What can he want with me?
I always thought he owed me a grudge." Gagabu and Ameni glanced meaningly at each other, and the high-priest then hastened away, as already he had remained too long away from the banquet.

Before he got into his chariot he commanded the guard to return to their posts, and took it upon himself to inform the Regent that his guest would remain in his tent till the festival was over; the soldiers unhesitatingly obeyed him.
Ameni arrived at the palace before them, and entered the banqueting-hall just as Ani was assigning a place to each of his guests.

The high-priest went straight up to him, and said, as he bowed before him: "Pardon my long delay, but I was detained by a great surprise.

The poet Pentaur is living--as you know.

I have invited him to remain in my tent as my guest, and to tend the prophet Gagabu." The Regent turned pale, he remained speechless and looked at Ameni with a cold ghastly smile; but he soon recovered himself.
"You see," he said, "how you have injured me by your unworthy suspicions; I meant to have restored your favorite to you myself to-morrow." "Forgive me, then, for having anticipated your plan," said Ameni, taking his seat near the king.