Chapter LX…

Chapter LX

MEANWHILE Pentuer made ready to revisit Lower Egypt and find on the one hand thirteen delegates from among land-tillers and artisans for the pharaoh, and on the other to encourage the working population to demand the relief which the new sovereign had promised, for according to his conviction the greatest question for Egypt was to abolish the injustice and the abuses to which the toiling people were subject.

Still, Pentuer was a priest, and not only did he not desire the fall of his order, but he did not even wish to break the bonds which connected him with it. Hence to emphasize his loyalty he went to take farewell of Herhor.

The once mighty dignitary received him with a smile.

"A rare guest a rare guest!" exclaimed he. "Since Thou hadst the desire to become the counselor of his holiness Thou dost not show thyself before me. True, Thou art not the only one! But whatever happens, I shall not forget thy services, wert Thou even to avoid me still more than at present."

"Worthiness, I am not a counselor of our lord, nor do I avoid thee to whose favor I am indebted for what I am today."

"I know, I know!" answered Herhor. "Thou hast refused the high dignity so as not to work to the destruction of the temples. I know, I know! though perhaps it is to be regretted that Thou hast not become the adviser of that giddy milksop, who, as it were, governs us. To a certainty Thou wouldst not have suffered him to surround himself with those traitors who are ruining him."

Pentuer, not wishing to speak of such ticklish subjects, told Herhor why he was going to Lower Egypt.

"Very well," answered Herhor, "let Ramses XIII call an assembly of all the orders. He has a right to call it."

"But," he added suddenly, "I am sorry that Thou art involved in such labor. Great changes have taken place in thee. Thou rememberest thy words to my adjutant during those maneuvers in Pi-Bailos? I will remind thee: Thou didst tell him that it was necessary to limit the abuses and license of the pharaohs. But today Thou art supporting the childish pretensions of the greatest profligate ever known to Egypt."

"Ramses XIII," said Pentuer, interrupting, "wishes to improve the lot of common people. I should be stupid and mean, therefore, were I, the son of earth-tillers, not to serve him in this question."

"But Thou dost not ask whether that would not injure us, the priesthood."

Pentuer was astonished.

"But Thou thyself givest great relief to common men belonging to the temple," said he. "I have, besides, thy permission."

"What? Which?" inquired Herhor.

"Recall, worthiness, that night when we greeted Beroes. Mefres declared at that time that Egypt had fallen because the priestly order was lowered, while I asserted that the misery of the people was the cause of the suffering of the State, to which thou, so far as I remember, didst answer: Let Mefres occupy himself with bettering the priesthood, Pentuer in improving the lot of common people, while I will avoid destructive war between Egypt and Assyria."

"Well, dost Thou see," interrupted the high priest, "it is thy duty to act with us, not with Ramses."

"Does he wish war with Assyria," replied Pentuer, energetically, "or does he hinder priests from acquiring wisdom? He wishes to give the people every seventh day for rest, and later to give each family of earth-workers a small bit of land for subsistence. Do not tell me, worthiness, that the pharaoh wishes evil, for it has been verified on temple ground that a free man who has his own patch of earth labors incomparably better than one without freedom."

"I am not opposed to relieving common people," said Herhor, "but I am convinced that Ramses will do nothing for them."

"Surely not if you refuse him money."

"Even were we to give him a pyramid of gold and silver, and another of precious stones, he would do nothing that is a mad stripling whom the Assyrian ambassador, Sargon, never mentioned otherwise than as a frivolous youngster."

"The pharaoh has great capabilities."

"But he has no knowledge, and no skill," replied Herhor. "He barely visited the high school a little and left it at the earliest. Hence, today, in affairs of state he is like a blind person; he is like a child which puts out pieces boldly on a board, but has no idea how to play at draughts."

"Still he governs."

"Oh, Pentuer, what is his government?" interrupted the high priest, with laughter. "He has opened new military schools, he has increased the number of regiments, he is arming the whole people, he has promised holidays to working men. But how will he carry out his projects? Thou keepest far from him, hence knowest nothing; but I assure thee that he, when issuing orders, never stops to ask: Who will carry out this? What are the means? What will follow? It seems to thee that he governs. It is I who govern, I govern all the time, I, whom he dismissed. I am the cause that today fewer taxes come to the treasury, but I also prevent the rebellion of laborers; because of me they do not leave work on the canals, dams, and roadways. To sum up, I have twice restrained Assyria from declaring war on us, war which that madman was calling out by his military dispositions.

