as a prisoner. I do not know why, but I think because things are
passing in Egypt of which we know nothing and the King did not desire
that I should see the Prince Peroa and give him news that I might have
gathered. Mayhap we have been outwitted, Bes, and the business of the
lady Amada is but a pretext to pick a quarrel suddenly before Peroa
can strike the first blow."

"Perhaps, Master, for these Easterns are very crafty. But, Master,
what happens to those who make a false use of the King's ancient,
sacred signet? I think they have cut the ropes which tie them to
earth," and he looked upwards to the sky rolling his yellow eyes.

"They must find new ropes, Bes, and quickly, before they are caught.
Hearken. You have sat upon a throne and I can speak out to you. Think
you that my cousin, the Prince Peroa, loves to be the servant of this
distant, Eastern king, he who by right is Pharaoh of Egypt? Peroa must
strike or lose his niece and perchance his life. Forward, that we may
warn him."

"And if he will not strike, Master, knowing the King's might and being
somewhat slow to move?"

"Then, Bes, I think that you and I had best go hunting far away in
those lands you know, where even the Great King cannot follow us."

"And where, if only I can find a woman who does not make me ill to
look on, and whom I do not make ill, I too can once more be a king,
Master, and the lord of many thousand brave armed men. I must speak of
that matter to the holy Tanofir."