statue in the ante-hall and waited till presently a tall figure, also
wrapped in a dark cloak, appeared and beckoned to her. She followed it
down sundry passages and up a narrow stair that seemed almost endless,
until, at length, the figure unlocked a massive door, and when they had
passed it, locked it again behind them.

Now Merytra found herself in a very richly furnished room lit by
hanging-lamps, that evidently was the abode of one who watched the
stars and practised magic, for all about were strange-looking brazen
instruments and rolls of papyrus covered with mysterious signs, and
suspended above the table a splendid divining ball of crystal. Merytra
sank into a chair, throwing off her dark cloak.

"Of a truth, friend Kaku," she said, so soon as she had got her breath,
"you dwell very near the gods."

"Yes, dear Merytra," he answered with a dry chuckle, "I keep a kind of
half-way house to heaven. Perched here in my solitude I see and make
note of what goes on above," and he pointed to the skies, "and retail
the information, or as much of it as I think fit, to the groundlings
below."

"At a price, I suppose, Kaku."

"Most certainly at a price, and I may add, a good price. No one thinks
much of the physician who charges low fees. Well, you have managed to
get here, and after all these years I am glad to see you again, looking
almost as young and pretty as ever. Tell me your secret of eternal
youth, dear Merytra."