"Ramses govern! He merely rouses disorder. Thou hadst trial of his management in Lower Egypt: he drank, frolicked, brought in woman after woman, and pretended to occupy himself with administration of the province, but he understood nothing, absolutely nothing. What is worst of all, he became intimate with Phoenicians, with bankrupt nobles, and traitors of various kinds, who are urging him to ruin."

"But the victory of the Soda Lakes?" inquired Pentuer.

"I recognize energy in him, and a knowledge of military art," added Herhor. "That is the one thing that he knows. But say thyself would he have won the battle at the Soda Lakes were it not for aid from thee and others of the priestly order? I know that ye informed him of every movement of the Libyan band. And now think, could Ramses, even with help from you, win a battle against Nitager, for example? Nitager is a master, Ramses is a mere apprentice."

"Then what will be the end of this hatred between him and you?" inquired Pentuer.

"Hatred!" repeated Herhor. "Could I hate a frivolous fellow, who, moreover, is surrounded, like a deer in a ravine by hunters! But I must confess that his rule is so full of danger that if Ramses had a brother, or if Nitager were younger, we should set aside the present pharaoh."

"And thou, worthiness, would become his heir!" burst out Pentuer.

Herhor was by no means offended.

"Pentuer Thou hast grown marvelously dull since thy entry into politics on thy own account," replied he, shrugging his shoulders. "Of course, if the country were without a pharaoh, it would be my duty to become one by virtue of my office of high priest of Amon, and chief of the supreme council. But what is the office to me? Have I not had more power for a number of years than the pharaoh? Or do I not today, though I am a minister of war in disgrace, carry out in this state whatever I think needful?

"Those same high priests, treasurers, judges, nomarchs, and even generals who avoid me at present, must carry out every secret order of the council furnished with my seal. Is there a man in Egypt who would dare refuse obedience to those orders? Wouldst thou, for instance, dare oppose them?"

Pentuer hung his head.

If in spite of the death of Ramses XII the supreme privy council of priests had maintained itself, Ramses XIII must either yield or fight a life-and-death battle.

The pharaoh had on his side all the people, all the army, many priests, and the majority of the civil dignitaries. The council could reckon on hardly two thousand adherents, on its treasures and on its incomparably wise organization. The forces were utterly unequal, but the issue of the battle was very doubtful.

"Then ye have determined to destroy the pharaoh?" asked Pentuer.

"Not at all. We only wish to save the state." "In that case what should Ramses XIII do?" "What he will do I know not. But I know what his father did," answered Herhor. "Ramses XII began to govern in the same impetuous and tyrannical fashion, but when money failed him, and his most zealous adherents began to despise him, he turned to the gods. He surrounded himself with priests, he learned from them, nay, he even married a daughter of the high priest Amenhotep. And, after a few years, he went so far that he became himself not only a pious, but a very learned high priest."

"But if the pharaoh will not follow that example?" "Then we shall dispense with him," said Herhor. "Listen to me Pentuer," continued he, after a while. "I know not only the acts, but even the thoughts of that pharaoh of thine, who, moreover, has not been solemnly crowned yet, hence for us he is nothing. I know that he wants to make the priests his servants, and himself sole lord of Egypt.

"But such a plan is stupid, it is even treasonable. Not the pharaohs, as Thou knowest well, but the gods and the priests created Egypt. It is not the pharaohs who mark the rise and fall of the Nile and regulate its overflows; it is not the pharaohs who teach the people to sow, to gather fruits and rear cattle. It is not the pharaohs who cure diseases and watch over the safety of the state against foreign enemies.

"What would happen, tell me that, were our order to yield Egypt to the mercy of the pharaohs? The wisest pharaohs have behind them the experience of a few years at the longest, but the priestly order has investigated and taught during tens of thousands of years. The mightiest ruler has two eyes and two hands, while we possess thousands of eyes and thousands of hands in all provinces at home, and in all foreign countries.

"Can the activity of a pharaoh equal ours; and when opinions differ who should yield, we or the pharaoh?"

"Well, what am I to do now?" inquired Pentuer.

"Do what that stripling commands if Thou betray not holy secrets. And leave the rest to time. I wish most sincerely that the youth called Ramses XIII might come to his senses, and I suppose that he would were it not that he has attached himself to disgusting traitors over whom the hands of the gods are now suspended."

Pentuer took farewell of the high priest. He was filled with dark forebodings, but he did not fail in spirit, since he knew that whatever he might gain in improving the condition of the common man would remain, even were the pharaoh to bend before the power of the priestly order.

"In the worst case," thought he, "we must do what we can, and what pertains to us. When conditions improve, what is sown today will give fruit hereafter."

