MydearBudge，——
Onlyafriendshipextendingovermanyyearsemboldenedme，anamateur，toproposetodedicateaRomanceofOldEgypttoyou，oneoftheworld\'smastersofthelanguageandloreofthegreatpeoplewhointheselatterdaysarisefromtheirholytombstoinstructusinthesecretsofhistoryandfaith。
WithdoubtIsubmittedtoyouthisstory，askingwhetheryouwishedtoacceptpagesthatcouldnot，Ifeared，befreefromerror，andwithsurpriseinduecourseIread，amongotherkindthings，youradvicetometo“leaveitexactlyasitis。“SoI
takeyouatyourword，althoughIcanscarcelythinkthatinpathssoremoteanddifficultIhavenotsometimesgoneastray。
Whatevermaybetheshortcomings，therefore，thatyourkindnesshasconcealedfromme，sincethistalewassofortunateastopleaseandinterestyou，itsfirstcritic，Iofferittoyouasanearnestofmyrespectforyourlearningandyourlabours。
Verysincerelyyours，H。RiderHaggard。
Ditchingham。
ToDoctorWallisBudge，KeeperofEgyptianandAssyrianAntiquities，BritishMuseum。
AUTHOR\'SNOTE
ItmaybethoughtthateveninastoryofOldEgypttorepresenta“Ka“or“Double“asremaininginactiveoccupationofathrone，whiletheownerofthesaid“Double“goesuponalongjourneyandachievessundryadventures，is，infact，totakealibertywithDoubles。YetI
believethatthisisscarcelythecase。The/Ka/orDoublewhichWiedermannaptlycallsthe“PersonalitywithinthePerson“appears，accordingtoEgyptiantheory，tohavehadanexistenceofitsown。Itdidnotdiewhenthebodydied，foritwasimmortalandawaitedtheresurrectionofthatbody，withwhich，henceforth，itwouldbereunitedanddwelleternally。ToquoteWiedermannagain，“The/Ka/
couldlivewithoutthebody，butthebodycouldnotlivewithoutthe/Ka/……itwasmaterialinjustthesamewasasthebodyitself。“Also，itwouldseemthatincertainwaysitwassuperiortoandmorepowerfulthanthebody，sincetheEgyptianmonarchsareoftenrepresentedasmakingofferingstotheirown/Kas/asthoughtheseweregods。Again，inthestoryof“SetnaandtheMagicBook，“
translatedbyMasperoandbyMr。FlindersPetrieinhis“EgyptianTales，“the/Ka/playsaverydistinctpartofitsown。ThusthehusbandisburiedatMemphisandthewifeinKoptos，yetthe/Ka/ofthewifegoestoliveinherhusband\'stombhundredsofmilesaway，andconverseswiththeprincewhocomestostealthemagicbook。
AlthoughIknownoactualprecedentforit，inthecaseofaparticularlypowerfulDouble，suchaswasgiveninthisromancetoQueenNeter-Tuabyherspiritualfather，Amen，thegreatestoftheEgyptiangods，itseems，therefore，legitimatetosupposethat，inordertosaveherfromtheabominationofaforcedmarriagewithheruncleandherfather\'smurderer，the/Ka/wouldbeallowedtoanticipatemattersalittle，andtoplaythepartrecordedinthesepages。
Itmustnotbeunderstood，however，thatthefactofmarriagewithanunclewouldhaveshockedtheEgyptianmind，sincethesepeople，andespeciallytheirroyalHouses，madeahabitofweddingtheirownbrothersandsisters，asinthistaleMermeswedhishalfsisterAsti。
ImayaddthatthereisauthorityforthemagicwaxenimagewhichthesorcererKakuandhisaccompliceusedtobewitchPharaoh。InthedaysofRamesesIII。，overthreethousandyearsago，aplotwasmadetomurderthekinginpursuanceofwhichsuchimageswereused。“Godsofwax……forenfeeblingthelimbsofpeople，“whichwere“greatcrimesofdeath，thegreatabominationoftheland。“Alsoacertain“magicroll“wasbroughtintoplaywhichenableditsuserto“employthemagicpowersofthegods。“
Still，theendofthesewizardswasnotencouragingtoothers，fortheywerefoundguiltyandobligedtotaketheirownlives。
ButevenifIamheldtohavestretchedtheprerogativeofthe/Ka/，orofthewaxenimagewhich，bytheway，hassurvivedalmosttoourowntime，andinWestAfrica，asafetish，isstillpiercedwithpinsornails，IcanurgeinexcusethatIhavetried，sofarasamodernmay，toreproducesomethingoftheatmosphereandcolourofOldEgypt，asithasappearedtoatravellerinthatcountryandastudentofitsrecords。IfNeter-Tuaneversatuponitsthrone，atleastanotherdaughterofAmen，amightyqueen，Hatshepu，worethecrownoftheUpperandtheLowerLands，andsentherembassiestosearchoutthemysteriesofPunt。Ofromancealso，inhighplaces，theremusthavebeenabundance，thoughtheshort-cutrecordsofthereligioustextsofthepriestsdonottroublethemselveswithsuchmatters。
Atanyrate，sobelieving，inthehopethatitmayinterestreadersofto-day，Ihaveventuredtodiscoverandpresentonesuchromance，whereofthemotive，wemaybesure，ismoreancient，byfar，thantheoldEgyptians，namely，thetriumphoftrueloveovergreatdifficultiesanddangers。Itispleasanttodreamthatthegodsareonthesideofsuchlovers，anddeignfortheirsakestoworkthemiraclesinwhichforthousandsofyearsmankindhasbelieved，althoughthescientisttellsusthattheydonothappen。
HowlargeapartmarvelandmagicofthemostterribleandexaltedkindplayedinthelifeofOldEgyptandofthenationswithwhichshefoughtandtraded，weneedgonofurtherthantheBookofExodustolearn。Alsoallherhistoryisfullofit，sinceamongtheEgyptiansitwasanarticleoffaiththattheDivinity，whichtheyworshippedundersomanynamesandsymbols，madeuseofsuchmysteriousmeanstoinfluenceordirecttheaffairsofmenandbringabouttheaccomplishmentofItsdecrees。
H。R。H。
MorningStarbyH。RiderHaggardCHAPTERI
THEPLOTOFABI
ItwaseveninginEgypt，thousandsofyearsago，whenthePrinceAbi，governorofMemphisandofgreatterritoriesintheDelta，madefasthisshipofstatetoaquaybeneaththeoutermostwallsofthemightycityofUastorThebes，whichwemodernsknowasLuxorandKarnacontheNile。Abi，alargeman，verydarkofskin，forhismotherwasoneofthehatedHyksosbarbarianswhooncehadusurpedthethroneofEgypt，satuponthedeckofhisshipandstaredatthesettingsunwhichforafewmomentsseemedtorest，aroundballoffire，uponthebareandruggedmountains，thatringroundtheTombsoftheKings。
Hewasangry，astheslave-women，whostoodoneithersidefanninghim，couldseewellenoughbythescowlonhiscoarsefaceandthefireinhislargeblackeyes。Presentlytheyfeltitalso，foroneofthem，staringatthetemplesandpalacesofthewonderfulcitymadegloriousbythelightofthesettingsun，thatcityofwhichshehadheardsooften，touchedhisheadwiththefeathersofherfan。
Thereon，asthoughgladofanexcusetoexpresshisill-humour，Abisprangupandboxedherearssoheavilythatthepoorgirlfelltothedeck。
“Awkwardcat，“hecried，“dothatagainandyoushallbefloggeduntilyourrobestickstoyourback！“
“Pardon，mightyLord，“shesaid，beginningtoweep，“itwasanaccident；thewindcaughtmyfan。“
“Sotherodshallcatchyourskin，ifyouarenotmorecareful，Merytra。StopthatsnivellingandgosendKakutheAstrologerhere。
Go，both，Iwearyofthesightofyouruglyfaces。“
Thegirlrose，andwithherfellowslaveranswiftlytotheladderthatledtothewaistoftheship。
“Hecalledmeacat，“Merytrahissedthroughherwhiteteethtohercompanion。“Well，ifso，Sekhetthecat-headedismygodmother，andsheistheLadyofVengeance。“
“Yes，“answeredtheother，“andhesaidthatwewerebothugly——we，whomeverylordwhocomesneartheCourtadmiressomuch！Oh！Iwishaholycrocodilewouldeathim，blackpig！“
“Thenwhydon\'ttheybuyus？Abiwouldsellhisdaughters，muchmorehisfan-bearers——ataprice。“
“Becausetheyhopetogetusfornothing，mydear，andwhatismore，ifIcanmanageitoneofthemshall，forIamtiredofthislife。
