Signet, for which visit he demanded a safe-conduct sworn in the
name of the Great King and in those of the gods of Egypt and the
East. Failing this he would at once attack Memphis notwithstanding
any commands that might be given him under the Signet, which, until he
beheld it with his own eyes, he believed to be a forgery.

The question was--what answer should be sent to him? The debate that
followed proved long and earnest. Some were in favour of attacking
Idernes at once although