widow; "now, more than ever, we must cling to my principle of over-
estimating the strength of our opponents, and underrating our own.
Nothing has succeeded on which I had counted, and on the contrary many
things have justified my fears that they would fail. The beginning of
the end is hardly dawning on us."

"But successes, like misfortunes, never come singly," replied Katuti.

"I agree with you," said Ani. "The events of life seem to me to fall in
groups. Every misfortune brings its fellow with it--like every piece of
luck. Can you tell me of a second success?"

"Women win no battles," said the widow smiling. "But they win allies, and
I have gained a powerful one."

"A God or an army?" asked Ani.

"Something between the two," she replied. "Paaker, the king's chief
pioneer, has joined us;" and she briefly related to Ani the history of
her nephew's love and hatred.

Ani listened in silence; then he said with an expression of much disquiet
and anxiety:

"This man is a follower of Rameses, and must shortly return to him. Many
may guess at our projects, but every additional person who knows them may
be come a traitor. You are urging me, forcing me, forward too soon. A
thousand well-prepared enemies are less dangerous than one untrustworthy
ally--"