For the rest, during all this period Abi had kept quiet in his own
Government, which he ruled well and strongly, remitting his taxes to
Thebes at the proper time with a ceremonial letter of homage, and even
increasing the amount of them.

So it came about that Pharaoh, who by nature was kindly and
unsuspicious, had long ago put away all mistrust of his brother, whose
ambitions, he was sure, had come to an end with the birth of an heiress
to the throne.

Yet, when escorted only by five hundred of his guard, for this was
a peaceful visit, Pharaoh rode into the mighty city and saw how
impregnable were its walls and how strong its gates; saw also that the
streets were lined with thousands of well-armed troops, doubts which he
dismissed as unworthy, did creep into his heart. But if he said nothing
of them, Tua, who rode in the chariot with him, was not so silent.

"My father," she said in a low voice while the crowds shouted their
welcome, for they were alone in the chariot, the horses of which were
led, "this uncle of mine keeps a great state in Memphis."

"Yes, Daughter, why should he not? He is its governor."

"A stranger who did not know the truth might think he was its king,
my father, and to be plain, if I were Pharaoh, and had chosen to enter
here, it would have been with a larger force."

"We can go away when we like, Tua," said Pharaoh uneasily.

"You mean, my father, that we can go away when it pleases the Prince