"Flesh and blood must bow to death." A sickly smile spread itself over Kaku's thin face as he answered: "A saying worthy of your wisdom, Prince.

Certainly the experience of mankind is that flesh and blood must bow to death.

Yes, yes, flesh and blood!" "Cease grinning at me, you ape of the rocks," hissed the enraged Abi, "or I will prove as much on your mocking throat," and snatching out his sword he threatened him with it, adding: "Now tell me what you mean, or----" "Prince," ejaculated Kaku, falling to his knees, "I may not, I cannot.
Spare me, it is a secret of the gods." "Then get you gone to the gods, you lying cur, and talk it over with them," answered Abi, lifting the sword, "for at least she will not blame me if I send you there." "Mercy, mercy!" gasped Kaku, sprawling on the ground, while his lord held the sword above his bald head, thinking that he would choose speech rather than death.
It was at this moment, while the astrologer's fate trembled in the balance, that a sound of voices reached their ears, and above them the ring of a light, clear laugh which they knew well.

Forgetting his purpose, Abi stepped to the window-place, and looked through the opening of the shutters.

Presently he turned, beckoning to Kaku, and whispered: "Come and look; there is always time for you to die." The Vizier heard, and, creeping on his hands and knees to the window-place, raised himself and peeped through the shutter.