Then your father died, my sole stay and protector." "I know it all!" interrupted Paaker looking gloomily at the floor.
"Who should have told you ?" said the widow.

"For your mother, when that had happened which seemed incredible, forbid us her house, and shut her ears.

The king himself urged Mena's suit, for he loves him as his own son, and when I represented your prior claim he commanded;--and who may resist the commands of the sovereign of two worlds, the Son of Ra?
Kings have short memories; how often did your father hazard his life for him, how many wounds had he received in his service.

For your father's sake he might have spared you such an affront, and such pain." "And have I myself served him, or not ?" asked the pioneer flushing darkly.
"He knows you less," returned Katuti apologetically.

Then she changed her tone to one of sympathy, and went on: "How was it that you, young as you were, aroused his dissatisfaction, his dislike, nay his--" "His what ?" asked the pioneer, trembling with excitement.
"Let that pass!" said the widow soothingly.