“No one knows of it,” replied the dwarf, “but Katuti, Paaker, and I; we three shall lay the brands to the spots we have fixed upon.  I am going to the rooms of Bent-Anat; Katuti, who can go in and out as she pleases, will set fire to the stairs, which lead to the upper story, and which fall by touching a spring; and Paaker to the king’s apartments.”

“Good-good, it may succeed,” gasped the old woman.  “But what was the scream in your tent?” The dwarf seemed doubtful about answering; but Hekt went on: 

“Speak without fear—­the dead are sure to be silent.”  The dwarf, trembling with agitation, shook off his hesitation, and said: 

“I have found Uarda, the grandchild of Pinem, who had disappeared, and I decoyed her here, for she and no other shall be my wife, if Ani is king, and if Katuti makes me rich and free.  She is in the service of the Princess Bent-Anat, and sleeps in her anteroom, and she must not be burnt with her mistress.  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.  It was from him that I learned where Uarda was, and I went to her, and got her to come with me by telling her that her father was very ill, and begged her to go to see him once more.  She flew after me like a gazelle, and when she saw the soldier lying there senseless she threw herself upon him, and called for water to cool his head, for he was raving in his dreams of rats and mice that had fallen upon him.  As it grew late she wanted to return to her mistress, and we were obliged to prevent her.  How handsome she has grown, mother; you cannot imagine how pretty she is.”

“Aye, aye!” said Hekt.  “You will have to keep an eye upon her when she is your wife.”

“I will treat her like the wife of a noble,” said Nemu.  “And pay a real lady to guard her.  But by this time Katuti has brought home her daughter, Mena’s wife; the stars are sinking and—­there—­that was the first signal.  When Katuti whistles the third time we are to go to work.  Lend me your fire-box, mother.”

“Take it,” said Hekt.  “I shall never need it again.  It is all over with me!  How your hand shakes!  Hold the wood firmly, or you will drop it before you have brought the fire.”