Haveyourflingwhileyoucan，Isay。WhoknowsatwhichcornerOsiris，LordofDeath，iswaiting。“
“Hush！“whisperedMerytra，“thereisthatknaveofanastrologer，andhelookscross，too。“
Then，handinhand，theywenttothisleanandlearnedmanandhumblybowedthemselvesbeforehim。
“MasteroftheStars，“saidMerytra，“wehaveamessageforyou。No，donotlookatmycheek，please，themarksarenotmagical，onlythoseofthedivinefingersoftheglorioushandofthemostexaltedPrinceAbi，sonofthePharaohhappilyrulinginOsiris，etc。，etc。，etc。，oftheright，royalbloodofEgypt——thatisononeside，andontheotherofadivineladywhomKhemtheSpirit，orPtahtheCreator，thoughtfittodipinavatofblackdye。“
“Hem！“saidKakuglancingnervouslyoverhisshoulder。Then，seeingthattherewasnoonenear，headded，“youhadbetterbecarefulwhatyousay，mydear。TheroyalAbidoesnotliketohearthecolourofhislatemotherdefinedsoclosely。Butwhydidheslapyourface？“
Shetoldhim。
“Well，“heanswered，“ifIhadbeeninhisplaceIwouldratherhavekissedit，foritispretty，decidedlypretty，“andthislearnedmanforgothimselfsofarastowinkatMerytra。
“There，Sister，“saidthegirl，“Ialwaystoldyouthatroughshellshavesweetnutsinsideofthem。Thankyouforyourcompliment，Masteroflearning。Willyoutellusourfortunefornothing？“
“Yes，yes，“heanswered；“atleastthefeeIwantwillcostyounothing。Nowstopthisnonsense，“headded，anxiously，“Igatherthat/he/iscross。“
“Ineversawhimcrosser，Kaku。Iamgladitisyouwhoreadsthestars，notI。Listen！“
Ashespokeanangryroarreachedthemfromthehighdeckabove。
“Whereisthataccursedastrologer？“saidtheroar。
“There，whatdidItellyou？Oh！nevermindtherestofthepapers，goatonce。Yourrobeisfullofrollsasitis。“
“Yes，“answeredKakuasherantotheladder，“butthequestionis，howwillhelikewhatisintherolls？“
“Thegodsbewithyou！“criedoneofthegirlsafterhim，“youwillneedthemall。“
“Andifyougetbackalive，don\'tforgetyourpromiseaboutthefortunes，“saidtheother。
Aminutelaterthissearcheroftheheavens，atall，hook-nosedman，wasprostratinghimselfbeforeAbiinhispavilionontheupperdeck，solowthathisSyrian-shapedcapfellfromhisbaldhead。
“Whywereyousolongincoming？“askedAbi。
“Becauseyourslavescouldnotfindme，royalSonoftheSun。Iwasatworkinmycabin。“
“Indeed，IthoughtIheardthemgigglingwithyoudownthere。Whatdidyoucallme？RoyalSonoftheSun？ThatisPharaoh\'sname！Havethestarsshownyou——？“andhelookedathimeagerly。
“No，Prince，notexactlythat。Ididnotthinkitneedfultosearchthemonamatterwhichseemsestablished，moreorless。“
“Moreorless，“answeredAbigloomily。“Whatdoyoumeanbyyour\'moreorless\'？HereamIattheturning-pointofmyfortunes，notknowingwhetherIamtobePharaohoftheUpperandLowerLands，oronlythepettylordofacityandafewprovincesintheDelta，andyousatisfymyhungerforthetruthwithanemptydishof\'moreorless。\'Man，whatdoyoumean？“
“IfyourMajestywillbepleasedtotellhisservantexactlywhatyoudesiretoknow，perhapsImaybeabletoanswerthequestion，“repliedKakuhumbly。
“Majesty！Well，Idesiretoknowbywhatwarrantyoucallme\'Majesty，\'whoamonlyPrinceofMemphis。Didthestarsgiveittoyou？Haveyouobeyedmeandaskedthemofthefuture？“
“Certainly，certainly。HowcouldIdisobey？Iobservedthemalllastnight，andhavebeenworkingouttheresultstillthismoment；indeed，theyarenotyetfinished。QuestionandIwillanswer。“
“Youwillanswer，yes，butwhatwillyouanswer？Notthetruth，I
fancy，becauseyouareacoward，thoughifanyonecanreadthetruth，itisyou。Man，“headdedfiercely，“ifyoudaretolietomeIwillcutyourheadoffandtakeittoPharaohasatraitor\'s；andyourbodyshalllie，notinthatfinetombwhichyouhavemade，butinthebellyofacrocodilewhencethereisnoresurrection。Doyouunderstand？
Thenletuscometothepoint。Look，thesunsetstherebehindtheTombsofKings，wherethedepartedPharaohsofEgypttaketheirresttilltheDayofAwakening。Itisabadomenforme，Iknow，whowishedtoreachthiscityinthemorningwhenRawasintheHouseofLife，theEast，andnotintheHouseofDeath，theWest；butthataccursedwindsentbyTyphon，heldmebackandIcouldnot。Well，letusbeginattheendwhichmustcomeafterall。Tellme，youreaderoftheheavens，shallIsleepatlastinthatvalley？“
“Ithinkso，Prince；atleast，sosaysyourplanet。Look，yonder，itspringstolifeaboveyou，“andhepointedtoanorbthatappearedatthetopmostedgeoftheredglowofthesunset。
“Youarekeepingsomethingbackfromme，“saidAbi，searchingKaku\'sfacewithhisfierceeyes。“ShallIsleepinthetombofPharaoh，inmyowneverlastinghousethatIshallhavemadereadytoreceiveme？“
“SonofRa，Icannotsay，“answeredtheastrologer。“DivineOne，I
willbefrankwithyou。Thoughyoubewrath，yetwillItellyouthetruthasyoucommandme。AnevilinfluenceisatworkinyourHouseofLife。Anotherstarcrossesandre-crossesyourpath，andthoughforalongtimeyouseemtoswallowitup，yetatthelastiteclipsesyou——
itandonethatgoeswithit。“
“Whatstar？“askedAbihoarsely，“Pharaoh\'s？“
“Nay，Prince，thestarofAmen。“
“Amen！WhatAmen？“
“Amenthegod，Prince，themightyfatherofthegods。“
“Amenthegod，“repeatedAbiinanawedvoice。“Howcanamanfightagainstagod？“
“Sayratheragainsttwogods，forwiththestarofAmengoesthestarofHathor，QueenofLove。Notformanyperiodsofthousandsofyearshavetheybeentogether，butnowtheydrawneartoeachother，andsowillremainforallyourlife。Look，“andKakupointedtotheEasternhorizonwhereafaintrosyglowstilllingeredreflectedfromthewesternsky。
Astheywatchedthisglowmelted，andthereinthepureheavens，lyingjustwhereitmetthedistantland，seemingtorestupontheland，indeed，appearedabrightandbeautifulstar，andsoclosetoitthat，totheeye，theyalmosttouched，atwinstar。Forafewminutesonlyweretheyseen；thentheyvanishedbeneaththelineofthehorizon。
“ThemorningstarofAmen，andwithitthestarofHathor，“saidtheastrologer。
“Well，Fool，whatofit？“exclaimedAbi。“Theyarefarenoughfrommystar；moreover，itistheythatsink，notI，whoridehighereverymoment。“
“Aye，Prince，butinayeartocometheywillcertainlyeclipsethatstarofyours。Prince，AmenandHathorareagainstyou。Look，Iwillshowyoutheirjourneyingsonthisscrollandyoushallseewheretheyeatyouupyonder，yes，yonderovertheValleyofdeadKings，thoughtwentyyearsandmoremustgobyerethen，andtakethisforyourcomfort，duringthoseyearsyoushinealone，“andhebegantounfoldapapyrusroll。
Abisnatcheditfromhim，crumpleditupandthrewitinhisface。
“Youcheat！“hesaid。“Doyouthinktofrightenmewiththisnonsenseaboutstars？Hereismystar，“andhedrewtheshortswordathissideandshookitovertheheadofthetremblingKaku。“ThissharpbronzeisthestarIfollow，andbecarefullestitshouldeclipse/you/，youfatheroflies。“
“IhavetoldthetruthasIseeit，“answeredthepoorastrologerwithsomedignity，“butifyouwish，OPrince，thatinthefutureIshouldindeedprophesypleasantthingstoyou，why，itcanbedoneeasilyenough。Moreover，itseemstomethatthishoroscopeofyoursisnotsoevil，seeingthatitgivestoyouovertwentyyearsoflifeandpower，morebyfarthanmostmencanexpect——atyourage。Ifafterthatcometroublesandtheend，whatofit？“
“Thatisso，“repliedAbimollified。“Itwasmyill-temper，everythinghasgonecrossto-day。Well，agoldcup，myown，shallpaythepriceofit。Bearmenoill-will，Iprayyou，learnedscribe，andabovealltellmenofalsehoodasthemessageofthestarsyouserve。ItisthetruthIseek，thetruth。Ifonlyshemaybeseen，andclasped，Icarenothowill-favouredisherface。“
