"Explain that thou hadst learned what they proposed doing with Pentaur at Chennu, and that thy word indeed was kept, but that a criminal could not be left unpunished.

They will make further enquiries, and if Assa's grandson is found still living thou wilt be justified.

Follow my advice, if thou wilt prove thyself a good steward of thy house, and master of its inheritance." "It will not do," said the Regent.

"I need Ameni's support--not for to-day and to-morrow only.

I will not become his blind tool; but he must believe that I am." The old woman shrugged her shoulders, rose, went into her cave, and brought out a phial.
"Take this," she said.