As there were none to defend
them these gates were opened easily enough, and they passed through,
leaving the guard without. When they came to the inner court, Abi
stopped and asked where they should search.
"In one place only, your Highness," answered Kaku, "that pylon tower
which overlooks the Nile, for there her Majesty starves with Asti."
"Pylon tower," grumbled Abi. "Have I not climbed enough steps this
night? Still, lead on."
So they went to the narrow stair, up which the thin Kaku ran like a cat,
while the officers pushed and led the huge Abi behind him. On the third
landing they all halted at Abi's command.
"Hurry not," he said in a thick whisper. "Her Majesty dwells on the next
floor of this hateful tower, and since Asti is with her she cannot be
surprised. Beware, then, of frightening her by your sudden appearance,
lest she should run to the top of the pylon, and hurl herself into the
Nile, as she has sworn that she will do. Halt now, and I will call to
her when I have got my breath.
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