Is he not ?" "As you say." "Katuti's daughter Nefert is the wife of your master Mena, and another would like to tempt the neglected little hen into his yard." "You mean Paaker, to whom Nefert was promised before she went after Mena." "Paaker was with me the day before yesterday." "With you ?" "Yes, with me, with old Hekt--to buy a love philter.

I gave him one, and as I was curious I went after him, saw him give the water to the little lady, and found out her name." "And Nefert drank the magic drink ?" asked the dwarf horrified.

"Vinegar and turnip juice," laughed the old witch.

"A lord who comes to me to win a wife is ripe for any thing.

Let Nefert ask Paaker for the money, and the young scapegrace's debts are paid." "Katuti is proud, and repulsed me severely when I proposed this." "Then she must sue to Paaker herself for the money.