Atlengthheroseandstrovetotakeherhand，but，stilllaughing，shewavedhimback，thensaidsuddenly:
“YouslewMermeswhenhewasweakwithwounds，didyounot，andhewasmyfoster-father。Well，well，itwasdoneinwar，andyoumustbeabraveman，asbraveasyouarehandsome，forotherwiseyouwouldscarcelyhaveventuredherewhereawordofminewouldgiveyoutoyourdeath。Andnowgetyougone，Friend，backtomyLord\'sdaughterwhoisyourwife，andifyoudare——tellherwhereyouhavebeenandwhy，youwhoaresobraveaman，“andoncemoreshelaughed。
Againhebeganhispassionateimplorings，beggingforsometoken，tillatlengthsheseemedtomeltandtakepityonhim，forstretchingoutherhand，shechoseaflowerfromthemanythatgrewnear，andgaveittohim，thenpointedtothetreesthathidthewall，amongwhichpresentlyhevanished，reelinginthedeliriumofhisjoy。
Shewatchedhimgo，smilingverystrangely，then，stillsmiling，lookeddownatthebushwhenceshehadpluckedtheflower，andKakunotedthatitwasoneusedonlybytheembalmerstofurnishcoronalsforthedead。
ButAbinotednosuchthing。ForgettinghisquarrelwithKakuandallelse，hegasped，andfoamedinhisjealousrage，mutteringthathewouldkillthatcaptain，yes，andthefalseQueen，too，whodaredtolistentoataleofloveandgivetheloverflowers。Yes，wereshetentimesPharaohhewouldkillher，ashehadtherighttodo，and，thenakedswordstillinhishand，heturnedtoleavetheplace。
“Ifthatisyourwill，Lord，“saidKakuinastrainedvoice，“bidehere。“
“Why，man？“askedAbi。
“BecauseherMajestycomes，“heanswered，“andthischamberisquietandfitting。Noneenteritsavemyself。“
Ashespokethewordsthedooropened，andclosedagain，andbeforethemstoodNeter-Tua，StarofAmen。
IntheduskofthatroomthefirstthingthatseemedtocatchhereyewasthebaredbladeinAbi\'shand。Foramomentshelookedatitandhim，alsoatKakucrouchinginthecorner，thenaskedinherquietvoice:
“Whyisyoursworddrawn，OHusband？“
“Tokillyou，OWife，“heansweredfuriously，forhisragemasteredhim。
Shecontinuedtolookathimalittlewhileandsaid，smilinginherstrangefashion:
“Indeed？Butwhymorenowthanatanyothertime？HasKaku\'scounselgivenyoucourage？“
“Needyouask，shamelesswoman？Doesnotthiswindow-placeopenontoyondergarden？“
“Oh！Iremember，thatcaptainofyours——hewhoslewMermes，yourdaughter\'shusbandwhomadelovetome——sowellthatIrewardedhimwithafuneralflower，knowingthatyouwatchedus。Settleyouraccountwithhimasyouandhiswifemaywish；itisnomatterofmine。ButIwarnyouthatifyouwouldtakemen\'slivesforsuchafaultasthis，soonyouwillhavenoservantsleft，sincetheyallaresinnerswhodesiretousurpyourplace。“
ThenAbi\'sfurybrokeout。Hecursedandreviledher，hecalledherbyillnames，swearingthatsheshoulddie，whobewitchedallmenandwastheloveofnone，andwhomadehimamockandashameinthesightofEgypt。ButNeter-Tuaonlylisteneduntilatlengthheravedhimselftosilence。
“Youtalkmuchanddolittle，“shesaidatlength。“Theswordisinyourhand，useit，Iamhere。“
Maddenedbyherscornheliftedtheweaponandrushedather，onlytoreelbackagainasthoughhehadbeensmittenbysomepowerunseen。Herestedagainstthewall，thenagainrushedandagainreeledback。
“Youareapoorbutcher，“shesaidatlength，“aftersomanyyearsofpractice。LetKakuyondertry。Ithinkhehasmoreskillinmurder。“
“Oh！yourMajesty，“brokeintheastrologer，“unsaythosecruelwords，youwhoknowthatratherthanlifthandsagainstyouIwoulddieathousandtimes。“
“Yes，“sheansweredgravely，“thePrinceAbisuggestedittoyoubutnow，didhenot，afteryouhadsuggestedittohim，andyourefused——
foryourownreasons？“
ThentheswordfellfromAbi\'shand，andtherewassilenceinthatchamber。
“Whatwereyoutalkingof，Abi，beforeyoupeepedthroughtheshuttersandsawthatcaptainofyoursandmetogetherinthegarden，andwhydidyouwishtokillthisdog？“shewentonpresently。“MustIanswerforyou？Youweretalkingofhowyoumightberidofme，andyouwishedtokillhimbecausehedidnotdaretotellyouwhyhecouldnotdothedeed，knowingthatifhedidsohemustdie。Well，sinceyoudesiretoknow，youshalllearn，andnow。Lookonme，wretchedMan，whommennamemyhusband。Lookonme，accursedSlave，whomAmenhasgivenintomyhandtopunishhereupontheearth，untilyoupasstohisyonderintheUnder-world。“
Helookedup，andKakulookedalso，becausehecouldnothelpit，butwhattheysawtheynevertold。Onlytheyfelldownupontheirfaces，bothofthem，andgroaned；beatingthefloorwiththeirforeheads。
Atlengththeicyterrorseemedtobeliftedfromtheirhearts，andtheydaredtoglanceupagain，andsawthatshewasasshehadbeen，amostroyalandlovelywoman，butnomore。
“Whatareyou？“gaspedAbi。“ThegoddessSekhetintheflesh，orIsis，QueenofDeath，orbutdeadTua\'sghostsenthereforvengeance？“
“Allofthem，ornoneofthem，asyouwill，though，Man，itistruethatIamsenthereforvengeance。AsktheWizardyonder。Heknows，andIgivehimleavetosay。“
“/SheistheDoubleofAmen\'sdaughter/，“moanedKaku。“SheisherKasetfreetobringdoomuponthosewhowouldhavewrongedher。Sheisaghostarmedwiththemightofthegods，andallwewhohavesinnedagainstdeadPharaohandherandherfatherAmenaregivenintoherhandtobetormentedandbroughttodoom。“
“Where，then，isNeter-Tua，whowasQueenofEgypt？“gaspedAbi，rollinghisgreateyes。“IsshewithOsiris？“
“Iwilltellyou，Man，“answeredtheroyalShape。“Sheisnotdead——
shelives，andisgonetoseekonesheloves。WhenshereturnswithhimandacertainBeggar，thenIshalldepartandyouwilldie，bothofyou，forsuchisthepunishmentdecreeduponyou。Untilthen，ariseanddomybidding。“
CHAPTERXIV
THEBOATOFRA
Tua，StarofAmen，openedhereyes。Forsometimealreadyshehadlainasoneliesbetweensleepandwaking，anditseemedtoherthatsheheardthesoundofdippingoars，andofwaterthatrippledgentlyagainstthesidesofaship。Shethoughttoherselfthatshedreamed。
DoubtlessshewasinherbedinthepalaceatThebes，andpresently，whenitwaslight，herladieswouldcometowakenher。
InthepalaceatThebes！Why，nowsherememberedthatitwasmonthssinceshehadseenthatroyalcity，shewhohadtravelledfarsincethen，andcomeatlasttowhite-walledMemphis，wheremanyterriblethingshadbefallenher。Onebyonetheycameintohermind；thesnare，Pharaoh\'smurderbymagic，thebattle，andtheslaughterofherguards，thestarvationinthetower，withdeathononehand，andthehatefulAbiontheother；thewondrousvisionofthatspiritwhoworeherface，andsaidshewastheguardianKagiventoheratbirth，thewordsitspoke，andherdreadresolve；andlastofallAstiandherselfstandingintheloftywindowniche，thenaflameoffirebeforeherface，andthatfearfuldownwardrush。
Oh！withoutadoubtitwasover；shewasdead，andthesedreamsandmemoriesweresuchascometothedwellersintheUnder-world。Onlythenwhydidshehearthesoundoflappingwater，andofdippingoars？
Veryslowlysheopenedhereyes，forTuagreatlyfearedwhatshemightsee。Lightfloweduponher，thelightofthemoonwhichhunginaclearskylikesomegreatlampofgold。Byitshesawthat，robedallinwhite，shelayuponacouchinapavilion，whereofthesilkencurtainsweredrawnbackinfront，andtiedtogildedposts。Atherside，wrappedinagreyrobe，layanotherfigure，whichsheknewforAsti。Itwasstill，sostillthatshewassureitmustbedead，yetsheknewthatthiswasAsti。PerchanceAstidreamedalso，andcouldhearinherdreams；atleast，shewouldspeaktoher。
