agus,
one for yours, and one for that of your wife, Merytra. For she says
that after the old fashion she purposes to honour both of you with these
gifts."

At these words Kaku could no longer control himself, but began to walk
up and down the room, muttering and snatching at his beard.

"How can you suffer it?" he said at length, "You who were a great
prince, to become a woman's slave, to be made as dirt beneath her feet,
to be held up to the mockery of those you rule, to see your wives and
household driven away from you, to be tormented, to be mocked, to look
on other men favoured before your eyes, to be threatened with early
death. Oh! how can you suffer it? Why do you not kill her, and make an
end?"

"Because," answered Abi, "because I dare not, since if I dreamed of
such a thing she would guess my thought and kill _me_. Fool, do you not
remember the fall of the eternal obelisks upon my captains, and what
befell that man who mocked her, calling her Bastard, and sought refuge
among the priests? No, I dare not lift a finger against her."

"Then, Prince, you must carry your yoke until it wears through to the
marrow, which will be when that sepulchre is ready."

"Not so," answered Abi, shivering, "for I have another plan; it is of
it that I am come to speak with you. Friend Kaku, _you_ must kill her.
Listen: you are a master of spells. The magic which prevailed against
the father will overcome the daughter also. You have but to make a waxen
image or two and breathe strength into them, and the thing is done, and
then--think of the reward."

"Indeed I am thinking, most noble Prince," replied the astrologer with
sarcasm. "Shall I tell you of that reward? It would be my death by slow
torture. Moreover, it is impossible, for if you would know the truth,
she cannot be killed."

"What do you mean, Fool?" asked Abi angrily. "Flesh and blood must bow
to death."

A sickly smile spread itself over Kaku's thin face as he answered:

"A saying worthy of your wisdom, Prince. Certainly the experience of
mankind is that flesh and blood must bow to death. Yes, yes, flesh and
blood!"

"Cease grinning at me, you ape of the rocks," hissed the enraged Abi,
"or I will prove as much on your mocking throat," and snatching out his
sword he threatened him with it, adding: "Now tell me what you mean,
or----"

"Prince," ejaculated Kaku, falling to his knees, "I may not, I cannot.
Spare me, it is a secret of the gods."

"Then get you