“And then?” asked Kaku.

“Oh! then when the Khita have been destroyed and made subject to Egypt, then her Majesty purposes to return in state to Thebes ’to attend to the fashioning of my sepulchre’ since, so she says, this is a matter that will not bear delay.  Indeed, already she makes drawings for it, horrible and mystic drawings that I cannot understand, and brings them to me to see.  Moreover, Friend, know this, out of it opens another smaller tomb for you.  Indeed, but this morning she sent an expedition to the desert quarries to bring thence three blocks of stone, one for my sarcophagus, one for yours, and one for that of your wife, Merytra.  For she says that after the old fashion she purposes to honour both of you with these gifts.”

At these words Kaku could no longer control himself, but began to walk up and down the room, muttering and snatching at his beard.

“How can you suffer it?” he said at length, “You who were a great prince, to become a woman’s slave, to be made as dirt beneath her feet, to be held up to the mockery of those you rule, to see your wives and household driven away from you, to be tormented, to be mocked, to look on other men favoured before your eyes, to be threatened with early death.  Oh! how can you suffer it?  Why do you not kill her, and make an end?”

“Because,” answered Abi, “because I dare not, since if I dreamed of such a thing she would guess my thought and kill me.  Fool, do you not remember the fall of the eternal obelisks upon my captains, and what befell that man who mocked her, calling her Bastard, and sought refuge among the priests?  No, I dare not lift a finger against her.”

“Then, Prince, you must carry your yoke until it wears through to the marrow, which will be when that sepulchre is ready.”

“Not so,” answered Abi, shivering, “for I have another plan; it is of it that I am come to speak with you.  Friend Kaku, you must kill her.  Listen:  you are a master of spells.  The magic which prevailed against the father will overcome the daughter also.  You have but to make a waxen image or two and breathe strength into them, and the thing is done, and then—­think of the reward.”

“Indeed I am thinking, most noble Prince,” replied the astrologer with sarcasm.  “Shall I tell you of that reward?  It would be my death by slow torture.  Moreover, it is impossible, for if you would know the truth, she cannot be killed.”

“What do you mean, Fool?” asked Abi angrily.  “Flesh and blood must bow to death.”

A sickly smile spread itself over Kaku’s thin face as he answered: 

“A saying worthy of your wisdom, Prince.  Certainly the experience of mankind is that flesh and blood must bow to death.  Yes, yes, flesh and blood!”

“Cease grinning at me, you ape of the rocks,” hissed the enraged Abi, “or I will prove as much on your mocking throat,” and snatching out his sword he threatened him with it, adding:  “Now tell me what you mean, or——­”