Rejoicingattheturnwhichthingshadtaken，andespeciallyatthepromiseofthepricelesscupwhichhehadlongcoveted，Kakubowedobsequiously。Hepickeduphiscrumpledrollandwasabouttoretirewhenthroughthegloomofthefallingnight，somemenmounteduponasseswereseenridingoverthemudflatsthatbordertheNileatthisspot，towardsthatbankwheretheshipwasmoored。
“Thecaptainofmyguard，“saidAbi，whosawthestarlightgleamuponabronzehelmet，“whobringsmePharaoh\'sanswer。Nay，gonot，bideandhearit，Kaku，andgiveusyourcounselonit，yourtruecounsel。“
Sotheastrologerstoodasideandwaited，tillpresentlythecaptainappearedsaluting。
“WhatsaysPharaoh，mybrother？“askedthePrince。
“Lord，hesaysthathewillreceiveyou，thoughashedidnotsendforyou，hethinksthatyoucanscarcelycomeuponanynecessaryerrand，ashehasheardlongagoofyourvictoryoverthedesert-dwellingbarbarians，anddoesnotwanttheofferingofthesaltedheadsoftheirofficerswhichyoubringtohim。“
“Good，“saidAbicontemptuously。“ThedivinePharaohwaseverawomaninsuchmatters，asinothers。Lethimbethankfulthathehasgeneralswhoknowhowtomakewarandtocutofftheheadsofhisenemiesindefenceofthekingdom。Wewillwaituponhimto-morrow。“
“Lord，“addedthecaptain，“thatisnotallPharaoh\'smessage。Hesaysthatithasbeenreportedtohimthatyouareaccompaniedbyaguardofthreehundredsoldiers。Thesesoldiersherefusestoallowwithinthegates。HedirectsthatyoushallappearbeforehisMajestyattendedbyfivepersonsonly。“
“Indeed，“answeredAbiwithascornfullaugh。“DoesPharaohfear，then，lestIshouldcapturehimandhisarmiesandthegreatcitywiththreehundredsoldiers？“
“No，Prince，“answeredthecaptainbluntly；“butIthinkhefearslestyoushouldkillhimanddeclareyourselfPharaohasnextinblood。“
“Ah！“saidAbi，“asnextofblood。ThenIsupposethattherearestillnochildrenattheCourt？“
“None，OPrince。IsawAhura，theroyalwife，theLadyoftheTwoLands，thatfairestofwomen，andotherlesserwivesandbeautifulslavegirlswithoutnumber，butneveraoneofthemhadaninfantonherbreastoratherknee。Pharaohremainschildless。“
“Ah！“saidAbiagain。Thenhewalkedforwardoutofthepavilionwhereofthecurtainsweredrawnback，andstoodawhileupontheprowofthevessel。
Bynownighthadfallen，andthegreatmoon，risingfromtheearthasitwere，pouredherfloodofsilverlightoverthedesert，themountains，thelimitlesscityofThebes，andthewideripplingbosomoftheNile。Thepylonsandobelisks，glitteringwithcopperandwithgold，toweredtothetendersky。Inthewindowplacesofpalacesandoftenthousandhomeslampsshonelikestars。Fromgardens，streetsandthecourtsoftemplesfloatedthefaintsoundofsingingandofmusic，whileonthegreatembattledwallsthewatchmencalledthehourfromposttopost。
Itwasawondrousscene，andtheheartofAbiswelledashegazeduponit。Whatwealthlayyonder，andwhatpower。Therewastheglorioushouseofhisbrother，Pharaoh，thegodinhumanformwhoforallhisgodshiphadneverachildtofollowafterhimwhenheascendedtoOsiris，ashewhowassicklyprobablymustdobeforesoverylong。
Yes，butbeforethenamiraclemighthappen；inthiswayorinthatasuccessortothethronemightbefoundandacknowledged，forwerenotPharaohandhisHousebelovedbyallthepriestsofAmen，andbythepeople，andwasnothe，Abi，fearedanddislikedbecausehewasfierce，andthehatedsavagebloodflowedinhisveins？Oh！whatevilgodhadputitinhisfather\'shearttogivehimaprincessoftheHyksosforamother，theHyksos，whomtheEgyptiansloathed，whenhehadthefairestwomenoftheworldfromwhomtochoose？Well，itwasdoneandcouldnotbeundone，thoughbecauseofithemightlosehisheritageofthegreatestthroneinalltheearth。AlsowasitnottothisfierceHyksosbloodthatheowedhisstrengthandvigour？
Whyshouldhewait？Whyshouldhenotsethisfortuneonacast？Hehadthreehundredsoldierswithhim，pickedmenandbrave，childrenoftheseaandthedesert，sworntohisHouseandinterests。Itwasatimeoffestival，thosegateswereill-guarded。Whyshouldhenotforcethematthedeadofnight，makehiswaytothepalace，causePharaohtobegatheredtohisfathers，andatthedawndiscoverhimselfseateduponPharaoh\'sthrone？AtthethoughtofitAbi\'sheartleaptinhisbreast，hiswidenostrilsspreadthemselves，andheerectedhisstrongheadasthoughalreadyhefeltuponittheweightofthedoublecrown。Thenheturnedandwalkedbacktothepavilion。
“Iammindedtostrikeablow，“hesaid。“Saynow，myofficer，wouldyouandthesoldiersfollowmeintotheheartofyondercityto-nighttowinathrone——oragrave？Ifitwerethefirst，youshouldbethegeneralofallmyarmy，andyou，astrologer，shouldbecomevizier，yes，afterPharaohyoutwoshouldbethegreatestmeninalltheland。“
Theylookedathimandgasped。
“Aventuresomedeed，Prince，“saidthecaptainatlength；“yetwithsuchaprizetowinIthinkthatIwoulddareit，thoughforthesoldiersIcannotspeak。Firsttheymustbetoldwhatisonfoot，andoutofsomany，howknowwethattheheartofoneormorewouldnotfail？Awordfromatraitorandbeforethistimeto-morrowtheembalmers，orthejackals，wouldbebusy。“
Abiheardandlookedfromhimtohiscompanion。
“Prince，“saidKaku，“putsuchthoughtsfromyou。Burythemdeep。Letthemrisenomore。IntheheavensIreadsomethingofthisbusiness，butthenIdidnotunderstand，butnowIseetheblackdepthsofhellopeningbeneathourfeet。Yes，hellwouldbeourhomeifwedaredtolifthandagainstthedivinepersonofthePharaoh。Isaythatthegodsthemselveswouldfightagainstus。Letitbe，Prince，letitbe，andyoushallhavemanyyearsofrule，who，ifyoustrikenow，willwinnothingbutacrownofshame，anamelessgrave，andtheeverlastingtormentofthedamned。“
AshespokeAbiconsideredtheman\'sfaceandsawthatallcrafthadleftit。Thiswasnocharlatanthatspoketohim，butoneinearnestwhobelievedwhathesaid。
“Sobeit，“heanswered。“Iacceptyourjudgment，andwillwaituponmyfortune。Moreover，youarebothright，thethingistoodangerous，andeviloftenfallsontheheadsofthosewhoshootarrowsatagod，especiallyiftheyhavenotenougharrows。LetPharaohliveonwhileI
makeready。Perhapsto-morrowImayworkuponhimtonamemehisheir。“
Theastrologersighedinrelief，nordidthecaptainseemdisappointed。
“Myheadfeelsfirmeronmyshouldersthanitdidjustnow，“hesaid:
“anddoubtlesstherearetimeswhenwisdomisbetterthanvalour。
Sleepwell，Prince；Pharaohwillreceiveyouto-morrowtwohoursaftersunrise。Haveweyourleavetoretire？“
“IfIwerewise，“saidAbi，fingeringthehiltofhisswordashespoke，“youwouldbothofyouretireforeverwhoknowallthesecretofmyheart，andwithawhispercouldbringdoomuponme。“
Nowthepairlookedateachotherwithfrightenedeyes，and，likehismaster，thecaptainbegantoplaywithhissword。
“Lifeissweettoallmen，Prince，“hesaidsignificantly，“andwehavenevergivenyoucausetodoubtus。“
“No，“answeredAbi，“haditbeenotherwiseIshouldhavestruckfirstandspokenafterwards。Onlyyoumustswearbytheoathwhichmaynotbebrokenthatinlifeordeathnowordofthisshallpassyourlips。“
Sotheyswore，bothofthem，bytheholynameofOsiris，thejudgeandtheredeemer。
“Captain，“saidAbi，“youhaveservedmewell。Yourpayisdoubled，andIconfirmthepromisethatImadetoyou——shouldIeverruleyonderyoushallbemygeneral。“