“Asti，“shewhispered，“Asti，canyouhearme？“
Thegreyfigureathersidestirred，andtheheadturnedtowardsher。
ThenthevoiceofAsti，noneother，answered:
“Aye，Lady，Ihearandsee。Butsay，wherearewenow？“
“IntheUnder-world，Ithink，Asti。Oh！thatfirewasdeath，andnowwejourneytothePlaceofSouls。“
“Ifso，Lady，itisstrangethatweshouldstillhaveeyesandfleshandvoicesasmortalwomenhave。Letussitupandlook。“
Sotheysatup，theirarmsabouteachother，andpeeredthroughtheopencurtains。Behold！theywereonashipmorebeautifulthananytheyhadeverseen，foritseemedtobecoveredwithgoldandsilver，whilesweetodoursfloatedfromitshold。Theirpavilionwassetinthecentreoftheshipandlookingaft，theyperceivedlinesofwhite-
cladrowersseatedattheiroarsintheshadowofthebulwarks，andonthehighstern——alsorobedinwhite——atallsteersmanwhosefacewasveiled，behindwhominthedimglimpsesofthemoon，theycaughtsightofawideandsilveryriver，andonitsdistantbankspalmsandtempletowers。
“ItistheBoatofRa，“murmuredTua，“whichbearsusdowntheRiverofDeathtotheKingdombehindtheSun。“
Thenshesankbackuponhercushions，andoncemorefellintoswoonorsleep。
Tuawokeagain，andlo！thesunwasshiningbrightly，andathersidesatAstiwatchingher。Moreover，infrontofthemwassetatablespreadwithdelicatefood。
“Tellmewhathaschanced，Nurse，“shesaidfaintly，“forIambewildered，andknownotinwhatworldwewander。“
“Ourown，Queen，Ithink，“answeredAsti，“butinchargeofthosewhoarenotofit，forsurelythisisnomortalboat，nordomortalsguidehertoherport。Come，weneedfood。Letuseatwhilewemay。“
Sotheyateanddrankheartilyenough，andwhentheyhadfinishedevendaredtogooutofthepavilion。Lookingaroundthemtheysawthattheystooduponahighdeckinthemidstofagreatship，butthatthisshipwasenclosedwithanetofsilvercordsinwhichtheycouldfindnoopening。Lookingthroughitsmeshestheynotedthattheoarswereinboard，andthegreatpurplesailssetuponthemast，alsothattherowersweregone，perchancetorestbeneaththedeck，whileontheforecastleoftheshipstoodthecaptain，white-robedandmasked，andaftthesteersman，alsostillmasked，sothattheycouldseenothingoftheirfaces。Now，too，theywerenolongersailingonariver，butdownacanalborderedbybanksofsandoneitherside，beyondwhichstretcheddesertfartherthantheeyecouldreach。
Astistudiedthedesert，thenturnedandsaid:
“IthinkIknowthiscanal，Lady，foronceIsaileditasachild。I
thinkitisthatwhichwasdugbythePharaohsofold，andrepairedafterthefalloftheHyksoskings，andthatitrunsfromBubastistothatbaydownwhichwandererssailtowardstherisingsun。“
“Mayhap，“answeredTua。“Atleast，thisistheworldthatboreusandnoother，andbythemercyofAmenandthepowerofmySpiritwearestillalive，andnotdead，orsoitseems。Callnowtothecaptainonyonderdeck；perhapshewilltellwhitherhebearsusinhismagicship。“
SoAsticalled，butthecaptainmadenosignthathesaworheardher。
Nextshecalledtothesteersman，butalthoughhisveiledfacewastowardsthem，healsomadenosign，sothatatlasttheybelievedeitherthatthesewerespiritsorthattheyweremenborndeafanddumb。Intheend，growingwearyofstaringatthisbeautifulship，atthecanalandthedesertbeyondit，andofwonderingwheretheywere，andhowtheycamethither，theyreturnedtothepaviliontoavoidtheheatofthesun。Heretheyfoundthatduringtheirabsencesomehandunseenhadarrangedthesilkenbed-clothingontheircouchesandclearedawaythefragmentsoftheirmeal，resettingthebeautifultablewithotherfoods。
“Trulyhereiswizardryatwork，“saidTua，asshesankintoaleather-seatedivorychairthatwasplacedready。
“Whodoubtsit？“answeredAsticalmly。“Bywizardrywereyouborn；bywizardrywasPharaohslain；bywizardrywearesavedtoanendthatwecannotguess；bywizardry，orwhatmensoname，doesthewholeworldmove；onlybeingsonearweseeitnot。“
Tuathoughtawhile，thensaid:
“Well，thisgoldenshipisbetterthanthestyofAbithehog，nordoIbelievethatwejourneytonopurpose。StillIwonderwhatthatspiritwhonamedherselfmyKadoesonthethroneofEgypt；alsohowwecameonboardthisboat，andwhitherwesail。“
“Wondernot，forallthesethingsweshalllearnindueseason，andformypart，althoughIhatehimIamsorryforAbi，“answeredAstidrily。
Sotheysatthereinthepavilionwatchingthedesert，overthesandsofwhichtheirshipseemedtomove，tillatlengththesungrewlow，andtheywenttowalkuponthedeck。Thentheyreturnedtoeatofthedeliciousfoodthatwasalwaysprovidedfortheminsuchplenty，andatnightfallsoughttheircouches，andsleptheavily，fortheyneededrest。
Whentheyawokeagain，itwasdaylight，thoughnosunshonethroughtheskies，andtheirvesselrolledonwardacrossawideandsullenseaoutofsightofland。Alsothesilkenpavilionaboutthemwasgone，andreplacedbyacabinofmassivecedarwood，thoughofthis，beingsatedwithmarvels，TuaandAstitooklittlenote。Indeed，havingneitherofthembeenonanangryoceanbefore，astrangedizzinessovercamethem，whichcausedthemtosleepmuchandthinklittleforthreewholedaysandnights。
Atlength，oneeveningasthesunsank，theyperceivedthattheviolentmotionofthevesselhadceasedwiththeroaringofthegaleabove，whichforallthiswhilehaddriventhemonwardatsuchfearfulspeed。Venturingfromtheircedarhouse，theysawthattheyhadenteredthemouthofagreatriveruponthebanksofwhichgrewenormoustreesthatsentoutlongcrookedrootsintothewater，andthatamongtheserootscrouchedcrocodilesandothernoisomereptiles。
Alsothewhite-robedoarsmenhadappearedagain，and，astherewasnowind，rowedtheshipuptheriver，tillatlengththeycametoaspitofsandwhichjuttedoutintothestream，andherecastanchor。
NowTua\'sandAsti\'sdesireforfoodreturnedtothem，andtheyate。
Justastheyhadfinishedtheirmeal，andthesunwassinkingsuddenly，thereappearedbeforethemtwomaskedmen，eachofwhomboreabasketinhishand。Astibegantoquestionthem，butlikethecaptainandthesteersman，theyseemedtobedeafanddumb。Atleasttheymadenoanswer，onlyprostratedthemselveshumbly，andpointedtowardstheshorewherenowTuasawafireburningonarock，thoughwhohadlititshedidnotknow。
“Theymeanustoleavetheship，“saidAsti。“Come，Queen，letusfollowourfortunes，fordoubtlessthesearehigh。“
“Asyouwill，“answeredTua，“seeingthatweshouldscarcelyhavebeenbroughtheretonoend。“
Sotheyaccompaniedthementothesideofthatsplendidvessel，fornowthenettingthatconfinedthemhadbeenremoved，tofindthatagangwayhadbeenlaidfromitsbulwarktotheshore。Astheysteppedontothisgangwaytheirmaskedcompanionshandedtoeachofthemoneofthebaskets，thenagainbowedhumblyandweregone。Soontheygainedthebank，andscarcelyhadtheirfeettoucheditwhenthegangwaywaswithdrawn，andthegreatoarsbegantobeatthemuddywater。
Roundswungtheship，andforaminutehunginmidstream。Therestoodthecaptainontheforedeck，andtherewasthesteersmanatthehelm，andtheredlightofthesinkingsunturnedthemintofiguresofflame。SuddenlywithasimultaneousmotionthesementoreofftheirmaskssothatforamomentAstiandTuasawtheirfaces——andbehold！
