"And many dogs are the death of the gazelle," said Nemu laughing.

"But Rameses is not a gazelle to run, but a lion," said the old woman
gravely. "You are playing a high game."

"We know it," answered Nemu. But it is for high stakes--there is much to
win."

"And all to lose," muttered the old woman, passing her fingers round her
scraggy neck. "Well, do as you please--it is all the same to me who it
is sends the young to be killed, and drives the old folks' cattle from
the field. What do they want with me?"

"No one has sent me," answered the dwarf. I come of my own free fancy to
ask you what Katuti must do to save her son and her house from dishonor."

"Hm!" hummed the witch, looking at Nemu while she raised herself on her
stick. "What has come to you that you take the fate of these great
people to heart as if it were your own?"

The dwarf reddened, and answered hesitatingly, "Katuti is a good
mistress, and, if things go well with her, there may be windfalls for you
and me."

Hekt shook her head doubtfully.

"A loaf for you perhaps, and a crumb for me!" she said. "There is more
than that in your mind, and I can read your heart as if you were a ripped
up raven. You are one of those who can never keep their fingers at rest,
and must knead everybody's dough; must push, and drive and stir