sent word to him to wait, and requested her friend to accompany her to
her son.

As they approached the apartments occupied by Caesarion, Antyllus's loud
voice reached them through the open door, whose curtain was only half
drawn. The first word which the Queen distinguished was her own name;
so, motioning to her companion, she stood still. Barine was again the
subject of conversation.

Antony's son was relating what Alexas had told him. Cleopatra, the
Syrian had asserted, intended to send the young beauty to the mines or
into exile, and severely punish Dion; but both had made their escape.
The Ephebi had behaved treacherously by taking sides with their foe.
But this was because they were not yet invested with their robes.
He hoped to induce his father to do this as soon as he shook off his
pitiable misanthropy. And he must also be persuaded to direct the
pursuit of the fugitives. "This will not be difficult," he cried
insolently, "for the old man appreciates beauty, and has himself cast
an eye on the singer. If they capture her, I'll guarantee nothing, you
'King of kings!' for, spite of his grey beard, he can cut us all out with
the women, and Barine--as we have heard--doesn't think a man of much
importance until his locks begin to grow thin. I gave Derketaeus orders
to send all his men in pursuit. He's as cunning as a fox, and the police
are compelled to obey him."

"If I were not forced to lie here like a dead donkey, I would soon find
her," sighed Caesarion. "Night or day, she is never out of my mind.
I have already spent everything I possessed in the search. Yesterday I
sent for the steward Seleukus. What is the use of being my mother's son,
and the fat little fellow isn't specially scrupulous! He will do