ime it grew up, had none of the playfulness of the tribe,
but deported itself with a placid dignity which would do honor to its
new position, but which rendered it less amusing to Mysa than its
humbler but more active companions.

Amense was vastly gratified at the news. It was considered the highest
honor that could befall an Egyptian for one of his animals to be
chosen to fill the chief post in one of the temples, and next in
dignity to Apis himself was the sacred cat of the great goddess known
as Baste, Bubastes, or Pasht.

As soon as the news was known, all the friends and acquaintances of
the family flocked in to offer their congratulations; and so many
visits were paid to Mysa's inclosure that even the tranquility of
Paucis was disturbed by the succession of admirers, and Amense,
declaring that she felt herself responsible for the animal being in
perfect health when the priests arrived for it, permitted only the
callers whom she particularly desired to honor to pay a visit of
inspection to it.

CHAPTER X.

THE CAT OF BUBASTES.

For several days, upon paying their morning visit to the birds and
other pets in the inclosure in the garden, Chebron and Mysa had
observed an unusual timidity among them. The wildfowl, instead of
advancing to meet them with demonstrations of welcome, remained close
among the reeds, and even the ibis did not respond at once to their
call.

"They must have been alarmed at something," Chebron said the third
morning. "Some bird of prey must have been swooping down upon them.
See here, there are several feathers scattered about, and some of them
are stained with blood. Look at that pretty drake that was brought to
us by the merchants in trade with the far East. Its mate is missing.
It may be a hawk or some creature of the weasel tribe. At any rate, we
must try to put a stop to it. This is the third morning that we have
noticed the change in the behavior of the birds. Doubtless three of
them have been carried off. Amuba and I will watch to-morrow with our
bows and arrows and see if we cannot put an end to the marauder. If
this goes on we shall lose all our pets."

Upon the following morning Chebron and Amuba went down to the
inclosure soon after daybreak, and concealing themselves in some
shrubs waited for the appearance of the intruder. The ducks were
splashing about in the pond, evidently forgetful of their fright of
the day before; and as soon as the sun was up the dogs came