The six shouldered the litter of the crown princess-to-be, Menes mounted
his horse and rode beside her; Unas, her Memphian train, and the
riderless horses were left to bring up the rear, and Masanath continued
to the capital.
"Perchance, thou hast been famished these fourteen days in the matter of
court-gossip," the captain said. "Wherefore I am come as thy informant
with such news as thou shouldst know. For, being ignorant of the
infelicities in the household of the king, it may be that thou wouldst
ask after the little prince, Seti, and wherefore the queen appears no
more at the side of the Pharaoh, nor speaks with thy lord nor sees thy
noble father; and furthermore, where Ta-user hath taken herself and other
things which would embarrass thee to hear answered openly."
Masanath roused herself and prepared to listen. Serious words from the
lips of the light-hearted captain were not common, and when he spoke in
that manner it was time to take heed.
"I had heard of the little prince's misfortune and of the treason of
Ta-user and her party, and the placing of a price upon her head; but
nothing more hath come to mine ears. Is there more, of a truth?"
"Remember, I pray thee," the captain replied, riding near to her, "that I
bring thee this for thine own sake--not for the love of tale-bearing.
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