THE RED NILE On the morrow of this night I found the Prince alone for a little while, and put him in mind of certain ancient manuscripts that he wished to read, which could only be consulted at Thebes where I might copy them; also of others that were said to be for sale there.

He answered that they could wait, but I replied that the latter might find some other purchaser if I did not go at once.
"You are over fond of long journeys upon my business, Ana," he said.
Then he considered me curiously for a while, and since he could read my mind, as indeed I could his, saw that I knew all, and added in a gentle voice: "You should have done as I told you, and spoken first.

If so, who knows----" "You do, Prince," I answered, "you and another." "Go, and the gods be with you, friend, but stay not too long copying those rolls, which any scribe can do.

I think there is trouble at hand in Egypt, and I shall need you at my side.

Another who holds you dear will need you also." "I thank my lord and that other," I said, bowing, and went.
Moreover, while I was making some humble provision for my journey, I found that this was needless, since a slave came to tell me that the Prince's barge was waiting to sail with the wind.