"I have received naught which was not intended for me," the taskmaster
replied warmly.

After a moment's intent contemplation of Atsu's face the courier went
on: "Nay, so had I thought. The messenger came to Snofru with all
speed and out-stripped the courier bound for Pa-Ramesu. It is even as
I had thought. He may arrive shortly, but I must tarry till he comes."

Atsu assented bluntly, and after that if they talked it was of
impersonal things and in a desultory manner. When night came Atsu
called his attendants and had the weary old man put to bed in a
curtained corner of the house. For himself there was no sleep.

At midnight there came the beat of hoofs on the dust-muffled ways of
Pa-Ramesu. A sentry knocked at the door of the commander and announced
a visitor. Atsu, who still sat under the unextinguished reed light,
greeted the new-comer with an exclamation of concern. The man was
covered with dust, his dress was torn and bloody, his right hand
swathed in cloths, and his lip, right cheek and eye were swollen and
discolored.

"By Horus, friend, thou lookest ill-used," the taskmaster exclaimed.
"What has befallen thee?"

"Naught--naught of any lasting hurt," the newcomer replied carelessly.
"We were set upon by a troop of murdering Bedouins this side of
Bubastis and had a pretty fight."

"Aye, thou hast the stamp of its beauty upon thy face. A slave, here,