thefaceofthecaptainwasthefaceofPharaoh，Tua\'sfather，andthefaceofthesteersmanwasthefaceofMermes，Asti\'shusband。
Foronemomentonlydidtheyseethem，thenadarkcloudhidthedyingsun，andwhenitpassedthatshipwasgone，whithertheyknewnot。
Thetwowomenlookedateachother，andforthefirsttimeweremuchafraid。
“Truly，“saidTua，“wearehauntedifevermortalswere，foryondershiphasghostsformariners。“
“Aye，Lady，“answeredAsti，“sohaveIthoughtfromthefirst。Still，takeheart，fortheseghostsonceweremenwholoveduswell，anddoubtlesstheyloveusstill。BesurethatfornoillpurposehavewebeensnatchedoutofthehandofAbi，andbroughtlivingandunharmedbytheshadesofPharaohyoursire，andMermesmyhusband，tothissecretshore。See，yonderburnsafire，letusgotoit，andawaitwhatmaybefallbravely，knowingthatatleastitcanbenaughtbutgood。“
Sotheywenttotherockand，darknessbeingcome，satthemselvesdownbythefire，alongsideofwhichlaywoodforitsreplenishment，andnearthewoodsoftrobesofcamel-hairtoshieldthemfromthecold。
Theserobestheyputonwiththankfulness，and，havingfedtheflame，bethoughtthemofandopenedthebasketswhichweregiventothemwhentheylefttheship。Thefirstbasket，thatwhichAstiheld，theyfoundtocontainfood，cakes，driedmeatsanddates，asmuchasonewomancouldcarry。Butthesecond，thatwhichhadbeengiventoTua，wasotherwiseprovided，forinthemouthofitlayalovelyharpofivorywithgoldenstrings，whereoftheframewasfashionedtotheshapeofawoman。Tuadrewitoutandlookedatitbythelightofthefire。
“Itismyownharp，“shesaidinanawedvoice，“theharpthatthePrinceofKesh，whomRamesslew，broughtasagifttome，tothenotesofwhichIsangtheSongoftheLoversbutjustbeforethegiverdied。
Yes，itismyownharpthatIleftinThebes。Say，now，Nurse，howcameithere？“
“Howcame/we/here？“answeredAstishortly。“AnswermyquestionandI
willansweryours。“
Then，layingdowntheharp，Tualookedagainintoherbasketandfoundthatbeneathalayerofdriedpapyrusleaveswerehiddenpearls，thousandsofpearlsofallsizes，andofsuchlustreandbeautyasshehadneverseen。Theywerestrunguponthreadsofsilk，allthoseofalikesizebeingsetuponasinglethread，excepttheverybiggest，whichwereasgreatasafingernail，orevenlarger，thatlaywrappedupseparatelyinclothatthebottomofthebasket。
“Surely，“saidTua，amazed，“noQueeninalltheeartheverhadadowerofsuchpricelesspearls。Moreover，whatgoodtheyandtheharpcanbetousinthisforestImaynotguess。“
“Doubtlessweshalldiscoverinduecourse，“answeredAsti；
“meanwhile，letusthankthegodsfortheirgiftsandeat。“
Sotheyate，andthen，havingnothingelsetodo，laydownbythefireandwouldhaveslept。
Butscarcelyhadtheyclosedtheireyeswhentheforestseemedtoawake。Firstfromdownbytherivertherecamedreadfulroaringswhichtheyknewmustbethevoiceoflions，forthereweretamebeastsofthissortinthegardensatThebes。Nexttheyheardthewhinesandwimperingsofwolvesandjackals，andmingledwiththemgreatsnortingssuchasaremadebytherhinocerosandtheriver-horse。
Nearer，nearercametheseawfulsounds，tillatlengththeysawyelloweyesmovinglikestarsinthedarknessattheedgeoftheforest，whilecrossthepatchofsandbeneaththeirrockgallopedswiftshapeswhichhaltedandsniffedtowardsthem。Alsoontheriversideofthemappearedhuge，hog-likebeasts，withgleamingtusks，andredcavernousmouths，andbeyondtheseagain，crashingthroughthebrushwood，agiganticbrutethatboreasinglehornuponitssnout。
“Nowourendisathand，“saidTuafaintly，“forsurelythesecreatureswilldevourus。“
ButAstionlythrewmorewooduponthefireandwaited，thinkingthattheflamewouldfrightenthemaway。Yetitdidnot，forsocurious，orsohungrywerethey，thatthelionscreptandcreptnearer，andstillmorenear，tillatlengththeylaylashingtheirtailsinthedistancealmostwithinspringingdistanceoftherock，whileonthefarthersideofthese，likeacourtwaitingonitsmonarch，gatheredthehyenasandotherbeasts。
“Theywillspringpresently，“whisperedTua。
“DidtheSpiritsofthedivinePharaohyourfather，andofMermesmylord，bringushereintheBoatofRathatweshouldbedevouredbywildanimals，likelostsheepinthedesert？“askedAsti。Then，asthoughbyaninspiration，sheadded，“Lady，takethatharpofyours，andplayandsingtoit。“
SoTuatooktheharpandsweptitsgoldenchords，and，liftingupherlovelyvoice，shebegantosing。Atfirstittrembledalittle，butbydegrees，assheforgotallsavethemusic，itgrewstrong，andrangoutsweetlyinthesilenceoftheforest，andthegreat，slow-movingriver。Andlo！asshesangthus，thewildbrutesgrewstill，andseemedtolistenasthoughtheywerecharmed。Yes，evenasnakewriggledoutfrombetweentherocksandlistened，wavingitscrestedheadtoandfro。
AtlengthTuaceased，andastheechoesdiedawaythebrutes，everyoneofthem，turnedandvanishedintotheforestortheriver，allsavethesnakethatcoileditselfupandsleptwhereitwas。Sostillnesscameagain，andTuaandAstisleptalso，nordidtheywakeuntilthesunwasshiningintheheavens。
Thentheyarosewondering，andwentdownoverthepatchofsandthatwasmarkedwiththefootprintsofallthebeaststotheriver\'sbrink，anddrankandwashedthemselves，peeringthewhilethroughthemists，fortheythoughtthatperchancetheywouldseethatgoldenshipwiththeveiledcrewwhichhadcarriedthemfromMemphis，returnedandawaitingtheminmidstream。
Butnoshipwasthere；nothingwasthereexcepttheriver-horseswhichroseandsank，andthecrocodilesonthemud-banks，andthewildfowlthatflightedinwardfromtheseatofeed。SotheywentbacktotheashesoftheirfireandateofthefoodinAsti\'sbasket，and，whentheyhadeaten，lookedateachother，notknowingwhattodo。ThenTuasaid:
“Come，Nurse，letusbegoing。Uptheriveranddowntheriverwecannotwalk，fortherearenothingbutweedsandmud，sowemuststrikeoutthroughtheforest，whitherthegodsmayleadus。“
Astinodded，and，cladinthelightwarmclothesofcamel-hair，theysetthebasketsupontheirheadsafterthefashionofthepeasantwomenofEgyptandstartedforward，theharpofivoryandofgoldhanginguponTua\'sback。
Forhourafterhourtheymarchedthusthroughtheforest，threadingtheirpathbetweenthebigbolesofthetrees，andheadingalwaysforthesouth，forthatwayranthewoodlandgladesbeyondwhichwasdensebush。Greatapeschatteredabovetheminthetreetops，andnowandagainsomebeastofpreycrossedtheirpathandvanishedintheunderwood，butnothingelsedidtheysee。Atlength，towardsmidday，thegroundbegantorise，andthetreesgrewsmallerandfartherapart，tillatlasttheyreachedtheedgeofasandydesert，andwalkedouttoalittleoasis，wherethegreengrassshowedthemtheywouldfindwater。Inthisoasistherewasaspring，andbytheedgeofittheysatdownanddrank，andateoftheirstoreoffood，andafterwardssleptawhile。
SuddenlyTua，inhersleep，heardavoice，and，awakingwithastart，sawamanwhostoodnearby，leaningonathornwoodstaffandcontemplatingthem。Hewasaverystrangeman，apparentlyofgreatage，forhislongwhitehairfelldownuponhisshoulders，andhiswhitebeardreachedtohismiddle。Oncehemusthavebeenverytall，butnowhewasbentwithage，andthebonesofhisgauntframethrustouthisraggedgarments。Hisdarkeyesalsowerehorny，indeeditseemedasthoughhecouldscarcelyseewiththem，forheleanedforwardtopeerattheirfaceswheretheylay。Hisfacewasscoredbyathousandwrinkles，andalmostblackwithexposuretothesunandwind，butyetofamarvelloustendernessandbeauty。Indeed，exceptthatitwasfarmoreancient，andthefeatureswereonalargerandagranderscale，itremindedTuaofthefaceofPharaohafterhewasdead。
