And though they only spoke softly, in that awful silence their voices reached Tua on the throne, and for the first time her face changed, for on it came a cold, curious smile.
Kaku began to whisper into Abi's ear, and there was fear in the eyes of both of them.

He pointed with his finger at two stars, which of a sudden shone out through the green haze above the sunset glow, and then turned and looked at the Queen, urging his master eagerly.

At last Abi spoke.
"Ra is set," he said.

"Come, let us make an end of all this folly." "Not yet," answered Tua quietly, "not yet awhile." As she said the words, of a sudden, as though at a given signal, all the long lines of palm trees that grew in the rich gardens upon the river banks were seen to bow themselves towards the east, as though they did obeisance to the Queen upon her throne.

Thrice they bowed thus, without a wind, and then were straight and still once more.