You and your companion--how is she named ?" "Neferte," answered Asti promptly.
"Neferte, ah! Certainly that was not the name which the spirit used, though it is true that other name began with the same sound, or so I think.

Well, you and your companion, Neferte, escaped from those wicked pirates, and managed to bring certain things with you, for instance, that beautiful harp, wreathed with the royal _uraei_, and--but what is in that second basket ?" "Pearls," broke in Tua quickly.
"And a large basket of pearls.

Might I see them?
Oh! do not be afraid, I shall not rob those whose food I have eaten, it is against the custom of the desert." "Certainly," answered Tua.

"I never thought that you would rob us, for if you were of the tribe of thieves, surely you would be richer, and less hungry than you seem.

I only thought that you were almost blind, Father Kepher, and therefore could not know the difference between a pearl and a pebble." "My feeling still remains to me, Daughter Neferte," he answered with a little smile.
Then Tua gave him the basket.