"It seems from all I hear that there are too many descendants of kings
in Egypt. When I visit that land which perhaps soon I must do with an
army at my back," here he stared at me coldly, "it may be well to
lessen their number. There is a certain Peroa for instance."

He paused, but I made no answer, since Peroa was my father's cousin
and of the fallen Royal House; also the protector of my youth.

"Well, Shabaka," he went on, "in Persia royal blood is common also,
though some of us think it looks best when it is shed. What else are
you?"

"A slayer of royal beasts, O King of kings, a hunter of lions and of
elephants," (this statement interested me, Allan Quatermain,
intensely, showing me as it did that our tastes are very persistent);
"also when I am at home, a breeder of cattle and a grower of grain."

"Good trades, all of them, Shabaka. But why came you here?"

"Idernes the satrap of Egypt, servant of the King of kings, sought for
one who would travel to the East because the King of kings desired to
hear of the hunting of lions in the lands that lie to the south of
Egypt towards the beginnings of the great river. Then I, who desired
to see new countries, said, 'Here am I. Send me.' So I came and for
three moons have dwelt in the royal city, but till this hour have
scarcely so much as seen the face of the great King, although by many
messengers I have announced my presence, showing them the letters of
Idernes giving me safe-conduct. Therefore I propose to-morrow or the
next day to return to Egypt."