"I come here to refuge from Amon, and from his servant Pharaoh, whom Amon drives on to ruin.

I know well that, if you will it, you can whisper in the ear of the Prince and presently he will put me forth.

Only then----" and he looked over her head to where the nurse stood rocking the sleeping child.
"Then what, Magician ?" Giving no answer, he turned to me.
"Learned Ana, to you remember meeting me at Tanis one night ?" I shook my head, though I guessed well enough what night he meant.
"Your memory weakens, learned Ana, or rather is confused, for we met often, did we not ?" Then he stared at the staff in his hand.

I stared also, because I could not help it, and saw, or thought I saw, the dead wood begin to swell and curve.

This was enough for me and I said hastily: "If you mean the night of the Coronation, I do recall----" "Ah! I thought you would.