ring? Well, let us to our business, for we have time upon our
hands, and cannot live upon pearls and costly stuffs."

So it happened that Neter-Tua, Star of Amen, Queen of Egypt, and Asti
her Nurse, the Mistress of Magic, became merchants in the town of Tat.

This was the manner of their trade. For one hour in the morning, and one
in the afternoon, Asti, heavily veiled, and a woman of the servants whom
they had found in the house, would sit on stools amidst the goods and
traffic with all comers, selling to those who would buy, and taking
payment in gold dust or other articles of value, or buying from those
who would sell. Then when the hour drew towards its close Tua would
sweep her harp behind the screen that hid her and begin to sing, whereon
all would cease from their chaffering and listen, for never before had
they heard so sweet a voice. Indeed, at these times the broad street
in front of their house was packed with people, for the fame of this
singing of hers went through the city and far into the country that
lay beyond. Then the traffic came to an end, with her song, and leaving
their goods in charge of the servants, Tua and Asti departed to the back
rooms of the house, and ate their meals or wandered in the large, walled
garden that lay behind.

Thus the weeks went on and soon, although they sold few of the pearls,
and those the smallest, for of the larger gems they said little or
nothing, they began to grow rich, and to hoard up such a weight of gold
in dust and nuggets, and so many precious things, that they scarcely
knew what they should do with them. Still Tat seemed to be a peaceful
city, or at the least none tried to rob or molest them, perhaps because
a rumour was abroad that these strangers who had come out of the Unknown
were under the protection of some god.

There was nothing to show how or why this rumour had arisen in the city,
but on account of it, if for no other reason, these pearl-merchants,
as they were called, suffered no wrong, and although they were only
undefended women, whatever credit they might give, the debt was always
paid. Also their servants, to whom they added as they had means, were
all faithful to them. So there they remained and traded, keeping their
secrets and awaiting the appointed hour of escape, but never venturing
to leave the shelter of their own walls.

Now, as it happened, when they came thither the King of Tat was away
making war upon another king whose country