“MyFather，“saidTua，sittingup，foranimpulsepromptedhertonamethiswandererthus，“saywhencedoyoucome，andwhatwouldyouwithyourservants？“
“MyDaughter，“answeredtheoldmaninasweet，gravevoice，“Icomefromthewildernesswhichismyhome。LonghaveIoutlivedallthoseofmygeneration，yes，andtheirchildrenalso。Thereforethewildernessandtheforestthatdonotchangearenowmyonlyfriends，sincetheyaloneknewmewhenIwasyoung。Bepitifulnowtome，forI
ampoor，sopoorthatforthreewholedaysnofoodhaspassedmylips。
Itwasthesmellofthemeatwhichyouhavewithyouthatledmetoyou。Givemeofthatmeat，Daughter，forIstarve。“
“Itisyours，O——“andshepaused。
“IamcalledKepher。“
“Kepher，Kepher！“repeatedTua，forshethoughtitstrangethatabeggar-manshouldbenamedafterthatscarab？usinsectwhichamongtheEgyptianswasthesymbolofeternity。“Well，takeandeat，OKepher，“
shesaid，andhandedhimthebasketthatcontainedwhatwaslefttothemoftheirstore。
Thebeggartookit，andhavinglookeduptoheavenasthoughtoaskablessingonhismeal，satdownuponthesandandbegantodevourthefoodravenously。
“Lady，“saidAsti，“hewilleatitall，andthenweshallstarveinthisdesert。Heisalocust，notaman，“sheadded，asanothercakedisappeared。
“Heisourguest，“answeredTuagravely，“lethimtakewhatwehavetogive。“
ForawhileAstiwassilent，thenagainshebrokeoutintoremonstrance。
“Peace，Nurse，“repliedTua，“Ihavesaidthatheisourguest，andthelawofhospitalitymaynotbebroken。“
“Thenthelawofhospitalitywillbringustoourdeaths，“mutteredAsti。
“Ifso，soletitbe，Nurse；atleastthispoormanwillbefilled，andfortherest，asalways，wemusttrusttoAmenourfather。“
Yetasshespokethewordstearsgatheredinhereyes，forsheknewthatAstiwasright，andnowthatallthefoodwasgone，onwhichwithcaretheymighthavelivedfortwodaysormore，soontheywouldfaint，andperish，unlesshelpcametothem，whichwasnotlikelyinthatlonesomeplace。Once，notsolongago，theyhadstarvedforlackofsustenance，anditwasthethoughtofthatslowpainsosoontoberenewed，thatbroughtthewatertohereyes。
MeanwhileKepher，whoseappetiteforonesoancientwassharpindeed，finishedthecontentsofthebasketdowntothelastdate，andhandeditbacktoTuawithabow，saying:
“Ithankyou，Daughter；theQueenofEgyptcouldnothaveentertainedmemoreroyally，“andhepeeredatherwithhishornyeyes。“Iwhohavebeenemptyforlong，amfullagain，andsinceIcannotrewardyouIpraytothegodsthattheywilldoso。BeautifulDaughter，mayyouneverknowwhatitistolackameal。“
AtthissayingTuacouldrestrainherselfnomore。AlargetearfromhereyesfelluponKepher\'sroughhandassheansweredwithalittlesob:
“Iamgladthatyouarecomfortedwithmeat，butdonotmockus，Friend，seeingthatwearebutlostwandererswhoverysoonmuststarve，sincenowourfoodisdone。“
“What，Daughter？“askedtheoldmaninanastonishedvoice，“what？CanIbelievethatyougaveallyouhadtoabeggarofthewilderness，andsatstillwhilehedevouredit？Andisitforthisreasonthatyouweep？“
“Forgiveme，Father，butitisso，“answeredTua。“Iamashamedofsuchweakness，butrecentlymyfriendhereandIhaveknownhunger，verysorehunger，andthedreadofitmovesme。Come，Asti，letusbegoingwhileourstrengthremainsinus。“
Kepherlookedupatthename，thenturnedtoTuaandsaid:
“Daughter，yourfaceisfair，andyourheartisperfect，sinceotherwiseyouwouldnothavedealtwithmeasyouhavedone。Still，itseemsthatyoulackonething——undoubtingfaithinthegoodnessofthegods。Though，surely，“headdedinaslowvoice，“thosewhohavepassedyonderlion-hauntedforestwithouthurtshouldnotlackfaith。
Say，now，howcameyouthere？“
“WeareladiesofEgypt，“interruptedAsti，“oratleastthismaidenis，forIambutheroldnurse。Man-stealingpiratesofPh？niciaseizeduswhilewewanderedontheshoresoftheNile，andbroughtushitherintheirship，bywhatwaywedonotknow。Atlengththeyputintoyonderriverforwater，andwefledatnight。Weareescapedslaves，nomore。“
“Ah！“saidKepher，“thosepiratesmustmourntheirloss。Ialmostwonderthattheydidnotfollowyou。Indeed，Ithoughtthatyoumightbeotherfolk，for，strangelyenough，asIsleptinthesandlastnight，acertainspiritfromtheUnder-worldvisitedmeinmydreams，andtoldmetosearchforoneAstiandanotherladywhowaswithher——
Icannotrememberthenameofthatlady。ButIdorememberthenameofthespirit，forhetoldittome；itwasMermes。“
NowAstigavealittlecry，and，springingup，searchedKepher\'sfacewithhereyes，nordidheshrinkfromhergaze。
“Iperceive，“shesaidslowly，“thatyouwhoseemtobeabeggararealsoaseer。“
“Mayhap，Asti，“heanswered。“InmylonglifeIhaveoftennotedthatsometimesmenaremorethantheyseem——andwomenalso。Perhapsyouhavelearnedthesame，fornursesingreathousesmaynotemanythingsiftheychoose。Butletussaynomore。Ithinkitisbetterthatweshouldsaynomore。Youandyourcompanion——howisshenamed？“
“Neferte，“answeredAstipromptly。
“Neferte，ah！Certainlythatwasnotthenamewhichthespiritused，thoughitistruethatothernamebeganwiththesamesound，orsoI
think。Well，youandyourcompanion，Neferte，escapedfromthosewickedpirates，andmanagedtobringcertainthingswithyou，forinstance，thatbeautifulharp，wreathedwiththeroyal/ur？i/，and——
butwhatisinthatsecondbasket？“
“Pearls，“brokeinTuaquickly。
“Andalargebasketofpearls。MightIseethem？Oh！donotbeafraid，IshallnotrobthosewhosefoodIhaveeaten，itisagainstthecustomofthedesert。“
“Certainly，“answeredTua。“Ineverthoughtthatyouwouldrobus，forifyouwereofthetribeofthieves，surelyyouwouldbericher，andlesshungrythanyouseem。Ionlythoughtthatyouwerealmostblind，FatherKepher，andthereforecouldnotknowthedifferencebetweenapearlandapebble。“
“Myfeelingstillremainstome，DaughterNeferte，“heansweredwithalittlesmile。
ThenTuagavehimthebasket。Heopeneditanddrewoutthestringsofpearls，feelingthem，smellingandpeeringatthem，touchingthemwithhistongue，especiallythelargesingleoneswhichwerewrappedupbythemselves。Atlength，havinghandledthemall，herestoredthemtothebasket，sayingdrily:
“Itisstrange，indeed，NurseAsti，thatthoseSyrianman-stealersattemptednopursuitofyou，forhere，whethertheyweretheirsornot，areenoughgemstobuyakingdom。“
“Wecannoteatpearls，“answeredAsti。
“No，butpearlswillbuymorethanyouneedtoeat。“
“Notinadesert，“saidAsti。
“True，butasitchancesthereisacityinthisdesert，andnotsoveryfaraway。“
“IsitnamedNapata？“askedTuaeagerly。
“Napata？No，indeed。Yet，Ihaveheardofsuchaplace，theCityofGoldtheycalledit。Infact，onceIvisiteditinmyyouth，overahundredyearsago。“
“Ahundredyearsago！Doyourememberthewaythither？“
“Yes，moreorless，butonfootitisoverayear\'sjourneyaway，andthepaththitherliesacrossgreatdesertsandthroughtribesofsavagemen。Fewlivetoreachthatcity。“
“YetIwillreachit，ordie，Father。“