Whilethesoldierbowedhisthanks，theprincesaidtoKaku，“Masterofthestars，mygoldcupisyours。Isthereaughtelseofminethatyoudesire？“
“Thatslave，“answeredthelearnedman，“Merytra，whoseearsyouboxedjustnow——“
“HowdoyouknowthatIboxedherears？“askedAbiquickly。“Didthestarstellyouthatalso？Well，Iamtiredoftheslyhussy——takeher。
SoonIthinkshewillboxyours。“
ButwhenKakusoughtMerytratotellherthegladtidingsthatshewashis，hecouldnotfindher。
Merytrahaddisappeared。
CHAPTERII
THEPROMISEOFTHEGOD
ItwasmorningatThebes，andthegreatcityglowedintheraysofthenew-risensun。InaroyalbargesatAbitheprince，splendidlyapparelled，andwithhimKaku，hisastrologer，hiscaptainoftheguardandthreeotherofhisofficers，whileinasecondbargefollowedslaveswhoescortedtwochiefsandsomefairwomencapturedinwar，alsothechestsofsaltedheadsandhands，offeringstoPharaoh。
Thewhite-robedrowersbenttotheiroars，andtheswiftboatshotforwarduptheNilethroughadoublelineofshipsofwar，allofthemcrowdedwithsoldiers。AbilookedattheseshipswhichPharaohhadgatheredtheretomeethim，andthoughttohimselfthatKakuhadgivenwisecounselwhenheprayedhimtoattemptnorashdeed，foragainstsuchsurprisesclearlyPharaohwaswellprepared。Hethoughtitagainwhenonreachingthequayofcutstoneshesawfootandhorse-menmarshalledthereincompaniesandsquadrons，andonthewallsabovehundredsofothermen，allarmed，fornowhesawwhatwouldhavehappenedtohim，ifwithhislittledesperatebandhehadtriedtopiercethatironringofwatchingsoldiers。
Atthestepsgeneralsmethimintheirmailandpriestsintheirfullrobes，bowinganddoinghimhonour。Thusroyallyescorted，AbipassedthroughtheopengatesandthepylonsofthesplendidtemplededicatedtotheTrinityofThebes，“theHouseofAmenintheSouthernApt，“
wheregaybannersflutteredfromthepointedmasts，upthelongstreetborderedwithtallhousessetintheirgardens，tillhecametothepalacewall。Heremoreguardsrolledbackthebrazengateswhichinhisfollyofafewhoursgonehehadthoughtthathecouldforce，andthroughtheavenuesofbloomingtreeshewasledtothegreatpillaredhallofaudience。
Afterthebrightnesswithout，thathallseemedalmostdark，onlyarayofsunshineflowingfromanunshutteredspaceintheclerestoryabove，fellfullontheendofit，andrevealedthecrownedPharaohandhisqueenseatedinstateupontheirthronesofivoryandgold。Gatheredroundandabouthimalsowerescribesandcouncillorsandcaptains，andbeyondtheseotherqueensintheircarvedchairsandattended，eachofthem，bybeautifulwomenofthehouseholdintheirgaladress。
Moreover，behindthethrones，andatintervalsbetweenthecolumns，stoodthefamousNubianguardoftwohundredmen，theservantsofthebodyofPharaohastheywerecalled，eachofthemchosenforfaithfulnessandcourage。
ThecentreofallthismagnificencewasPharaoh，onhimthesunlightbeat，tohimeveryeyewasturned，andwherehisglancefellthereheadsbowedandkneeswerebent。Asmallthinmanofaboutfortyyearsofagewithapuckered，kindlyandanxiousface，andabrowthatseemedtosinkbeneaththeweightofthedoublecrownthat，saveforitsroyalsnake-crestofhollowgold，wasafterallbutoflinen，amanwiththin，nervoushandswhichplayedamongsttheembroideriesofhisgoldenrobe——suchwasPharaoh，themightiestmonarchintheworld，therulerwhommillionsthathadneverseenhimworshippedasagod。
Abi，theburlyframed，thick-lipped，dark-skinned，round-eyedAbi，bornofthesamefather，staredathimwithwonderment，foryearshadpassedsincelasttheymet，andinthepalacewhentheywerechildrenagulfhadbeensetbetweentheoffspringofaroyalmotherandthechildofaHyksosconcubinetakenintotheHouseholdforreasonsofstate。Inhisvigour，andthemightofhismanhood，hestaredatthisweakling，thesonofabrotherandasister，andthegrandsonofabrotherandasister。Yettherewassomethinginthatgentleeye，anessenceofinheritedroyalty，beforewhichhisrudenaturebowed。Thebodymightbecontemptible，butwithinitdwelttheproudspiritofthedescendantofahundredkings。
Abiadvancedtothestepsofthethroneandkneltthere，tillafteralittlepausePharaohstretchedoutthesceptreinhishandforhimtokiss。Thenhespokeinhislight，quickvoice。
“Welcome，Princeandmybrother，“hesaid。“Wequarrelledlongago，didwenot，andmanyyearshavepassedsincewemet，butTimehealsallwoundsand——welcome，sonofmyfather。Ineednotaskifyouarewell，“andheglancedenviouslyatthegreat-framedmanwhokneltbeforehim。
“HailtoyourdivineMajesty！“answeredAbiinhisdeepvoice。“Healthandstrengthbewithyou，HolderoftheScourgeofOsiris，WeareroftheFeathersofAmen，MortalcrownedwiththegloryofRa。“
“Ithankyou，Prince，“answeredPharaohgently，“andthathealthandstrengthIneed，whofearthatIshallonlyfindthemwhenIhaveyieldeduptheScourgeofOsiriswhereofyouspeaktohimwholentitme。Butenoughofmyself。Letustobusiness，afterwardswewilltalkofsuchmatterstogether。WhyhaveyouleftyourgovernmentatMemphiswithoutleaveasked，tovisitmehereinmyCityoftheGates？“
“Benotwrathwithme，“answeredAbihumbly。“Awhileago，inobediencetoyourdivinecommand，Iattackedthebarbarianswhothreatenedyourdominionsinthedesert。LikeMenthu，godofwar，I
felluponthem。Itookthembysurprise，Ismotethem，thousandsofthembitthedustbeforeme。TwooftheirkingsIcapturedwiththeirwomen——theywaitwithout，tobeslainbyyourMajesty。Ibringwithmetheheadsofahundredoftheircaptainsandthehandsoffivehundredoftheirsoldiers，inearnestofthetruthofmyword。Letthembespreadoutbeforeyou。IreporttoyourdivineMajestythatthosebarbariansarenomore，thatforageneration，atleast，Ihavemadethelandsafetoyouruttermostdominionsinthenorth。SufferthattheheadsandthehandsbebroughtinandcountedoutbeforeyourMajesty，thatthesmellofthemmayriselikeincensetoyourdivinenostrils。“
“No，no，“saidPharaoh，“myofficersshallcountthemwithout，forI
lovenotsuchsightsofdeath，andItakeyourwordforthenumber。
Whatpaymentdoyouaskforthisservice，mybrother，forwithgreatgiftswouldIrewardyou，whohavedonesowellformeandEgypt？“
BeforeheansweredAbilookedatthebeautifulqueen，Ahura，whosatatPharaoh\'sside，andattheotherroyalconsortsandwomen。
“YourMajesty，“hesaid，“Iseeheremanywivesandladies，butroyalchildrenIdonotsee。Grant——fordoubtlesstheyareintheirownchambers——grant，OPharaoh，thattheymaybeledhitherthatmyeyesmayfeedupontheirloveliness，andthatImaytellofthem，eachofthem，totheircousinswhoawaitmeatMemphis。“
AtthesewordsaflushasofshamespreaditselfoverthelovelyfaceofAhura，theroyalwife，theLadyoftheTwoLands；whilethewomenturnedtheirheadsawaywhisperingtoeachotherbitterly，fortheinsulthurtthem。OnlyPharaohsethispalefaceandansweredwithdignity。
“PrinceAbi，toaffrontthosewhomthegodshavesmitten，betheykingsorpeasants，isanunworthydeedwhichthegodswillnotforget。
YouknowwellthatIhavenochildren。Whythendoyouaskmetoshowyoutheirloveliness？“
“Ihadheardrumours，OPharaoh，“answeredthePrince，“nomore。
Indeed，Ididnotbelievethem，forwheretherearesomanywivesI
wascertainthattherewouldbesomemothers。ThereforeIaskedtobesurebeforeIprofferedapetitionwhichnowIwillmaketoyounotformyownsakebutforEgypt\'sandyours，OPharaoh。HaveIyourleavetospeakhereinpublic？“
