Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie Read Free Book Online Page A

interests. I will not have her despised and abused.”
    “Everything shall be done as you say,” said Yahmose. “But Henet sometimes makes trouble with her tongue.”
    “Pah! Nonsense! All women do. Not Henet more than another. Now as to Kameni, he shall remain here. We can do with another scribe and he can assist Hori. As for that land that we have rented to the woman Yaii -”
    Imhotep went off into meticulous details.
    When at last all was ready for the departure Imhotep felt a sudden qualm. He took Nofret aside and said doubtfully:
    “Nofret, are you content to remain here? Would it be, perhaps, best if, after all, you came with me?”
    Nofret shook her head and smiled.
    “You will not be long absent,” she said.
    “Three months - perhaps four. Who knows?”
    “You see - it will not be long. I shall be content here.”
    Imhotep said fussily:
    “I have enjoined upon Yahmose - upon all my sons - that you are to have every consideration. On their heads be it if you have anything of which to complain!”
    “They will do as you say, I am sure, Imhotep.” Nofret paused. Then she said, “Who is there here whom I can trust absolutely? Someone who is truly devoted to your interests? I do not mean one of the family.”
    “Hori - my good Hori? He is in every way my right hand - and a man of good sense and discrimination.”
    Nofret said slowly:
    “He and Yahmose are like brothers. Perhaps -”
    “There is Kameni. He, too, is a scribe. I will enjoin on him to place himself at your service. If you have anything of which to complain, he will write down your words with his pen and dispatch the complaint to me.”
    Nofret nodded appreciatively.
    “That is a good thought. Kameni comes from the north. He knows my father. He will not be influenced by family considerations.”
    “And Henet,” exclaimed Imhotep. “There is Henet.”
    “Yes,” said Nofret reflectively. “There is Henet. Suppose that you were to speak to her now - in front of me?”
    “An excellent plan.”
    Henet was sent for and came with her usual cringing eagerness. She was full of lamentations over Imhotep's departure. Imhotep cut her short with abruptness.
    “Yes, yes, my good Henet - but these things must be. I am a man who can seldom count on any stretch of peace or rest. I must toil ceaselessly for my family - little though they sometimes appreciate it. Now I wish to speak to you very seriously. You love me faithfully and devotedly, I know. I can leave you in a position of trust. Guard Nofret here - she is very dear to me.”
    “Whoever is dear to you, master, is dear to me,” Henet declared with fervor.
    “Very good. Then you will devote yourself to Nofret's interests?”
    Henet turned towards Nofret, who was watching her under lowered lids.
    “You are too beautiful, Nofret,” she said. “That is the trouble. That is why the others are jealous - but I will look after you - I will warn you of all they say and do. You can count on me!”
    There was a pause whilst the eyes of the two women met.
    “You can count on me,” Henet repeated.
    A slow smile came to Nofret's lips - a rather curious smile.
    “Yes,” she said. “I understand you, Henet. I think I can count on you.”
    Imhotep cleared his throat noisily.
    “Then I think all is arranged - yes - everything is satisfactory. Organization - that has always been my strong point.”
    There was a dry cackle of laughter and Imhotep turned sharply to see his mother standing in the entrance of the room. She was supporting her weight on a stick and looked more dried up and malevolent than ever.
    “What a wonderful son I have!” she observed.
    “I must not delay - there are some instructions to Hori -”
    Muttering importantly, Imhotep hurried from the room. He managed to avoid meeting his mother's eye.
    Esa gave an imperious nod of the head to Henet - and Henet glided obediently out of the room.
    Nofret had risen. She and Esa stood looking at each other.
    Esa said:
    “So my son is leaving