"They say that she was born in Thebes, and of
a strange father, though, if so, how came she here? I am told that she
reigns as Pharaoh in Egypt."
"Ask that question of your oracles, O King, but remember that rumour
does not always lie, and let the daughter of that strange father go."
"There is another who claims to be your father, Lady, if by now my
soldiers have not scourged him to his death--a tattered beggar-man."
"Whom those soldiers could not touch or find," broke in Asti, speaking
for the first time.
"Well," went on Janees, without heeding her, "whether your father be a
beggar or a god, or even if you are Hathor's self come down from heaven
to be the death of men, know that I take you for my own. For the third
time, answer, will you be my Queen of your own choice, or must my women
drown yonder witch in this water at your feet, and drag you hence?"
Now Tua made no answer. She only let fall her veil, folded her arms upon
her breast, and waited. But Asti, mocking him, cried in a loud voice,
that he might hear above the howling of the hurricane without:
"Call your women, King, for the air is full of sand that chokes my
throat, and I long for the water which you promise me.
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