At Thebes, whither we depart to-morrow, he shall be judged according to our law." Now Mermes blew a shrill call on the silver whistle that hung about his neck, and, springing forward, seized the Prince by the arm.

Abi drew his sword to cut him down, and at the sight of the blade, all who were with him rushed to the door to escape, sweeping before them certain of Pharaoh's ladies, among them the waiting-woman, Merytra.

But before ever they could pass it, the guards who had heard the signal of Mermes, ran in with lifted spears, driving them back again.

Leaping upon Abi, they tore the sword from his hand, and threw him to the ground, huddling the rest together like frightened sheep.
"Bind this traitor and keep him safe, for to-morrow he accompanies us to Thebes," said Pharaoh.
"What of his sons, and those with him, your Majesty ?" asked the officer of the guard.
"Let them go," answered Pharaoh wearily, "for they have not sinned against us.

Let them go, and take warning from their master's fate." Now, as it chanced in the confusion, Merytra had been pushed against Kaku.
"Hearken," whispered the astrologer into the woman's ear.