But still he determined to renounce agitation among the people. He was even ready to calm the impatient, so as not to increase trouble for the pharaoh.

A couple of weeks later Pentuer entered the boundaries of Lower Egypt, looking about on the way for the wisest of common men and artisans from whom it would be possible to select delegates to the assembly summoned by the pharaoh.

Everywhere on the way he found signs of the greatest excitement. Earth- tillers, as well as artisans, were trying to have the seventh day for rest and receive pay for all public works, as was the case in former ages. And it was only through remonstrances from priests of various temples, that a general uprising was averted, or at least that work was continued.

At the same time Pentuer was struck by certain new phenomena which he had not observed a month earlier! first of all the people had divided into two parties. Some were partisans of the pharaoh and enemies of the priests; others were active against Phoenicians. Some proved that the priests ought to give the treasures of the labyrinth to the pharaoh; others whispered that the pharaoh afforded foreigners too much protection.

But strangest of all was a report of unknown origin that

Ramses XIII showed signs of insanity, like his elder brother, who for this cause had been excluded from succession. Priests, scribes, even common men discussed this report of insanity.

"Who told thee such a lie?" inquired Pentuer of an engineer.

"It is no lie," replied the engineer, "it is sad reality. In the Theban palaces they saw the pharaoh running naked through the gardens. One night he climbed a tree under the window of his mother's chamber, and spoke to her."

Pentuer assured the man that no longer than two weeks before he had seen Ramses in the best of health. He observed at once, however, that the engineer did not believe him.

"This is Herhor's work!" thought he. "Priests alone could have news from Thebes so promptly."

For the moment he lost desire to busy himself in finding delegates, but he regained energy at the thought that what the people received today they would not lose to-morrow, unless something uncommon should happen.

Beyond Memphis to the north of the pyramids and the sphinx, on the boundary of the desert, was a small temple of the goddess Nut. An old priest Menes lived in that temple. This sage had more knowledge of the stars than any man in Egypt; he was an engineer in addition.

When a great public edifice was to be built or a new canal made, Menes went to the place and gave directions. Apart from such tasks he lived in solitude and poverty in his temple; at night he investigated the stars, in the daytime he worked over curious instruments.

For some years Pentuer had not been in that place; hence he was struck by neglect in it, and poverty. The brick wall was falling, in the garden the trees were withering, in the yard a lean goat moved around and a few hens were scratching.

There was no one near the temple. Only after Pentuer had called out did an old man come down from a pylon. His feet were bare, on his head was a soiled cap like that of a laborer, around his waist was a ragged girdle, and on his shoulder a panther skin from which the hair had fallen. Still, his bearing was dignified, and his face full of wisdom. He looked quickly at the guest and said,

"Either I am mistaken, or Thou art Pentuer?"

"I am he," answered the newly arrived, and he embraced the old man with heartiness.

"Ho! ho!" exclaimed Menes, for it was he; "I see that Thou hast changed for official reasons. Thou hast a smoother face, whiter hands, and a gold chain on thy neck. Mother Nut of the heavenly ocean would have to wait long for such ornaments."

Pentuer wished to remove the chain, but Menes stopped him with a smile.

"Do not. If Thou knew what jewels we have in the heavens Thou wouldst not hasten with an offering of gold. Well, hast Thou come to stay with us?"

Pentuer shook his head.

"No," replied he, "I have come only to bow down before thee, divine teacher."

"And again to court?" laughed the old man. "Oh ye, ye courtiers! If ye knew what ye lose by deserting wisdom for palaces ye would be the saddest of mankind."

"Art Thou alone, O my teacher?"

"As a palm in a desert, especially today when my deaf and dumb servant has gone with a basket to Memphis to beg something for the mother of Ra and her chaplain."

"And is it not disagreeable here?"

"For me! "'exclaimed Menes. "Since I saw thee last I have snatched from the gods some secrets which I would not give for the two crowns of Egypt."

"Are they secrets between thee and me?" inquired Pentuer.

"How, secrets? A year ago I completed all measures and calculations touching the size of the earth."

"What does that mean?"

Menes looked around and lowered his voice,

"Of course it is known to thee that the earth is not flat like a table, but is an immense ball on the surface of which seas, countries, and cities are situated?"

"That is known," said Pentuer.

"Not to all," answered Menes. "And it was not known to any one how great that globe might be."

"But dost Thou know?" inquired Pentuer, almost frightened.

"I know. Our infantry marches about thirteen Egyptian miles [Three geographical miles] daily. The globe of the earth is so great that our armies would require five whole years to march around it."