“Perhapsyouwill，DaughterNeferte，perhapsyouwill，butIthinknotatpresent。Meanwhile，youhaveaharp，andthereforeitisprobablethatyoucanplayandsing；alsoyouhavepearls。NowtheinhabitantsofthistownwhereofIspoketoyoulovemusic。Alsotheylovepearls，andasyoucannotbeginyourjourneytoNapataforthreemonths，whentherainonthemountainswillhavefilledthedesertwells，Isuggestthatyouwoulddowiselytosettleyourselvesthereforawhile。NurseAstiherewouldbeadealerinpearls，andyou，herdaughter，wouldbeamusician。Whatsayyou？“
“IsaythatIshouldbegladtosettlemyselfanywhereoutofthisdesert，“saidTuawearily。“Leadusontothecity，FatherKepher，ifyouknowtheway。“
“Iknowtheway，andwillguideyouthitherinpaymentforthatgoodmealofyours。Nowcome。Followme。“Andtakinghislongstaffhestrodeawayinfrontofthem。
“ThisKephergoesatawonderfulpaceforanoldman，“saidTuapresently。“Whenfirstwesawhimhecouldscarcelyhobble。“
“Man！“answeredAsti。“Heisnotaman，butaspirit，goodorbad，I
don\'tknowwhich，appearingasabeggar。Couldamaneatasmuchashedid——allourbasketfuloffood？Doesamantalkofcitiesthathevisitedinhisyouthoverahundredyearsago，ordeclarethatmydeadhusbandspoketohiminhisdreams？No，no，heisaghostlikethoseupontheship。“
“Somuchthebetter，“answeredTuacheerfully，“sinceghostshavebeengoodfriendstous，forhaditnotbeenforthemIshouldhavebeendeadorshamedto-day。“
“Thatweshallfindoutattheendofthestory，“saidAsti，whowascrossandweary，fortheheatofthesunwasgreat。“Meanwhile，followon。Thereisnothingelsetodo。“
Forhourafterhourtheywalked，tillatlengthtowardsevening，whentheywerealmostexhausted，theystruggledupalongriseofsandandrocks，andfromthecrestofitperceivedalargewalledtownsetinagreenandfertilevalleynotveryfarbeneaththem。TowardsthistownKepher，whomarchedatadistanceinfront，guidedthemtilltheyreachedaclumpoftreesontheoutskirtsofthecultivatedland。Herehehalted，andwhentheycameuptohim，ledthemamongthetrees。
“Now，“hesaid，“dropyourveilsandbidehere，andifanyshouldcometoyou，saythatyouarepoorwanderingplayerswhorest。Also，ifitpleasesyou，givemeasmallpearloffoneofthosestrings，thatI
maygointothecity，whichisnamedTat，andsellittobuyyoufoodandaplacetodwellin。“
“Takeastring，“saidTuafaintly。
“Nay，nay，Daughter，onewillbeenough，forinthistownpearlsarerare，andhaveagreatvalue。“
Soshegavehimthegem，orratherlethimtakeitfromthesilk，whichhere-fastenedveryneatlyforonewhoseemedtobealmostblind，andstrodeoffswiftlytowardsthetown。
“Manorspirit，Iwonderifweshallseehimagain？“saidAsti。
Tuamadenoanswer——shewastootired，butrestingherselfagainsttheboleofatree，fellintoadoze。Whensheawokeagainitwastoseethatthesunhadsunk，andthatbeforeherstoodthebeggarKepher，andwithhimtwoblackmen，eachofwhomledasaddledmule。
“Mount，Friends，“hesaid，“forIhavefoundyoualodging。“
Sotheymounted，andwereledtothegateofthecitywhichatthewordofKepherwasopenedforthem，andthencedownalongstreettoahousebuiltinawalledgarden。Intothishousetheyentered，theblackmenleadingoffthemules，tofindthatitwasawell-furnishedplacewithatablereadysetintheante-room，onwhichwasfoodinplenty。Theyateofit，allthreeofthem，andwhentheyhadfinishedKepherbadeawomanwhowaswaitingonthem，leadthemtotheirchamber，sayingthathehimselfwouldsleepinthegarden。
Thitherthentheywentwithoutmorequestions，andthrowingthemselvesdownuponbedswhichwerepreparedforthem，weresoonfastasleep。
CHAPTERXV
TUAANDTHEKINGOFTAT
Inthemorning，afterTuaandAstihadputonthecleanrobesthatlaytotheirhands，andeaten，suddenlytheylookedupandperceivedthatKepher，theancientbeggarofthedesert，wasintheroomwiththem，thoughneitherofthemhadheardorseenhimenter。
“Youcomesilently，Friend，“saidAsti，lookingathimwithacuriouseye。“ADoublecouldnotmovewithlessnoise，and——whereisyourshadow？“sheadded，staringfirstatthesunwithout，andthenattheflooruponwhichhestood。
“Iforgotit，“heansweredinhisdeepvoice。“OnesopoorasIamcannotalwaysaffordashadow。Butlook，thereitisnow。Andfortherest，whatdoyouknowofDoubleswhichthosewhoareuninstructedcannotdiscern？NowIhaveheardofaLadyinEgyptwhobysomechanceboreyourname，andwhohasthepower，notonlytoseetheDouble，buttodrawitforthfromthebodyoftheliving，andfurnishitwitheverysemblanceofmortallife。AlsoIhaveheardthatshewhoreignsinEgyptto-dayhassuchaKaorDoublethatcantakeherplace，andnoneknowthedifference，savethatthisKa，whichAmengaveheratherbirth，worksthevengeanceofthegodswithoutpityorremorse。
Tellme，FriendAsti，whenyouwereaslave-womaninEgyptdidyoueverheartalkofsuchthingsasthese？“
NowhelookedatAsti，andAstilookedathim，tillatlengthhemovedhisoldhandsinacertainfashion，whereonshebowedherheadandwassilent。
ButTua，whowasterrifiedatthistalk，forsheknewnotwhatwouldbefallthemifthetruthwereguessed，brokein，saying:
“Welcome，Father，howeveritmaypleaseyoutocome，andwithorwithoutashadow。Surelywehavemuchtothankyouforwhohavefoundusthisfinehouseandservantsandfood——bytheway，willyounoteatagain？“
“Nay，“heanswered，smiling，“asyoumayhaveguessedyesterday，I
touchmeatseldom；asarule，onceonlyinthreedays，andthentakemyfill。LifeissoshortthatIcannotwastetimeineating。“
“Oh！“saidTua，“ifyoufeelthuswhoseyouthbeganmorethanahundredyearsago，howmustitseemtotherestofus？But，FatherKepher，whatarewetodointhistownTat？“
“Ihavetoldyou，Maiden。Astiherewilldealinpearlsandothergoods，andyouwillsing，butalwaysbehindthecurtain，sincehereinTatyoumustsuffernomantoseeyourbeauty，andleastofallhimwhorulesit。Nowgivemetwomorepearls，forIgoouttobuyforyouotherthingsthatareneedful，andafterthatperhapsyouwillseemenomoreforalongwhile。Yetiftroubleshouldfalluponyou，gotothewindow-placewhereveryoumaybe，andstrikeuponthatharpofyours，andcallthriceuponthenameofKepher。DoubtlesstherewillbesomelisteningwhowillhearyouandbringmethenewsintheDesert，whereIdwellwhodonotlovetowns，andthenImaybeabletohelpyou。“
“Ithankyou，myFather，andIwillremember。ButpardonmeifIaskhowcanoneso——“andshepaused。
“Soold，soraggedandsomiserablegivehelptomanorwoman——thatiswhatyouwouldsay，DaughterNeferte，isitnot？Well，judgenotfromtheoutwardseeming；goodwineisoftenfoundinjarsofcommonclay，andthefirehidinaroughflintcandestroyacity。“
“Andthereforeawandererwhocanswallowhisownshadowcanaidanotherwandererindistress，“remarkedTuadrily。“MyFather，I
understand，whoalthoughIamstillyoung，haveseenmanythingsanderenowbeendraggedoutofdeepwaterbystrangehands。“
“SuchasthoseofPh？nicianpirates，“suggestedKepher。“Well，good-
bye。Igotopurchasewhatyouneedwiththepriceofthesepearls，andthentheDesertcallsmeforawhile。RememberwhatItoldyou，anddonotseektoleavethistownofTatuntiltherainhasfallenonthemountains，andthereiswaterinthewells。Good-bye，FriendAsti，also；whenIcomeagainwewilltalkmoreofDoubles，untilwhichtimemaythegreatgodofEgypt——heiscalledAmen，ishenot？——haveyouandyourLadyinhiskeeping。“
Thenheturnedandwent。
