You are old friends, are you not, Merytra ?" "Very," answered that lady with emphasis, "like the cat and the bird which were pets of the same master.

Well, we shall have much to say to each other.

Only, beware, Husband, Asti is no weakling.

Your magic may be strong, but hers is stronger, for she is a great priestess and draws it from gods--not devils." So it came about that at dawn Prince Abi, clad in magnificent robes, and accompanied by Councillors, among them Kaku, and by a small guard, was carried in a litter to the gates of the old temple of Sekhet, being too heavy to walk so far, and there descended.

As there were none to defend them these gates were opened easily enough, and they passed through, leaving the guard without.