She insisted on going back to the palace, so, as she would fly to the fire like a gnat, and I would not have her risk being burnt, I tied her up fast." "Did she not struggle ?" said Hekt.
"Like a mad thing," said the dwarf.

"But the Regent's dumb slave, who was ordered by his master to obey me in everything to-day, helped me.

We tied up her mouth that she might not be heard screaming!" "Will you leave her alone when you go to do your errand ?" "Her father is with her!" "Kaschta, the red-beard ?" asked the old woman in surprise.

"And did he not break you in pieces like an earthenware pot ?" "He will not stir," said Nemu laughing.

"For when I found him, I made him so drunk with Ani's old wine that he lies there like a mummy.