“Whatisthatman？“askedTuawhentheyhadheardthedoorofthehouseclosebehindhim。
“Man？“answeredAsti。“Ihavetoldyouthatheisnoman。Domenunfoldtheirshadowslikeagarment？Heisagodoraghost，wearingabeggar\'sshape。“
“Manorghost，Ilikehimwellforhehasbefriendedusinourneed，Nurse。“
“Thatweshallknowwhenhehasdonewithus，“answeredAsti。
Anhourlater，whilsttheywerestilltalkingofKepherandallthemarvelsthathadbefallenthem，portersbegantoarrive，bearingbundleswhich，whenopened，werefoundtocontainsilksandbroideriesingoldandsilverthread，andleatherrichlyworked，suchastheArabsmake，andalabasterpotsofointments，andbrassworkfromSyria，andcopperjarsfromCyprus，withmanyothergoods，allverycostly，andinnumbermorethanenoughforawealthytrader\'sstore。
Thesegoodstheporterssetoutonthematsandshelvesofthelargefrontroomofthehousethatopenedtothestreet，whichroomseemedtohavebeenbuilttoreceivethem。Thentheydeparted，askingnofees，andthereappearedamanridingafinewhitehorse，whodismounted，and，bowinglowtowardsthescreenofpiercedwood-workbehindwhichTuaandAstiwerehidden，laidawritinguponalittletable，androdeaway。WhenhehadgoneAstiopenedthedoorinthescreenandtookthewritingwhichshefoundshecouldreadwellenough，foritwasintheEgyptiancharacterandlanguage。
Itprovedtobethetitle-deedofthehouseandgardenconveyedtothemjointly，andalsooftherichgoodswhichtheportershadbrought。Atthefootofthisdocumentwaswritten——
“ReceivedbyKephertheWandererinpaymentoftheabovehouseandlandandgoods，threepearlsandonefullmealofmeatanddates。“
ThenfollowedthesealofKepherinwax，afinelycutscarab？usholdingthesymbolofthesunbetweenitstwofrontfeet。
“Aproudsealforatatteredwanderer，thoughitisbuthisnamewritinwax，“saidTua。
ButAstionlyanswered:
“Ifsmallpearlshavesuchvalueinthiscity，whatpricewillthelargeonesbring？Well，letustoourbusiness，forwehavetimeuponourhands，andcannotliveuponpearlsandcostlystuffs。“
SoithappenedthatNeter-Tua，StarofAmen，QueenofEgypt，andAstiherNurse，theMistressofMagic，becamemerchantsinthetownofTat。
Thiswasthemanneroftheirtrade。Foronehourinthemorning，andoneintheafternoon，Asti，heavilyveiled，andawomanoftheservantswhomtheyhadfoundinthehouse，wouldsitonstoolsamidstthegoodsandtrafficwithallcomers，sellingtothosewhowouldbuy，andtakingpaymentingolddustorotherarticlesofvalue，orbuyingfromthosewhowouldsell。ThenwhenthehourdrewtowardsitscloseTuawouldsweepherharpbehindthescreenthathidherandbegintosing，whereonallwouldceasefromtheirchafferingandlisten，forneverbeforehadtheyheardsosweetavoice。Indeed，atthesetimesthebroadstreetinfrontoftheirhousewaspackedwithpeople，forthefameofthissingingofherswentthroughthecityandfarintothecountrythatlaybeyond。Thenthetrafficcametoanend，withhersong，andleavingtheirgoodsinchargeoftheservants，TuaandAstidepartedtothebackroomsofthehouse，andatetheirmealsorwanderedinthelarge，walledgardenthatlaybehind。
Thustheweekswentonandsoon，althoughtheysoldfewofthepearls，andthosethesmallest，forofthelargergemstheysaidlittleornothing，theybegantogrowrich，andtohoardupsuchaweightofgoldindustandnuggets，andsomanypreciousthings，thattheyscarcelyknewwhattheyshoulddowiththem。StillTatseemedtobeapeacefulcity，orattheleastnonetriedtorobormolestthem，perhapsbecausearumourwasabroadthatthesestrangerswhohadcomeoutoftheUnknownwereundertheprotectionofsomegod。
Therewasnothingtoshowhoworwhythisrumourhadariseninthecity，butonaccountofit，iffornootherreason，thesepearl-
merchants，astheywerecalled，sufferednowrong，andalthoughtheywereonlyundefendedwomen，whatevercredittheymightgive，thedebtwasalwayspaid。Alsotheirservants，towhomtheyaddedastheyhadmeans，wereallfaithfultothem。Sotheretheyremainedandtraded，keepingtheirsecretsandawaitingtheappointedhourofescape，butneverventuringtoleavetheshelteroftheirownwalls。
Now，asithappened，whentheycamethithertheKingofTatwasawaymakingwaruponanotherkingwhosecountrylayuponthecoast，butaftertheyhaddweltformanyweeksintheplace，thisKing，whowasnamedJanees，returnedvictoriousfromhiswarandpreparedtocelebrateatriumph。
Whilehewasmakingreadyforthistriumphhiscourtierstoldhimofthesepearl-merchants，and，desiringpearlsforhisadornmentonthatgreatday，hewentindisguisetothehouseofthosewhosoldthem。Asitchancedhearrivedlate，andrequestedtoseethegemsjustasTua，accordingtohercustom，wasplayinguponherharp。Thenshebegantosing，andthisKingJanees，whowasamanofunderfortyyearsofage，listenedintentlytoherbeautifulvoice，forgettingallaboutthepearlsthathehadcometobuy。Hersongfinished，theveiledAstirose，andbowingtoallthecompanygatheredinthestreet，badeherservantsshutupthecoffersandremovethegoods。
“ButIwouldbuypearls，Merchant，ifyouhavesuchtosell，“saidJanees。
“Thenyoumustreturnthisafternoon，Purchaser，“repliedAsti，scanninghispaleandhaughtyface，“forevenifyouweretheKingofTatIwouldnotselltoyououtofmyhours。“
“Youspeakhighwords，Woman，“exclaimedJaneesangrily。
“Highorlow，theyarewhatImean，“answeredAsti，andwentaway。
TheendofitwasthatthisKingJaneesreturnedattheeveninghour，ledthithermorebyadesiretohearthatlovelyvoiceagainthantopurchasegems。Stillheaskedtoseepearls，andAstishowedhimsomewhichhethrustasideastoosmall。Thensheproducedthosethatwerelarger，andagainhethrustthemaside，andsoitwentonforalongwhile。AtlengthfromsomewhereinherclothingAstidrewtwoofthebiggestthatshehad，perfectpearlsofthesizeofthemiddlenailofaman\'sfinger，andatthesightofthesetheeyesofJaneesbrightened，forsuchgemshehadneverseenbefore。Thenheaskedtheprice。Astiansweredcarelesslythatitwasdoubtlessmorethanhewouldwishtopay，sincetherewerefewsuchpearlsinthewholeworld，andshenamedaweightingoldthatcausedhimtostepbackfromheramazed，foritwasaquarterofthetributethathehadtakenfromhisnew-conqueredkingdom。
“Woman，youjest，“hesaid，“surelythereissomeabatement。“
“Man，“sheanswered，“Ijestnot；thereisnoabatement，“andshereplacedthepearlsinhergarments。
Nowhegrewveryangry，andasked:
“DidyouknowthatIamtheKingofTat，andifIwill，cantakeyourpearlswithoutanypaymentatall？“
“Areyou？“askedAsti，lookingathimcoolly。“Ishouldneverhaveguessedit。Well，ifyoustealmygoods，asyousayyoucan，youwillbeKingofThievesalso。“
Nowthosewhoheardthissayinglaughed，andtheKingthoughtitbesttojoinintheirmerriment。Thenthebargainingwenton，butbeforeitwasfinished，atherappointedhourTuabegantosingbehindthescreen。
“Havedone，“saidtheKingtoAsti，“to-morrowyoushallbepaidyourprice。Iwouldlistentothatmusicwhichisaboveprice。“
SoJaneeslistenedlikeonefascinated，forTuawassingingherbest。
