"And if the king should get timely information as to what is happening
here?" said Katuti.

"I said so!" exclaimed Ani; "we are exchanging parts."

"You are mistaken," said Katuti. "I also am for pressing forwards; but
I would remind you of a necessary precaution. No letters but yours must
reach the camp for the next few weeks."

"Once more you and the priests are of one mind," said Ani laughing;
'for Ameni gave me the same counsel. Whatever letters are sent across
the frontier between Pelusium and the Red Sea will be detained. Only my
letters--in which I complain of the piratical sons of the desert who fall
upon the messengers--will reach the king."

"That is wise," said the widow; "let the seaports of the Red Sea be
watched too, and the public writers. When you are king, you can
distinguish those who are affected for or against you."

Ani shook his head and replied:

"That would put me in a difficult position; for it I were to punish those
who are now faithful to their king, and exalt the others, I should have
to govern with unfaithful servants, and turn away the faithful ones. You
need not color, my kind friend, for we are kin, and my concerns are
yours."

Katuti took the hand he offered her and said:

"It is so. And I ask no further reward than to see my father's house