They stared at each other. Then, as I had done by the gate Seti rubbed
his eyes, and said:

"Surely this is Ki. Why, then, did you look otherwise just now?"

"The gods can change the fashion of their messenger a thousand times in
a flash, if so they will, O Prince."

Now Seti's anger passed, and turned to laughter.

"Ki, Ki," he said, "you should keep these tricks for Court. But, since
you are in the mood, what salutation have you for this lady by my side?"

Ki considered her, till she who ever feared and hated him shrank before
his gaze.

"Crown of Hathor, I greet you. Beloved of Isis, shine on perfect in the
sky, shedding light and wisdom ere you set."

Now this saying puzzled me. Indeed, I did not fully understand it until
Bakenkhonsu reminded me that Merapi's name was Moon of Israel, that
Hathor, goddess of love, is crowned with the moon in all her statues,
that Isis is the queen of mysteries and wisdom, and that Ki who thought
Merapi perfect in love and beauty, also the greatest of all sorceresses,
was likening her to these.

"Yes," I answered, "but what did he mean when he talked about her
setting?"

"Does not the moon always set, and is it not sometimes eclipsed?" he
asked shortly.

"So does the sun," I answered.

"True; so does the sun! You are growing wise, very wise indeed, friend
Ana. Oho--ho!"

To return: When Seti heard these words, he laughed again, and said:

"I must think that saying over, but it is clear that you have a pretty
turn for praise. Is it not so, Merapi, Crown of Hathor, and Holder of
the wisdom of Isis?"

But Merapi, who, I think, understood more than either of us, turned
pale, and shrank further away, but outwards into the sunshine.

"Well, Ki," went on Seti, "finish your greetings. What for the babe?"

Ki considered it also.

"Now that it is no longer in the shadow, I see that this shoot from the
royal root of Pharaoh grows so fast and tall that my eyes cannot reach
its crest. He is too high and great for greetings, Prince."

Then Merapi uttered a little cry, and bore the child away.

"She is afraid of magicians and their dark sayings," said Seti, looking
after her with a troubled smile.

"That she should not be, Prince, seeing that she is the mistress of all
our tribe."

"The lady Merapi a magician? Well, after a fashion, yes--where the
hearts of men are concerned, do you not think so, Ana? But be more
plain, Ki. It is still early, and I love riddles best at nig