Stepbystephedrewevernearertothescreen，thoughthisAstididnotnotice，forshewasengagedinlockinguphergoods。Atlengthhereachedit，andthrustinghisfingersthroughtheopeningsinthepiercedwoodwork，restedhisweightuponitlikeamanwhoisfaint，asperhapshewaswiththesweetnessofthatmusic。Thenofasudden，bycraftorchance，heswunghimselfbackward，andwithhimcamethefrailscreen。Downitclatteredtothefloor，andlo！beyondit，unveiled，butcladinrichattire，stoodTuasweepingherharpofivoryandgold。Likesunlightfromacloudthebrightvisionofherbeautystrucktheeyesofthepeoplegatheredthere，andseemedtodazzlethem，sinceforawhiletheyweresilent。Thenonesaid:
“Surelythiswomanisaqueen，“andanotheranswered:
“Nay，sheisagoddess，“buterethewordshadlefthislipsTuawasgone。
AsforJaneestheKing，hestaredatheropen-mouthed，reelingalittleuponhisfeet，then，asshefled，turnedtoAsti，saying:
“IsthisLadyyourslave？“
“Nay，King，mydaughter，whomyouhavedoneilltospyupon。“
“Then，“saidJaneesslowly，“Iwhomightdoless，desiretomakethisdaughterofyoursmyQueen——doyouunderstand，MerchantofPearls——myQueen，andasagiftyoushallhaveasmuchgoldagainasIhavepromisedforyourgems。“
“Otherkingshavedesiredasmuchandofferedmore，butsheisnotforyouoranyofthem，“answeredAsti，lookinghimintheface。
NowJaneesmadeamovementasthoughhewouldstrikeher，thenseemedtochangehismind，forherepliedonly:
“Aroughanswertoafairoffer，seeingthatnoneknowwhoyouareorwhenceyoucome。Butthereareeyesuponus。Iwilltalkwithyouagainto-morrow；tillthen，restinpeace。“
“Itisuseless，“beganAsti，buthewasalreadygone。
PresentlyAstifoundTuainthegarden，andtoldhereverything。
“NowIwishthatKepheroftheDesertwereathand，“saidTuanervously，“foritseemsthatIaminasnare，wholikethisJaneesnobetterthanIdidAbiorthePrinceofKesh，andwillneverbehisQueen。“
“ThenIthinkwehadbetterflytothewildernessandseekhimtherethisverynight，for，Lady，youknowwhatchancestomenwholookuponyourloveliness。“
“IknowwhatchancedtothePrinceofKesh，andwhatwillchancetoAbiatthehandsofoneIleftbehindme，Icanguess；perhapsthisJaneeswillfarenobetter。Still，letusgo。“
Astinodded，thenbyanafterthoughtwentintothehouseandaskedsomequestionsoftheservants。Presentlyshereturned，andsaid:
“Itisuseless；soldiersarealreadystationedabouttheplace，andsomeofourwomenwhotriedtogoouthavebeenturnedback，fortheysaythatbytheKing\'sordernonemayleaveourdoor。“
“NowshallIstrikeupontheharpandcalluponthenameofKepher，ashebademe？“askedTua。
“Ithinknotyetawhile，Lady。Thisdangermaypassbyorthenightbringcounsel，andthenhewouldbeangryifyousummonedhimfornaught。Letusgoinandeat。“
Sotheywentin，andwhiletheysatattheirfoodsuddenlytheyheardanoise，andlookingup，perceivedbythelightofthelampthatwomenwerecrowdingintotheroomledbytwoeunuchs。
Tuadrewadaggerfromherrobeandsprangup，buttheheadeunuch，anold，white-hairedman，bowedlowbeforeher，andsaid:
“Lady，youcankillmeifyouwill，forIamunarmed，buttherearemanymoreofuswithout，andtoresistisuseless。Hearken；noharmshallbedonetoyouortoyourcompanion，butitistheKing\'sdesirethatonesoroyalandbeautifulshouldbebetterlodgedthaninthisplaceoftraffic。Thereforehehascommandedmetotakeyouandallyourhouseholdandallyourgoodstonolessaplacethanhisownpalace，wherehewouldspeakwithyou。“
“Sheathethedaggerandwastenowordsupontheseslaves，Daughter，“
saidAsti。“Sincewehavenochoice，letusgo。“
Soaftertheyhadveiledandrobed，theysufferedthemselvestobeledoutandplacedinadoublelitterwiththeirpearlsandgold，whiletheKing\'swomencollectedalltherestoftheirgoodsandtookthemawaytogetherwiththeirservants，leavingthehousequiteempty。
Then，guardedbysoldiers，theywerebornethroughthesilentstreetstilltheycametogreatgateswhichclosedbehindthem，andhavingpassedupmanystairs，thelitterwassetdowninalargeandbeautifulroomlitwithsilverlampsofscentedoil。Here，andinotherroomsbeyond，theyfoundwomenoftheroyalhouseholdandtheirownservantsalreadyarrangingtheirpossessions。
Soonitwasdone，andfoodandwinehavingbeensetforthem，theywereleftaloneinthatroom，andstoodlookingateachother。
“NowshallIstrikeandcall？“saidTua，liftingtheharpwhichshehadbroughtwithher。“Look，yonderisawindow-placesuchasthatofwhichKepherspoke。“
“Notyet，Ithink，Lady。Letuslearnallourcaseerewecallforhelp，“andasthewordsleftherlipsthedooropened，andthroughit，cladinhisroyalrobes，walkedJaneestheKing。
Nowinthecentreofthisgreatroomwasamarblebasinfilledwithpurewaterwhich，perhaps，hadservedasthebathofthequeenswhodweltthereinformerdays，or，perhaps，wassodesignedforthesakeofcoolnessintimesofheat。TuaandAstistoodupononesideofthisbasin，andtotheothercametheKing，sothatthewaterlaybetweenthem。ThricehebowedtoTua，thensaid:
“Lady，who，asyourservantstellme，areknownasNeferte，amaidenofEgypt，andforlackofthetruename，doubtlessthiswillserve，Lady，Icometoaskyourpardonforwhatmustseemtoyoutobeagrievouswrong。OLadyNeferte，thismustbemyexcuse，thatIhavenochoice。Byfortune，goodorill，Iknownotwhich，thisdayIbeheldyourface，andnowbutonedesireislefttome，tobeholditagain，andforallmylife。Lady，theGoddessofLove，she，whominEgyptyounameHathor，hasmademeherslave，sothatInolongerthinkofpomporpowerorwealth，orofotherwomen，butofyouandyouonly。Lady，Iwoulddoyounoharm，forIofferyouhalfmythrone。YouandyoualoneshallbemyQueen。Speaknow。“
“KingJanees，“answeredTua，“whatevilspirithasenteredintoyouthatyoushouldwishtomakeaQueenofasinging-girl，thedaughterofamerchantwhohaswanderedtoyourcity？Letmego，andkeepthathighplaceforoneofthegreatonesoftheearth。SendnowtoAbi，whoIhaveheardrulesasPharaohinEgypt，andaskadaughterofhisblood，fortheysaythathehasseveral；ortosomeoftheprincesofSyria，ortotheKingofByblosbyLebanon，ortothelordsofKesh，oracrossthedeserttotheEmperorofPunt，andletthispoorsinging-girlgoherways。“
“Thispoorsinging-girl，“repeatedJaneesafterher，“who，orwhosemother，“andhebowedtoAstiwithasmile，“haspearlstosellthatareworththerevenueofakingdom；thissinging-girl，theivoryfigureonwhoseharpiscrownedwiththeroyal/ur？i/ofEgypt；thissinging-girlwhosechiselledlovelinessissuchasmightbefoundperhapsamongthedaughtersofancientkings；thissinging-girlwhosevoicecanravishtheheartsofmenandbeasts！Well，LadyNeferte，I
thankyouforyourwarning，stillIamreadytotakemychance，hopingthatmychildrenwillnotbemadeashamedbythebloodofsuchasinging-girlasthis，who，asIsawwhenthatscreenfell，hasstampeduponherthroattheholysigntheyworshipontheNile。“
“Iamhonoured，“answeredTuacoldly，“yetitmaynotbe。AmongmyownhumblefolkIhavealover，andhimIwillwedornoman。“
“Youhavealover！Thenhidehisnamefromme，lestpresentlyIshouldplaySettohisOsirisandrendhimintopieces。Youshakeyourhead，knowingdoubtlessthatthemanisgreat，yetItellyouthatIwillconquerhimandrendhimintopiecesforthecrimeofbeinglovedbyyou。Listennow！IwouldmakeyoumyQueen，butQueenornot，mineyoushallbewholieinmypower。Iwillnotforceyou，Iwillgiveyoutime。Butifonthemorningofthethirddayfromthisnightyoustillrefusetosharemythrone，why，thenyoushallsituponitsfootstool。“
Now，inheranger，Tuathrewbackherveil，andmethimeyetoeye。
