Death Comes as End - Agatha Christie [12]
Imhotep finally cut him short impatiently.
‘Yes, yes, yes–you thought that you knew more than I did–you departed from my instructions–it is always the same–unless I am here to see to everything…’ He sighed. ‘What would become of you boys without me I cannot imagine!’
Sobek went on doggedly:
‘There was a chance of making a much bigger profit –I took the risk. One cannot always be pettifogging and cautious!’
‘There is nothing cautious about you, Sobek! You are rash and much too bold and your judgement is always wrong.’
‘Do I ever have a chance to exercise my judgement?’
Imhotep said drily:
‘You have done so this time–and against my express orders–’
‘Orders? Have I always got to take orders? I am a grown man.’
Losing control of his temper, Imhotep shouted:
‘Who feeds you, who clothes you? Who thinks of the future? Who has your welfare–the welfare of all of you–constantly in mind? When the River was low and we were threatened with famine, did I not arrange for food to be sent south to you? You are lucky to have such a father–who thinks of everything! And what do I ask in return? Only that you should work hard, do your best, and obey the instructions I send you–’
‘Yes,’ shouted Sobek. ‘We are to work for you like slaves–so that you can buy gold and jewels for your concubine!’
Imhotep advanced towards him, bristling with rage.
‘Insolent boy–to speak like that to your father. Be careful or I will say that this is no longer your home–and you can go elsewhere!’
‘And if you are not careful I will go! I have ideas, I tell you–good ideas–that would bring in wealth if I was not tied down by pettifogging caution and never allowed to act as I choose.’
‘Have you finished?’
Imhotep’s tone was ominous. Sobek, a trifle deflated, muttered angrily:
‘Yes–yes–I have no more to say–now.’
‘Then go and see after the cattle. This is no time for idling.’
Sobek turned and strode angrily away. Nofret was standing not far away and as he passed her she looked sideways at him and laughed. At her laugh the blood came up in Sobek’s face–he made an angry half step towards her. She stood quite still, looking at him out of contemptuous half-closed eyes.
Sobek muttered something and resumed his former direction. Nofret laughed again, then walked slowly on to where Imhotep was now turning his attention to Yahmose.
‘What possessed you to let Sobek act in that foolish fashion?’ he demanded irritably. ‘You should have prevented it! Don’t you know by now that he has no judgement in buying and selling? He thinks everything will turn out as he wants it to turn out.’
Yahmose said apologetically:
‘You do not realize my difficulties, father. You told me to entrust Sobek with the sale of the timber. It was necessary therefore that it should be left to him to use his judgement.’
‘Judgement? Judgement? He has no judgement! He is to do what I instruct him to do–and it is for you to see that he does exactly that.’
Yahmose flushed.
‘I? What authority have I?’
‘What authority? The authority I give you.’
‘But I have no real status. If I were legally associated with you–’
He broke off as Nofret came up. She was yawning and twisting a scarlet poppy in her hands.
‘Won’t you come to the little pavilion by the lake, Imhotep? It is cool there and there is fruit waiting for you and Keda beer. Surely you have finished giving your orders by now.’
‘In a minute, Nofret–in a minute.’
Nofret said in a soft, deep voice:
‘Come now. I want you to come now…’
Imhotep looked pleased and a little sheepish. Yahmose said quickly before his father could speak.
‘Let us just speak of this first. It is important. I want to ask you–’
Nofret spoke directly to Imhotep, turning her shoulder on Yahmose:
‘Can you not do what you want in your own house?’
Imhotep said sharply to Yahmose:
‘Another time, my son. Another time.’
He went with Nofret and Yahmose stood on the porch looking after them.
Satipy came out from the house and joined him.
‘Well,’ she demanded eagerly, ‘have you spoken to him? What did he