Here is a pretty tangle, Shabaka, and rather would I be without all that gold and those priceless pearls than have the task of its unravelling." Before I could answer and explain all the truth to her, the curtain was swung aside and through it came a messenger from the Prince Peroa, who bade me come to eat with him at once at the palace, since he must see me this night.
So my mother having set the rope of rose-hued pearls in a double chain about my neck, I kissed her and went, with Bes who was also bidden.
Outside a chariot was waiting into which we entered.
"Now, Master," said Bes to me as we drove to the palace, "I almost wish that we were back in another chariot hunting lions in the East." "Why ?" I asked.
"Because then, although we had much to fear, there was no woman in the story.

Now the woman has entered it and I think that our real troubles are about to begin.

Oh! to-morrow I go to seek counsel of the holy Tanofir." "And I come with you," I answered, "for I think it will be needed.".