"What of his sons, and those with him, your Majesty?" asked the officer
of the guard.

"Let them go," answered Pharaoh wearily, "for they have not sinned
against us. Let them go, and take warning from their master's fate."

Now, as it chanced in the confusion, Merytra had been pushed against
Kaku.

"Hearken," whispered the astrologer into the woman's ear. "Do as I bid
you last night, and all will yet be well. Do it or die. Do you hear me?"

"I hear, and I will obey," answered Merytra in the same low voice.

Then they were separated, for the guards took Kaku by the arm and thrust
him out of the temple together with the sons of Abi.

An hour later Mermes and Asti stood before Pharaoh, and prayed him that
he would depart from Memphis that very night, saying that such was the
counsel also of the Queen and of his officers. But Pharaoh was tired
out, and would not listen.

"To-morrow, when I have slept, will be time enough," he answered.
"Moreover, shall I fly from my own city like a thief when naught is
ready for our journey? Why do you press me to such a coward's act?" he
added peevishly.

"For this reason, your Majesty," answered Mermes. "We are sure there is
a plot to keep you here. This afternoon you could not have gone, had you
tried, but to-night, Abi, being a prisoner, his people are dismayed, and