So they swore, both of them, by the holy name of Osiris, the judge and
the redeemer.

"Captain," said Abi, "you have served me well. Your pay is doubled, and
I confirm the promise that I made to you--should I ever rule yonder you
shall be my general."

While the soldier bowed his thanks, the prince said to Kaku,

"Master of the stars, my gold cup is yours. Is there aught else of mine
that you desire?"

"That slave," answered the learned man, "Merytra, whose ears you boxed
just now----"

"How do you know that I boxed her ears?" asked Abi quickly. "Did the
stars tell you that also? Well, I am tired of the sly hussy--take her.
Soon I think she will box yours."

But when Kaku sought Merytra to tell her the glad tidings that she was
his, he could not find her.

Merytra had disappeared.



CHAPTER II

THE PROMISE OF THE GOD