The Regent Ani, accompanied by Katuti, was going through the whole of these slightly built structures.

“It seems to me all quite complete,” said the widow.

“Only one thing I cannot make up my mind about,” replied Ani, “whether most to admire your inventive genius or your exquisite taste.”

“Oh! let that pass,” said Katuti smiling.  “If any thing deserves your praise it is my anxiety to serve you.  How many things had to be considered before this structure at last stood complete on this marshy spot where the air seemed alive with disgusting insects and now it is finished how long will it last?”

Ani looked down.  “How long?” he repeated.  Then he continued:  “There is great risk already of the plot miscarrying.  Ameni has grown cool, and will stir no further in the matter; the troops on which I counted are perhaps still faithful to me, but much too weak; the Hebrews, who tend their flocks here, and whom I gained over by liberating them from forced labor, have never borne arms.  And you know the people.  They will kiss the feet of the conqueror if they have to wade up to there through the blood of their children.  Besides—­as it happens—­the hawk which old Hekt keeps as representing me is to-day pining and sick—­”

“It will be all the prouder and brighter to-morrow if you are a man!” exclaimed Katuti, and her eyes sparkled with scorn.  “You cannot now retreat.  Here in Pelusium you welcome Rameses as if he were a God, and he accepts the honor.  I know the king, he is too proud to be distrustful, and so conceited that he can never believe himself deceived in any man, either friend or foe.  The man whom he appointed to be his Regent, whom he designated as the worthiest in the land, he will most unwillingly condemn.  Today you still have the car of the king; to-morrow he will listen to your enemies, and too much has occurred in Thebes to be blotted out.  You are in the position of a lion who has his keeper on one side, and the bars of his cage on the other.  If you let the moment pass without striking you will remain in the cage; but if you act and show yourself a lion your keepers are done for!”

“You urge me on and on,” said Ani.  “But supposing your plan were to fail, as Paaker’s well considered plot failed?”

“Then you are no worse off than you are now,” answered Katuti.  “The Gods rule the elements, not men.  Is it likely that you should finish so beautiful a structure with such care only to destroy it?  And we have no accomplices, and need none.”

“But who shall set the brand to the room which Nemu and the slave have filled with straw and pitch?” asked Ani.

“I,” said Katuti decidedly.  “And one who has nothing to look for from Rameses.”

“Who is that?”

“Paaker.”

“Is the Mohar here?” asked the Regent surprised.

“You yourself have seen him.”

“You are mistaken,” said Ani.  “I should—­”