The rogue was just telling me how his father, the Egyptians do that when their wives leave the children too much alone--had hidden his mother's shoes, and I was laughing heartily, because my Baner won't let any of the little ones live with me, she always says I spoil them, and so I was glad she should have the trick played her--when all of a sudden there was such a loud knocking at the house-door, that I thought there must be a fire and let the child drop off my lap.

Down the stairs I ran, three steps at a time, as fast as my long legs would carry me, and unbarred the door.

Before I had time to ask them what they wanted, a whole crowd of temple-servants and policemen--there must have been at least fifteen of them--forced their way into the house.

Pichi,--you know, that impudent fellow from the temple of Neith,--pushed me back, barred the door inside and told the police to put me in fetters if I refused to obey him.

Of course I got angry and did not use very civil words to them--you know that's my way when I'm put out--and what does that bit of a fellow do--by our god Thoth, the protector of knowledge who must know all, I'm speaking the truth--but order them to bind my hands, forbid me--me, old Hib--to speak, and then tell me that he had been told by the high-priest to order me five-and-twenty strokes, if I refused to do his bidding.