“Speakon，“saidPharaohsternly。“LetaughtthatisforthewelfareofEgyptbeheardbyEgypt。“
“YourMajestyhastoldme，“repliedAbibowing，“thatthegods，beingwrath，havedeniedyouchildren。NotsomuchasonegirlofyourbloodhavetheygiventoyoutofillyourthroneafteryouwhenindueseasonitpleasesyoutodeparttoOsiris。Wereitotherwise，werethereevenbutasinglewoman-childofyourdivinerace，Iwouldsaynothing，Iwouldbesilentasthegrave。Butsoitis，andthoughyourqueensbefairandmany，soitwouldseemthatitmustremain，sincetheearsofthegodshavingbeendeaftoyourpleadingsforsolong，althoughyouhavebuiltthemglorioustemplesandmadethemofferingswithoutcount，willscarcelynowbeopened。EvenAmenyourfather，Amen，whosenameyoubear，willperformnomiracleforyou，OPharaoh，whoaresogreatthathehasdecreedthatyoushallshinealonelikethefullmoonatnight，notsharingyourglorywithasinglestar。“
NowAhuratheQueen，whoallthiswhilehadbeenlisteningintently，spokeforthefirsttimeinaquickangryvoice，saying，“Howknowyouthat，PrinceofMemphis？Sometimesthegodsrelentandthatwhichtheyhavewithheldforaspace，theygive。Mylordlives，andIlive，andachildofhismayyetfillthethroneofEgypt。“
“Itmaybeso，OQueen，“saidAbibowing，“andformypartIpraythatitwillbeso，forwhoamIthatIshouldknowthepurposeofthekingsofheaven？IfbutonegirlbebornofyouandPharaoh，thenI
takebackmywordsandgivetoyouthattitlewhichformanyyearshasbeenwrittenfalselyuponyourthronesandmonuments，thetitleofRoyalMother。“
NowAhurawouldhaveansweredagain，forthissneeringtauntstunghertothequick。ButPharaohlaidhishanduponherkneeandsaid，“Continue，Princeandbrother。Wehaveheardfromyouthatwhichwealreadyknowtoowell——thatIamchildless。Telluswhatwedonotknow，thedesireofyourheartwhichlieshidbeneathallthesewords。“
“Pharaoh，itisthis——Iamofyourholyblood，sprungofthesamedivinefather——“
“Butofamotherwhowasnotdivine，“brokeinAhura；“ofamothertakenfromaracethathasbroughtmanyacurseuponKhem，asanymirrorwillshowyou，PrinceofMemphis。“
“Pharaoh，“wentonAbiwithoutheedingher，“yougrowweak；heavendesiresyou，theearthmeltsbeneathyou。InthenorthandinthesouthmanydangersthreatenEgypt。Shouldyoudiesuddenlywithoutanheir，barbarianswillflowinfromthenorthandfromthesouth，andthegreatonesofthelandwillstruggleforyourplace。Pharaoh，Iamawarrior；Iambuiltstrong；mychildrenaremany；myhouseisbuiltuponarock；thearmytrustsme；themillionsofthepeopleloveme。
Takemethentorulewithyouandinthehearingofalltheearthnamemeandmysonsasyoursuccessors，sothatourroyalracemaycontinueforgenerationaftergeneration。Soshallyouendyourdaysinpeaceandhope。Ihavespoken。“
Now，asthemeaningofthisboldrequestsankintotheirhearts，allthecourttheregatheredgaspedandwhispered，whiletheQueenAhurainherangercrushedthelotusflowerwhichsheheldinherhandandcastittothefloor。OnlyPharaohsatstillandsilent，hisheadbentandhiseyesshutasthoughinprayer。Foraminuteormorehesatthus，andwhenheliftedhispale，pureface，therewasasmileuponit。
“Abi，mybrother，“hesaidinhisgentlevoice，“listentome。Therearethosewhofilledthisthronebeforeme，whoonhearingsuchwordswouldhavepointedtoyouwiththeirsceptres，whereon，Abi，thoselipsofyourswouldhavegrownstillforever，andyouandyournameandthenamesofallyourHousewouldhavebeenblottedoutbydeath。
But，Abi，youwereeverbold，andIforgiveyouforlayingopenthethoughtsofyourhearttome。Still，Abi，youhavenottoldusallofthem。Youhavenottoldus，forinstance，“hewentonslowly，andinthemidstofanintensesilence，“thatbutlastnightyoudebatedwhetheritwouldnotbepossiblewiththatguardofyourstobreakintomypalaceandputmetotheswordandnameyourselfPharaoh——byrightofblood，Abi；yes，byrightofblood——mybloodshedbyyou，mybrother。“
Asthesewordslefttheroyallipsatumultaroseinthehall，thewomenandthegreatofficerssprangup，thecaptainssteppedforwarddrawingtheirswordstoavengesohorribleasacrilege。ButPharaohwavedhissceptre，andtheywerestill，onlyAbicriedinagreatvoice。
“Whohasdaredtowhisperaliesomonstrous？“AndheglaredfirstatKakuandthenatthecaptainofhisguardwhostoodbehindhim，andchokedinwrath，orfear，orboth。
“Suspectnotyourofficers，Prince，“wentonthePharaoh，stillsmiling，“foronmyroyalwordtheyareinnocent。Yet，Abi，apavilionsetuponthedeckofashipisnogoodplacetoplotthedeathofkings。Pharaohhasmanyspies，also，attimes，thegods，towhomasyousayheissonear，whispertidingstohiminhissleep。Suspectnotyourofficers，Abi，althoughIthinkthattoyonderMasteroftheStarswhostandsbehindyou，Ishouldbegrateful，since，hadyouattemptedtoexecutethismadness，butforhimImighthavebeenforcedtokillyou，Abi，asonekillsasnakethatcreepsbeneathhismat。Astrologer，youshallhaveagiftfromme，foryouareawiseman。Itmaytaketheplace，perhaps，ofonethatyouhavelost；wasitnotacertainwomanslavewhomyourmastergavetoyoulastnight——
afterhehadpunishedherfornofault？“
KakuprostratedhimselfbeforethegloryofPharaoh，understandingatlastthatitwasthelostgirlMerytrawhohadoverheardandbetrayedthem。Butheedinghimnomore，hisMajestywenton。
“Abi，Princeandbrother，Iforgiveyouadeedthatyoupurposedbutdidnotattempt。Maythegodsandthespiritsofourfathersforgiveyoualso，iftheywill。Nowastoyourdemand。Youaremyonlylivingbrother，andthereforeIwillweighit。Perchance，ifIshoulddiewithoutissue，althoughyouarenotallroyal，althoughthereflowsinyourveinsabloodthatEgypthates；althoughyoucouldplotthemurderofyourlordandking，itmaybewellthatwhenIamgoneyoushouldfillmyplace，foryouarebraveandoftheancientraceononeside，ifbase-bornontheother。ButIamnotyetdead，andchildrenmaystillcometome。Abi，willyoubeaprisoneruntilOsiriscallsme，orwillyouswearanoath？“
“Iwillswearanoath，“answeredthePrincehoarsely，forheknewhisshameanddanger。
“Thenkneelhere，andbythedreadfulNameswearthatyouwillliftnohandandplotnoplotagainstme。Swearthatifachild，maleorfemale，shouldbegiventome，youwillservesuchachildtrulyasyourlordandlawfulPharaoh。Inthepresenceofallthiscompany，swear，knowingthatifyoubreaktheoathinletterorinspirit，thenallthegodsofEgyptshallpourtheircurseuponyourheadinlife，andindeathshallgiveyouovertotheeverlastingtormentsofthedamned。“
So，havinglittlechoice，AbisworebytheNameandkissedthesceptreintokenofhisoath。
Itwasnight。Darkandsolemnwastheinnermostshrineofthevasttemple，the“HouseofAmenintheNorthernApt，“whichwecallKarnak，theveryholyofholieswhere，fashionedofstone，andwiththefeatheredcrownuponhishead，stoodthestatueofAmen-ra，fatherofthegods。Here，wherenonebutthehigh-priestandtheroyaltiesofEgyptmightenter，PharaohandhiswifeAhura，wrappedinbrowncloakslikecommonfolk，kneltatthefeetofthegodandprayed。Withtearsandsupplicationsdidtheypraythatachildmightbegiventothem。
Thereinthesacredplace，litonlybyasinglelampwhichburnedfromagetoage，theytoldthestoryoftheirgrief，whilsthighabovethemthecold，calmcountenanceofthegodseemedtostarethroughthegloom，asforathousandyears，injoyorsorrow，ithadstaredatthosethatwentbeforethem。TheytoldofthemockingwordsofAbiwhohaddemandedtoseetheirchildren，thechildrenthatwerenot；theytoldoftheirterrorofthepeoplewhodemandedthatanheirshouldbedeclared；theytoldofthedoomthatthreatenedtheirancienthouse，whichfromPharaohtoPharaoh，allofoneblood，forgenerationshadworshippedinthisplace。Theypromisedgiftsandofferings，statelytemplesandwidelands，ifonlytheirdesiremightbefulfilled。