“Youthinkmegreat，“shesaid，“andtrulyyouareright，forwhateverismyrank，withmegomygods，andintheirstrengthmyinnocenceisgreat。Letmebe，youpettyKingofTat，lestIliftupmyvoicetoheaven，andcalldownuponyoutheangerofthegods。“
“Already，Lady，youhavecalleddownuponmetheangerofagoddess，thatHathorofwhomIspoke，andfortherestIfearthemnot。Letthemdotheirworst。Onthethirdnightfromthisnight，asQueenorslave，Iswearthatyoushallbemine。Thiswomanhere，whomyoucallyourmother，shallbewitnesstomyoath，andtoitsend。“
“Aye，King，“brokeinAsti，“Iwillbewitness，butastotheendofthatoathIdonotknowityet。Wouldyouliketolearn？InmyowncountryIwasheldtohavesomethingofagift，Imeaninthewayofmagic。Itcametome，Iknownotwhence，anditisveryuncertain——attimesitismyservant，andattimesIcandonothing。Still，foryoursake，Iwouldtry。Isityourpleasuretoseethatendofwhichyouspoke，theendofyourattempttoforceyondermaidentobeyourqueenorlove？“
“Aye，Woman，“answeredJanees，“ifyouhaveatrick，showit——whynot？“
“Sobeit，King；but，ofcourse，Ihaveyourwordthatyouwillnotblamemeifbyanychancethetrickshouldnotprovetoyourliking——
yourroyalword。Nowstandyouthere，andlookintothiswaterwhileI
prayourgods，thegodsofmyowncountry，tobegracious，andtoshowyouwhatshallbeyourstateatthissamehouronthethirdnightfromnow，whichyousayandhopeshallbethenightofyourwedding。Sing，myDaughter，singthatoldandsacredsongwhichIhavetaughtyou。Itwillservetowhileawaythetediumofourwaitinguntilthegodsdeclarethemselves，ifsuchbetheirwill。“
ThenAstikneltdownbythepool，andbentherhead，andstretchedoutherhandsoverthewater，andTuatouchedthestringsofherharpandbegantochantverysolemnlyinanunknowntongue。Thewordsofthatchantwerelowandsweet，yetitseemedtoJaneesthattheyfelllikeiceuponhishotblood，andfrozeitwithinhisveins。Atfirsthekepthiseyesfixeduponherbeauty，butbyslowdegreessomethingdrewthemdowntothewaterofthepool。
Look！Amistgatheredonitsblackness。Itbrokeandclearedandthere，asinamirror，hesawapicture。Hesawhimselflyingstrippedanddead，apoor，nakedcorpsewithwideeyesthatstaredtoheaven，andgashedthroatandsideswhencethebloodranuponthemarblefloorofhisowngreathall，ruinedbyfire，withitsscorchedpillarspointinglikefingerstothemoon。Therehelayalone，andbyhimstoodahound，hisownhound，thatliftedupitsheadandseemedtohowl。
ThelastwordsofTua\'schantdiedaway，andwiththemthatpicturepassed。Janeesleaptbackfromtheedgeofthepool，glaringatAsti。
“Sorceress！“hecried，“wereyounotmyguestwhonamesherselfthemotherofherwhoshallbemyQueen，Iswearthatto-nightyoushoulddiebytortureinpaymentofthisfoultrickofyours。“
“Yetasitis，“answeredAsti，“IthinkthatIshallnotdie，sincethosewhocalluponthegodsmustnotquarrelwiththeiroracle。
Moreover，Iknownowwhatyousaw，anditmaybenothingbutafantasyofyourbrainorofmine。Nowletussleep，Iprayyou，OKing，forweareweary，andleaveitssecretstothefuture。Inthreedaysweshallknowwhattheymaybe。“
Then，withoutanotherword，Janeesturnedandleftthem。
“Whatwasitthatlayinthepool，Nurse？“askedTua。“Isawnothing。“
“Theshadowofadeadman，Ithink，“answeredAstigrimly。“SomejealousgodhaslookeduponthispoorKingwhosecrimeisthathedesiresyou，andthereforehemustdie。Ofatruthitgoesillwithyourlovers，OStarofAmen，andsometimesIwonderifonewhoisdeartomewillmeetwithbetterfortuneatthoseroyaleyesofyours。IfillbefallshimIthinkthatatthelastImaylearntohateyou，whomfromthefirstIcherished。“
NowatthethoughtthatshemightbringdeathtoRamesalso，Tua\'stearsbegantogather，andhervoicechokedinherthroat。
“Saynotsuchevil-omenedwords，“shesobbed，“sinceyouknowwellthatifheistakenhenceforwhosesakeIendureallthesethings，thenImustfollowhimovertheedgeoftheworld。Moreover，youareunjust。DidIslaythePrinceofKesh，orwasitanother？“
“Another，Queen，butforyoursake。“
“AndwouldyouhavehadmewedAbithehog，themurdererofmyfather，andofyourlord？Again，wasitIwhobutnowshowedthisbarbarianchiefashadowinthewater，orwasitAstithewitch，AstitheprophetessofAmen？Lastly，willthemandie，ifdiehemust，becausehelovesme，which，beingawomanIcanforgivehim，orbecausehelaidthehandsofviolenceuponmetoforcemetobehisqueenormistress，whichIforgivehimnot？Oh！Asti，youknowwellIamnotasotherwomenare。Perchanceitistruethatsomebloodthatisnothumanrunsinme；atleastIfulfiladoomlaidonmebeforemybirth，andworkingwoeorworkingweal，Igoasmyfeetareledbyghostsandgods。Why，then，doyouupbraidme？“andsheceasedandweptoutright。
“Nay，nay，becomforted，Iupbraidyounot，“answeredAsti，drawinghertoherbreast。“WhoamIthatIshouldcastreproachesatAmen\'sStaranddaughterandmyQueen？Iknowwellthatthehouseofyourfateisbuilt，thatsailyouupstreamorsailyoudownstream，youmustpassitsgateatlast。ItwasfearforRamesthatmademespeaksobitterly，Ramesmyonlychild，if，indeed，heislefttome，forI
whohavesomuchwisdomcannotlearnfrommanorspiritwhetherheliveshereorwithOsiris，sincesomeblackveilhangsbetweenoursouls。Ifearlestthegods，grownjealousofthathighloveofyours，shouldwreaktheirwrathuponhimwhohasdaredtowinit，andbringRamestothegravebeforehistime，andthethoughtofitrendsmyheart。“
NowitwasTua\'sturntoplaythecomforter。
“Surely，“shesaid，“surely，myFoster-mother，youforgetthepromiseofAmen，KingoftheGods，whichhemadeereIwasborn，toAhurawhoboreme，thatIshouldfindaroyallover，andthatfromhisloveandmineshouldspringmanykingsandprinces，andthatthisbeingso，Ramesmustlive。“
“Whymusthelive，Lady，seeingthatevenifhecanbecalledroyal，thereareothers？“
“Nay，Asti，“murmuredTua，layingherheaduponherbreast，“formetherearenoothers，norshallanychildofminebebornthatdoesnotnameRamesfather。Whateverelseisdoubtful，thisissure。ThereforeRameslives，andwilllive，ortheKingofthegodshaslied。“
“Youreasonwell，“saidAsti，andkissedher。Thenshethoughtforamoment，andadded:“Nowtoourwork，itisthehour。Taketheharp，gotothewindow-place，andcallasthebeggar-manbadeyoudoinyourneed。“
SoTuawenttothewindow-placeandlookeddownonthegreatcourtyardbeneaththatwaslitwiththelightofthemoon。Thenshestruckontheharp，andthriceshecriedaloud:
“/Kepher！Kepher！Kepher！/“
Andeachtimetheechoofhercrycamebacklouderandstillmoreloud，tillitseemedasthoughearthandheavenwerefilledwiththesoundofthenameofKepher。
CHAPTERXVI
THEBEGGARANDTHEKING
Itwastheafternoonofthethirdday。TuaandAsti，seatedinthewindow-placeoftheirsplendidprison，lookedthroughthewoodenscreendownintothecourtbelow，where，accordingtohiscustomatthishour，JaneestheKingsatintheshadowtoadministerjusticeandhearthepetitionsofhissubjects。Thetwowomenwereillatease，forthetimeofrespitehadalmostpassed。
“Nightdrawsnear，“saidTua，“andwithitwillcomeJanees。Lookhowheeyesthiswindow，likeahungrylionwaitingtobefed。Kepherhasmadenosign；perchanceafterallheisbutawanderingbeggar-manfilledwithstrangefancies，orperchanceheisdead，asmaywellhappenathisage。Atleast，hemakesnosign，nordoesAmen，towhomIhaveprayedsohard，sendanyanswertomyprayers。Iamforsaken。
Oh！Asti，youwhoarewise，tellme，whatshallIdo？“