She is a greater magician than you are, Kaku, and if she could have had her way Pharaoh would never have set foot in Memphis.

But I got your letter and over-persuaded him, the poor fool.

You see he thinks me faithful to his House, and that is why I am allowed to be here to-night, to collect information." "Ah! Well, what Asti knows the Queen will know, and she is stronger than Pharaoh, and notwithstanding all Abi's ships and soldiers, may break away from Memphis and make war upon him.

So it comes to this--Pharaoh must stay here, for his daughter will not desert him." "How will you make him stay here, Kaku?
Not by----" and she glanced towards the shrouded crystal.
"Nay, no blood if it can be helped.

He must not even seem to be a prisoner, it is too dangerous.