“Letmenomorebemadeamockamongmen，“criedthebeautifulqueen，beatingherforeheaduponthestonefeetofthegod。“LetmebearachildtofilltheseatofmylordtheKing，andthenifthouwilt，takemylifeinpayment。“
Butthegodmadenoanswer，andweariedoutatlengththeyroseanddeparted。Atthedoorofthesanctuarytheyfoundthehigh-priestawaitingthem，awizened，agedman。
“Thegodgavenosign，OHigh-priest，“saidPharaohsadly；“novoicespoketous。“
Theoldpriestlookedattheweepingqueen，andalightofpitycreptintohiseyes。
“Tome，watchingwithout，“hesaid，“avoiceseemedtospeak，thoughwhatitsaidImaynotreveal。Gotoyourpalacenow，OPharaoh，andO
QueenAhura，andtakeyourrestsidebyside。Ithinkthatinyoursleepasignwillcometoyou，forAmenispitiful，andloveshischildrenwholovehim。AccordingtothatsignsospeaktothePrinceAbi，speakwithoutfearordoubt，sinceforgoodorillitshallbefulfilled。“
Thenlikeshadows，handinhand，thisroyalpairglideddownthevast，pillaredhallstillatthepylongates，whichwereopenedforthem，theyfoundtheirlitters，andwerebornealongthegreatavenueofram-headedsphinxesbacktoasecretdoorinthepalacewall。
Itwaspastmidnight。DeepdarknessandheavysilencelayuponThebes，brokenonlybydogshowlingatthestarsandtheoccasionalchallengeofsoldiersonthewalls。SidebysideintheirgoldenbedtheweariedPharaohandhisqueensleptheavily。PresentlyAhurawoke。Shestartedupinthebed；shestaredatthedarknessaboutherwithfrightenedeyes；shestretchedoutherhandandclaspingPharaohbythearm，whisperedinathrillingvoice，“Awake，awake！IhavethatwhichImusttellyou。“
Pharaohrousedhimself，fortherewassomethinginAhura\'svoicewhichsweptawaytheveilsofsleep。
“Whathaschanced，Ahura？“heasked。
“OPharaoh，Ihavedreamedadream，ifindeeditwerebutadream。Itseemedtomethatthedarknessopened，andthatstandinginthedarknessIsawaGlorywhichhadneithershapenorform。YetavoicespokefromtheGlory，alow，sweetvoice:\'QueenAhura，mydaughter，\'
itsaid，\'IamthatSpirittowhomthouandthyhusbanddidpraythisnightinthesanctuaryofmytemple。Itseemedtobothofyouthatyourprayersremainedunheard，yetitwasnotso，asmypriestknewwell。QueenAhura，thouandPharaohthyhusbandhaveputyourtrustinmethesemanyyears，andnotinvain。AdaughtershallbegiventotheeandPharaoh，andmySpiritshallbeinthatchild。Sheshallbebeautifulandgloriousasnowomanwasbeforeher，forIclotheherwithhealthandpowerandwisdom。SheshallruleovertheNorthernandtheSouthernLands；yea，formanyyearsthedoublecrownshallrestuponherbrow，andnokingthatwentbeforeher，andnokingthatfollowsafterher，shallbemoregreatinEgypt。Troublesanddangersshallthreatenher，buttheSpiritthatIgivetohershallprotectherinthemall，andsheshalltreadherenemybeneathherfeet。A
royallovershallcometoheralso，andsheshallrejoiceinhisloveandfromitshallspringmanykingsandprinces。Neter-Tua，MorningStar，shallbehername，andhigh-priestessofAmen——noless——shallbeheroffice，forsheismychildwhomIhavetakenfromheavenandsentdowntoearth；thechildthatIhavegiventoPharaohandtothee，andIloveherandappointthegoodgoddessestobehercompanions，andcommandOsiristoreceiveheratthelast。
“\'Behold，intokenofthesethingsIlaymysymbolonthybreast，andonherbreastalsoshallthatsymbolbe。WhenIliftitfromtheeandthoudostopenthyeyes，thenawakenPharaohatthysideandletthesemywordsbewritteninaroll，sothatnoneofthemareforgotten。\'
“Then，OPharaoh，“wentonAhura，“fromtheGlorytherecameforthahand，andinthehandwastheSymbolofLifeshiningasthoughwithfire，andthehandlaidituponmybreastanditburnedmeasthoughwithfire，andIawokeandlo！darknesswasallaboutme，nothingbutdarkness，andatmysideIheardyousleeping。“
NowwhenPharaohhadlistenedtothisdream，hekissedthequeenandblessedherbecauseofitsgoodomen，andclappedhishandstosummonthewomenofhonourwhosleptwithout。Theyraninbearinglights，andbythelightshesawthatbeneaththethroatoftheQueenuponherfairskin，appearedaredmark，andtheshapeofitwastheshapeoftheSignofLife；yes，therewastheloop，andbeneaththeloopthecross。
ThenPharaohcommandedthatthechiefofhisscribesshouldcometohimwithpapyrusandwritingtools，andthatthehigh-priestofAmenshouldbebroughtswiftlyfromthetemple。Sothescribecametothebed-chamberoftheKing，andinthepresenceofthehigh-priestallthewordsofAmenwerewrittendown，notoneofthemwasomitted，andPharaohandtheQueensignedtheroll，andthehigh-priestwitnesseditand，copieshavingbeenmade，boreitawaytohideitinthesecrettreasuryofAmen。ButthemarkoftheCrossofLiferemaineduponthebreastoftheQueenAhuratillthedaythatshedied。
NowinthemorningPharaohsummonedhisCourtandcommandedthatthePrinceAbishouldbebroughtbeforehim。SothePrincecameandPharaohaddressedhimkindly。
“Sonofmyfather，“hesaid，“IhaveconsideredyourrequestthatI
shouldtakeyoutorulewithmeonthethroneofEgypt，andnameyouandyoursonstobePharaohsafterme，anditisrefused。Knowthatithasbeenrevealedtomeandtotheroyalwife，Ahura，bythegreatestofthegods，thatadaughtershallbeborntousindueseason，whoshallbecalledMorningStarofAmen，andthatsheandherseedshallbePharaohsafterme。Thereforerejoicewithusandreturntoyourgovernment，PrinceAbi，andbehappyinourlove，andinthegoodsandgreatnessthatthegodshavegivenyou。“
NowAbishookwithanger，forhethoughtthatallthistalewasatrickandasnare。ButknowingthathisperilwasgreatthereinthehandofPharaoh，heansweredonlythatwhenthisMorningStararose，hisstarshoulddoitreverence，thoughasthewordspassedhislipsherememberedtheprophecyofhisastrologerKaku，thattheMorningStarofAmenshouldblotoutthatstarofhis。
“YouthinkthatIspeakfalsely，PrinceAbi，yes，thatIstainmylipswithlies，“saidPharaohwithindignation。“Well，Iforgiveyouthisalso。Gohenceandawaittheissueandknowbythissignthattruthisinmyheart。WhenthePrincessNeter-Tuaisborn，uponherbreastshallbeseenthesymboloftheSignofLife。Departnow，lestIgrowangry。ThegiftsIhavepromisedshallfollowyoutoMemphis。“
SoAbireturnedtothewhite-walledcityofMemphisandsattheresullenly，puttingitaboutthataplotwasonfoottodeprivehimofhisheritage。ButKakushookhishead，sayinginsecretthattheStar，Neter-Tua，wouldarise，forsoitwasdecreedbyAmen，fatherofthegods。
CHAPTERIII
RAMES，THEPRINCESS，ANDTHECROCODILE
AttheappointedtimetoAhura，theroyalwife，wasbornachild，agirlwithafreshandlovelyfaceandwavinghairandeyesthatfromthefirstwerebluelikethesummerskyateven。Alsoonherbreastwasamoleofthelengthofafingernail，whichmolewasshapedliketheholySignofLife。
NowPharaohandhishouseandthepriestsineverytemple，andindeedallEgyptwentmadwithjoy，thoughthereweremanywhoinsecretmournedoverthesexoftheinfant，whisperingthatamanandnotawomanshouldweartheDoubleCrown。Butinpublictheysaidnothing，sincethestoryofthischildhadgoneabroadandfolkdeclaredthatitwassentbythegods，anddivine，andthatthegoddesses，Isis，Nepthys，andHathor，withKhemu，theMakerofMankind，wereseeninthebirthchamber，glowinglikegold。
