Now we understand that, being a magician, you only vanished thence." "What bear you there ?" asked Asti, glancing at the litters.
"Bring forth the prisoners," said the High-Priest.
Then the curtains were drawn, and the soldiers lifted from the litters Abi, Kaku, and Merytra, who were bound with cords, and stood them on their feet before the Queen.
"These are the very murderers of Pharaoh, my Father, who would have also brought me to shame.

Why are my eyes affronted with the sight of them ?" asked Tua indignantly.
"Because the Messenger of the Gods, clothed as a Beggar-man, commanded it, your Majesty," answered the High-Priest.

"Now we understand that they are brought hither to be judged for the murder of Pharaoh, the good god who was your father." "Shall a wife sit in judgment on her husband ?" broke in Abi.
"Man," said Tua, "I never was your wife.

How can I have been your wife, who have not seen you since the death of Pharaoh?
Listen, now, all of you, to the tale of that marvel which has come to pass.

At my birth--you, O High-Priest, should know it well--Amen gave to me a Ka, a Self within myself, to protect me in all dangers.