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 against his wishes and married again in spite of him. Weighing one consideration with another, as W. S. Gilbert's policeman says, Ur-tasen thought he could make most capital out of me in my semi-divine capacity, and now I have taught him the salutary lesson that I have not come all this way in order to become a priest-ridden tool for the furtherance of pagan superstitions, and of course he is not altogether pleased."

"You certainly have the people at your command, old man, but the priests, I should imagine, are treacherous."

"And that arch-humbug, Ur-tasen, the most treacherous of the lot," replied Hugh, with a laugh. "Of course he hates me now, and having found out that I simply will not dance to his piping, he will, no doubt, take the first possible opportunity of effectively getting rid of me."

"He dare not do that just at present."

"Of course not. But these picturesque and excitable people are only human after all. This enthusiasm is bound to cool down after a bit, and then 'ware of traps and plots."

"I cannot help thinking, Girlie," I added, "that Princess Neit-akrit will prove a source of great danger."

"To what, old croaker?—to our heads or to our hearts?" he said, with a laugh.

"I am inclined to think to both," I replied earnestly. "Do you feel at all impressionable just now?"

"I? Not the least bit in the world. Has not the dear little swimmer's talisman rendered me invulnerable? Besides, this land, fair as it is, is neither my home nor my country. At present it is a great and gorgeous prison, and I should not be such a fool as to court sorrow and misery within it."