"Why were you so long in coming?" asked Abi.

"Because your slaves could not find me, royal Son of the Sun. I was at
work in my cabin."

"Indeed, I thought I heard them giggling with you down there. What did
you call me? Royal Son of the Sun? That is Pharaoh's name! Have the
stars shown you----?" and he looked at him eagerly.

"No, Prince, not exactly that. I did not think it needful to search them
on a matter which seems established, more or less."

"More or less," answered Abi gloomily. "What do you mean by your 'more
or less'? Here am I at the turning-point of my fortunes, not knowing
whether I am to be Pharaoh of the Upper and Lower Lands, or only the
petty lord of a city and a few provinces in the Delta, and you satisfy
my hunger for the truth with an empty dish of 'more or less.' Man, what
do you mean?"

"If your Majesty will be pleased to tell his servant exactly what you
desire to know, perhaps I may be able to answer the question," replied
Kaku humbly.

"Majesty! Well, I desire to know by what warrant you call me 'Majesty,'
who am only Prince of Memphis. Did the stars give it to you? Have you
obeyed me and asked them of the future?"

"Certainly, certainly. How could I disobey? I observed them all last
night, and have been working out the results till this moment; indeed,