refund him double. Begone now and see to the matter."

So Pambasa went, casting a piteous look at me out of the corner of his
eye.

"Tell me," said Seti when he was gone, "you who must be wise in your
fashion, why does a Court always breed thieves?"

"I suppose for the same reason, O Prince, that a dog's back breeds
fleas. Fleas must live, and there is the dog."

"True," he answered, "and these palace fleas are not paid enough. If
ever I have power I will see to it. They shall be fewer but better fed.
Now, Ana, be seated. I know you though you do not know me, and already I
have learned to love you through your writings. Tell me of yourself."

So I told him all my simple tale, to which he listened without a word,
and then asked me why I had come to see him. I replied that it was
because he had sent for me, which he had forgotten; also because I
brought him a story that I had dared to dedicate to him. Then I laid the
roll before him on the table.

"I am honoured," he said in a pleased voice, "I am greatly honoured.
If I like it well, your story shall go to the tomb with me for my Ka
to read and re-read until the day of resurrection, though first I will
study it in the flesh. Do you know this city of Tanis, Ana?"

I answered that I knew little of it, who had spent my time here haunting
the doors of his Highness.