AlsoPharaohissuedadecreethatwhereverthenameoftheQueenAhurawasgraveninalltheland，toitshouldbeaddedthetitle“BythewillofAmen，MotherofhisMorningStar，“andthatanewhallshouldbebuiltinthetempleofAmenintheNorthernApt，andallaboutitcarvedthestoryofthecomingofPrinceAbiandofthevisionoftheQueen。
ButAhuraneverlivedtoseethisgloriousplace，sincefromthehourofherdaughter\'sbirthshebegantosink。Onthefourteenthday，thedayofpurification，shebadethenursebringthebeautifulbabe，andgazedatitlongandblessedit，andspokewiththeKaorDoubleofthechild，whichshesaidshesawlyingonherarmbesideit，biddingthatKaprotectitwellthroughthedangersoflifeanddeathuntilthehourofresurrection。ThenshesaidthatsheheardAmencallingtohertopaythepricewhichshehadpromisedforthegiftofthedivinechild，thepriceofherownlife，andsmileduponPharaohherhusband，anddiedhappilywitharadiantface。
Nowjoywasturnedtomourning，andduringallthedaysofembalmingEgyptweptforAhurauntil，atlength，thetimecamewhenherbodywasrowedacrosstheNiletothesplendidtombwhichshehadmadereadyintheValleyoftheQueens，causingmasonsandartiststolabouratitwithoutcease。ForAhuraknewfromthedayofhervisionthatshewasdoomedtodie，andrememberedthatthetombsofthedeadremainasthelivehandsleavethem，sincefewwastegoldandtoilupontheeternalhouseofonewhoisdead。
SoAhurawasburiedwithgreatpompandallherjewels，andPharaoh，whomournedhertruly，madesplendidofferingsinthechapelofhertomb，andhavinglaidinthemouthofitthefuneralboatinwhichshewasborneacrosstheNile，hebuiltitupforever，andpouredsandovertherock，sothatnoneshouldfinditsplaceuntiltheDayofAwakening。
Meanwhile，theinfantgrewandflourished，andwhenitwassixmonthsold，wastakentothecollegeofthepriestessesofAmen，theretoberearedandtaught。
NowonthedayofthebirthofthePrincessNeter-Tua，therehappenedanotherbirthwithwhichourstoryhastodo。ThecaptainoftheguardofthetempleofAmenwasoneMermes，whohadmarriedhisownhalf-
sister，Asti，theenchantress。Aswaswellknown，thisMermeswasbyrightandtruedescentthelastofthathouseofPharaohswhichhadfilledthethroneofEgyptuntiltheirlinewascastdowngenerationsbeforebythedynastythatnowruledtheland，whereofthereigningPharaohandhisdaughterNeter-Tuaaloneremained。Alongwhilepast，intheearlydaysofhisreign，hiscouncilhaswhisperedinPharaoh\'searthatheshouldkillMermesandhissister，lestadayshouldcomewhentheyrebelledagainsthim，proclaimingthattheydidsobyrightofblood。ButPharaoh，whowasgentleandhatedmurder，insteadofslayingMermessentforhimandtoldhimall。
ThenMermes，anoble-lookingmanasbecamethestockfromwhichhesprang，prostratedhimselfandsaid，“OPharaoh，whyshouldyoukillme？IthaspleasedthegodstodebasemyHouseandtosetupyours。HaveIeverliftedupmyheelagainstyoubecausemyforefatherswerekings，orplottedwiththediscontenttooverthrowyou！See，Iamsatisfiedwithmystation，whichisthatofanobleandasoldierinyourarmy。Thereforeletmeandmyhalf-
sister，thewiseladyAstiwhomIpurposetomarry，dwelloninpeaceasyourtrueandhumbleservants。Dipnotyourhandsinourinnocentblood，OPharaoh，lestthegodssendacurseuponyouandyourHouseandourghostscomebackfromthegravetohauntyou。“
WhenPharaohheardthesewords，hisheartwasmovedinhim，andhestretchedouthissceptreforMermestokiss，therebygrantingtohimlifeandprotection。
“Mermes，“hesaid，“youareanhonourableman，andmyequalinbloodifnotinplace。Fortheirownpurposesthegodsraiseuponeandcastdownanotherthatatlasttheirendsmaybefulfilled。Ibelievethatyouwillworknoharmagainstmeandmine，and，therefore，IwillworknoharmagainstyouandyoursisterAsti，MistressofMagic。Rathershallyoubemyfriendandcounsellor。“
ThenPharaohofferedhighrankandofficetohim，butMermeswouldnottakethem，answeringthatifhedid，envywouldbestirredupagainsthim，andinthiswayorthatbringhimtohisdeath，sincetalltreesarethefirsttofall。SointheendPharaohmadeMermesCaptainoftheGuardofAmen，andgavehimlandandhousesenoughtoenablehimtoliveasanobleofgoodestate，butnomore。AlsohebecameafriendofPharaohandoneofhisinnerCouncil，towhosevoicehealwayslistened，forMermeswasatrue-heartedman。
AfterwardsMermesmarriedAsti，butlikePharaohforalongwhileheremainedchildless，sincehetooknootherwives。OnthedayofthebirthofthePrincessTua，theMorningStarofAmen，however，Astiboreason，aroyal-lookingchildofgreatstrengthandbeautyandveryfairincolour，astraditionsaidthatthekingsofhisracehadbeenbeforehim，butwithblackandshiningeyes。
“See，“saidthemidwife，“hereisaheadshapedtowearacrown。“
WhereonAsti，hismother，forgettinghercautioninherjoy，orperhapsinspiredbythegods，forfromherchildhoodshewasaprophetess，answered，“Yes，andIthinkthatthisheadandacrownwillcomeclosetogether，“andshekissedhimandnamedhimRamesafterherroyalforefather，thefounderoftheirline。
AsitchancedaspyoverheardthissayingandreportedittotheCouncil，andtheCouncilurgedPharaohtocausetheboytobeputaway，astheyhadurgedinthecaseofhisfather，Mermes，becauseofthewordsofomenthatAstihadspoken，andbecauseshehadgivenhersonaroyalname，naminghimafterthemajestyofRa，asthoughhewereindeedthechildofaking。ButPharaohwouldnot，askingwithhissoftsmilewhethertheywishedhimtobaptisehisdaughterinthebloodofanotherinfantwhodrewhisfirstbreathuponthesameday，andadding:
“Rashedshisgloryuponall，andthishigh-bornboymaylivetobeafriendinneedtoherwhomAmenhasgiventoEgypt。Letthingsbefallasthegodsdecree。WhoamIthatIshouldmakemyselfagodanddestroyalifethattheyhavefashioned？“
SotheboyRameslivedandthrove，andMermesandAsti，whentheycametohearofthesethings，thankedPharaohandblessedhim。
NowthehouseofMermes，asCaptainoftheGuard，waswithinthewallofthegreattempleofAmen，neartothepalaceofthepriestessesofAmenwherethePrincessNeter-Tuawasnurtured。ThusitcameaboutthatwhentheQueenAhuradied，theladyAstiwasnamedasnursetothePrincess，sincePharaohsaidthatsheshoulddrinknomilksavethatofoneinwhoseveinsranroyalblood。SoAstiwasTua\'sfostermother，andnightbynightshesleptinherarmstogetherwithherownson，Rames。Afterwards，too，whentheywereweanedthebabesweretaughttowalkandspeaktogether，andlater，aschildren，theybecameplaymates。
Thusfromthefirstthesetwolovedeachother，asbrotherandsisterlovewhentheyaretwins。Butalthoughtheboywasboldandbrave，thislittleprincessalwayshadthemasteryofhim，notbecauseshewasaprincessandheirtothethroneofEgypt——forallthehightitlestheygaveherfellidlyonherears，nordidshethinkanythingofthebowingsofcourtiersandofpriests——butfromsomestrengthwithinherself。Sheitwasthatsetthegamestheyplayed，andwhenshetalkedhewasobligedtolisten，foralthoughshewassosoundandhealthy，thisTuadifferedfromotherchildren。
Thusshehadwhatshecalledher“silenthours“whenshewouldsuffernoonetocomenearher，notherladiesorherfoster-mother，Astiherself，norevenRames。Then，followedbythewomenatadistance，shewouldwanderamongthegreatcolumnsofthetempleandstudythesculpturesonthewalls；and，sinceallplaceswereopentoher，Pharaoh\'schild，enterthesanctuaries，andstareatthegodsthatsatinthemfashionedingraniteandinalabaster。Thisshewoulddoeveninthesolemnmoonlightwhenmortalswereafraidtoapproachthesesacredshrines，andcomethenceunconcernedandsmiling。
