"No matter—it was useless to try to fathom the ways of that Accursed One. His reasons were his own, and to protest brought only beatings, as Ranofer had found out long ago. Here he was and here he would stay until Gebu ordered otherwise." Chap, 1, p. 9

"Heavy as a yoke, responsibility settled over Ranofer's mind. He was convinced Ibni was the thief, though he could not say why. Ladling water into his bowl of sweepings from the big water jar, he wondered how he could prove it. The slimy creature might carry gold anywhere—in his mouth, under sandal strap, in a loaf of bread. Imagine, gold in a loaf of bread!" Chap. 1, p. 17

"Now Heqet would again decide that he was a surly type, and would no longer care to be friends. Too often it happened so. If only they would not ask me...