But now you are rested, so let us come to business, for otherwise you will have to stop here all night and Pharaoh would be angry." "Oh, to Set with Pharaoh! Though it is true that he is a good paymaster, and knows the value of a clever woman.

Now, what is this business ?" The old astrologer's face grew hard and cunning.

Going to the door he made sure that it was locked and drew a curtain over it.

Then he took a stool and sat himself down in front of Merytra, in such a position that the light fell on her face while his own remained in shadow.
"A big business, Merytra, and by the gods I do not know that I should trust you with it.

You tricked me once, you have tricked Pharaoh for years; how do I know that you will not play the same game once more and earn me an order to cut my own throat, and so lose life and soul together ?" "If you think that, Kaku, perhaps you will unlock the door and give me an escort home, for we are only wasting time." "I don't know what to think, for you are as cunning as you are beautiful.