“Whatdoyouseethere，OMorningStar？“askedlittleRamesofheronce。“Theyaredullthings，thosestonegodsthathavenevermovedsincethebeginningoftheworld；alsotheyfrightenme，especiallywhenRaisset。“
“Theyarenotdull，andtheydonotfrightenme，“answeredTua；“theytalktome，andalthoughIcannotunderstandalltheysay，Iamhappywiththem。“
“Talk！“hesaidcontemptuously，“howcanstonestalk？“
“Idonotknow。Ithinkitistheirspiritsthattalk，tellingmestorieswhichhappenedbeforeIwasbornandthatshallhappenafterI
amdead，yes，andafter/they/seemtobedead。Nowbesilent——Isaythattheytalktome——itisenough。“
“Formeitwouldbemorethanenough，“saidtheboy，“butthenIamnotcalledChildofAmen，whoonlyworshipMenthu，GodofWar。“
WhenRameswassevenyearsofage，everymorninghewastakentoschoolinthetemple，wheretheprieststaughthimtowritewithpensofreedupontabletsofwood，andtoldhimmoreaboutthegodsofEgyptthanheeverwantedtohearagain。Duringthesehours，exceptwhenshewasbeinginstructedbythegreatladiesoftheCourt，orbyhigh-priestesses，Tuawasleftsolitary，sincebythecommandofPharaohnootherchildrenwereallowedtoplaywithher，perhapsbecausetherewerenoneinthetempleofheragewhosebirthwasnoble。
OncewhenhecamebackfromhisschoolintheeveningRamesaskedherifshehadnotbeenlonelywithouthim。Sheanswered，No，asshehadanothercompanion。
“Whoisit？“heaskedjealously。“ShowmeandIwillfighthim。“
“Noonethatyoucansee，Rames，“shereplied。“OnlymyownKa。“
“YourKa！IhaveheardofKas，butIneversawone。Whatisitlike？“
“Justlikeme，exceptthatitthrowsnoshadow，andonlycomeswhenI
amquitebymyself，andthen，althoughIhearitoften，Iseeitrarely，foritismixedupwiththelight。“
“Idon\'tbelieveinKas，“exclaimedRamesscornfully，“youmakethemupoutofyourhead。“
AlittlewhileafterthistalksomethinghappenedthatcausedRamestochangehismindaboutKas，oratanyratetheKaofTua。Inahiddencourtofthetemplewasadeeppoolofwaterwithcementedsides，where，itwassaid，livedasacredcrocodile，anenormousbeastthathaddweltthereforhundredsofyears。RamesandTuahavingheardofthiscrocodile，oftentalkedofitandlongedtoseeit，butcouldnotfortherewasahighwallroundthetank，andinitadoorofcopperthatwaskeptlocked，exceptwhenonceineveryeightdaystheprieststookinfoodtothecrocodile——livinggoatsandsheep，andsometimesacalf，noneofwhichevercamebackagain。
NowonedayRameswatchingthemreturn，sawthepriest，whowascalledGuardianoftheDoor，puthishandbehindhimtothrustthekeywithwhichhehadjustlockedthedoor，intohiswallet，andmissingthemouthofthewallet，letitfalluponthesand，thengouponhiswayknowingnothingofwhathehaddone。
Whenhehadgoneinagreathurry，forhewasafatoldpriestandthedinnerhourwasathand，Ramespounceduponthekeyandhiditinhisrobe。Thenhesoughtouttheprincessandsaid，“MorningStar，thisevening，whenIcomebackfromschoolandamallowedtoplaywithyou，wecanlookatthewonderfulbeastinthetank，forlook，Ihavethekeywhichthatfatpriestwillnotsearchfortillsevendaysaregoneby，beforewhichIcantakeittohim，sayingthatIfounditinthesand，orperhapsputitbackintohiswallet。“
WhensheheardthisTua\'seyesshone，sinceaboveallthingsshedesiredtoseethisholymonster。Butintheeveningwhentheboycamerunningtohereagerly——forhehadthoughtofnothingbutthecrocodileallday，andhadboughtapigeonfromaschool-fellowwithwhichtofeedthebrute——hefoundTuainadifferentmood。
“Idon\'tthinkthatwewillgotoseetheholycrocodile，Rames，“shesaid，lookingathimthoughtfully。
“Whynot？“heaskedamazed。“Thereisnooneabout，andIhaveputfatuponthekeysothatitwillmakenonoise。“
“BecausemyKahasbeenwithme，Rames，andtoldmethatitisabadactandifwedotroublewillcometous。“
“Oh！maythefiendSettakeyourKa，“repliedtheladinarage。“ShowittomeandIwilltalkwithit。“
“Icannot，Rames，foritis/me/。Moreover，ifSettookit，hewouldtakemealso，andyouarewickedtowishsuchathing。“
Nowtheboybegantocrywithvexation，sobbingoutthatshewasnottobetrusted，andthathehadpaidawayhisbronzeknife，whichPharaohhadgivenhimwhenlasthevisitedthetemple，forapigeontotemptthebeasttothetopofthewater，sothattheymightseeit，althoughtheknifewasworthmanypigeons，andPharaohwouldbeangryifheheardthathehadpartedwithit。
“Whyshouldwetakethelifeofapoorpigeontopleaseourselves？“
askedTua，softeningalittleatthesightofhisgrief。
“It\'stakenalready，“heanswered。“ItflutteredsothatIhadtositonittohideitfromthepriest，andwhenhehadgoneitwasdead。
Look，“andheopenedthelinenbagheheld，andshowedherthedovecoldandstiff。
“Asyoudidnotmeantokillit，thatmakesadifference，“saidTuajudicially。“Well，perhapsmyKadidnotmeanthatweshouldnothaveonepeep，anditisapitytowastethepoorpigeon，whichthenwillhavediedfornothing。“
Ramesagreedthatitwouldbethegreatestofpities，sothetwochildrenslippedawaythroughthetreesofthegardenintotheshadowofthewall，alongwhichtheycrepttilltheycametothebronzedoor。
ThenguiltilyenoughRamesputthegreatkeyintothelock，andwiththehelpofapieceofwoodwhichhehadalsomadeready，thathesetintheringofthekeytoactasalever，thetwoofthemturningtogethershotbacktheheavybolts。
Takingoutthekeylestitshouldbetraythem，theyopenedthedooralittleandsqueezedthemselvesthroughintotheforbiddenplace。Nosoonerhadtheydonesothanalmosttheywishedthemselvesbackagain，fortherewassomethingaboutthespotthatfrightenedthem，tosaynothingofthehorriblesmellwhichmadeTuafeelill。Itwasagreattank，withalittleartificialislandinitscentre，fullofslimywaterthatlookedalmostblackbecauseoftheshadowofthehighwalls，androunditrananarrowstonepath。Atonespotinthispath，however，wheregrewsomedank-lookingtreesandbushes，wasaslope，alsoofstone，andontheslopewithitsprowrestinginthewateralittleboat，andintheboat，oars。Butofthecrocodiletherewasnothingtobeseen。
“Itisasleepsomewhere，“whisperedTua，“letusgoaway，Idonotlikethisstench。“
“Stench，“answeredRames。“Ismellnothingexcepttheliliesonthewater。Letuswakeitup，itwouldbesillytogonow。Surelyyouarenotafraid，OStar。“
“Oh，no！Iamnotafraid，“answeredTuaproudly。“Onlywakeitupquickly，please。“
WhatRamesdidnotaddwasthatitwouldbeimpossibletoretreatasthedoorhadclosedbehindthem，andtherewasnokeyholeonitsinnerside。
Sotheywalkedroundthetank，butwhereveritmightlurk，thesleepingcrocodilerefusedtowake。
“Letusgetintotheboatandlookforit，“suggestedRames。“Perhapsitishidingontheisland。“
Soheledhertothestoneslope，wheretoherhorrorTuasawtheremainsofthecrocodile\'slastmeal，asightthatcausedhertoforgetherdoubtsandjumpintotheboatveryquickly。ThenRamesgaveitapushandspranginafterher，sothattheyfoundthemselvesfloatingonthewater。Now，standinginthebow，theboytookanoarandpaddledroundtheisland，butstilltherewerenosignsofthecrocodile。
“Idon\'tbelieveitishereatall，“hesaid，recoveringhiscourage。
“Youmighttrythepigeon，“suggestedTua，who，nowthattherewaslesssmell，felthercuriosityreturning。