"O gods!" exclaimed Pentuer. "Does it not frighten thee, father, to think of such subjects?"

Menes shrugged his shoulders.

"To measure size, what is there terrible in that? To measure the size of a pyramid, or the earth is the same kind of problem. I did a more difficult thing. I measured the distance of our temple from the palace of the pharaoh without crossing the river."

"Terror!" exclaimed Pentuer.

"What terror? I have discovered a thing which beyond doubt ye will all fear. But tell this to no one: in the month Paoni (June, July) there will be an eclipse of the sun; night will come in the daytime. And may I die a hunger death, if I have failed even three minutes in the reckoning."

Pentuer touched the amulet which he wore on his breast, and uttered a prayer.

"I have read," said he, "in sacred books that more than once to the suffering of people it became night at midday. But what is that? I do not understand."

"Dost Thou see the pyramid?" asked Menes on a sudden, pointing toward the desert.

"I see it."

"Now put thy hand before thy eyes. Dost Thou see the pyramid? Thou dost not. Well, the eclipse of the sun is the same kind of thing; the moon passes between the sun and us, hides the father of light and makes night in the daytime."

"And will that happen here?" inquired Pentuer.

"In the mouth Paoni. I have written about this to the pharaoh, thinking that in return he would make some offering to the temple. But on reading the letter he laughed at me, and commanded my messenger to take the news to Herhor."

"Well, what did Herhor do?"

"Herhor gave us thirty measures of barley. He is the only man in Egypt who reveres science, but the young pharaoh is frivolous."

"Do not be severe on him, father," interrupted Pentuer. "Ramses XIII wishes to improve the lot of laborers and artisans, and give them every seventh day to rest; he forbids to beat them without trial, and perhaps he will find land for them."

"But I tell thee that he is light-minded," said the irritated Menes. "Two months ago I sent him a great plan for lessening the toil of laborers, and he laughed at me. He is conceited and ignorant!"

"Thou art prejudiced, father. But tell me thy plan and perhaps I may assist in applying it."

"Plan?" repeated the old man. "It is not a plan, it is a great fact."

He rose from the bench and went then with Pentuer to a pond in the garden, at which was an arbor concealed altogether by plant growth. In this structure was a large wheel in perpendicular position with a number of buckets on the outer rim of it. Menes went into the centre and began to move his feet; the wheel turned and the buckets took water from the pond and poured it into a trough which stood somewhat higher.

"A curious instrument!" said Pentuer.

"But dost Thou divine what it may do for the people of Egypt?"

"No."

"Then imagine this wheel to be five or ten times greater than it is, and that instead of a man a pair of bullocks are moving it."

"Something something appears to me," said Pentuer, "but still I do not understand clearly."

"It is very simple," said Menes. "By means of this wheel oxen and horses might raise water from the Nile and pour it into higher channels. In that way half a million of men might have rest instead of working at buckets. Now Thou seest that wisdom does more for the welfare of mankind than pharaohs."

Pentuer shook his head.

"How much timber would be needed for that change! How many oxen, how much pasture. It seems to me, father, that thy wheel would not take the place of the seventh day for rest."

"I see that office has not benefited thee," replied Menes, shrugging his shoulders. "But though Thou hast lost that alertness which I admired in thee, I will show still another thing. Perhaps when Thou hast returned to wisdom, and I am dead, Thou wilt work at improving and spreading my inventions."

They went back to the pylon, and Menes put some fuel under a brass kettle. He blew the flame and soon the water was boiling. On the kettle was a perpendicular spout covered with a heavy stone. When the kettle began to hiss, Menes said,

"Stand in this niche and look."

He touched a crank fastened to the spout; in one moment the heavy stone flew through the air and hot steam filled the chamber.

"Wonderful!" cried Pentuer. But soon he calmed himself and asked,

"Well, but how will that stone improve the condition of people in Egypt?"

"The stone in no way. But," said the sage, now impatient, "I will say this to thee, and do Thou remember it: the time will come when horses and oxen will take the place of people in labor, and also when boiling water will take the place of horses and oxen."

"But what good will that do the people?" insisted Pentuer.

"Woe is me!" exclaimed Menes, seizing his head. "I know not whether it is because Thou hast grown old, or dull; 'the people' have hidden the whole world from thee and darkened thy mind. If sages had only the people in mind they would be forced to throw away their books and calculations and become shepherds."

"But everything must be of some use," said Pentuer, now grown timid.

"Ye court people," replied Menes with vexation, "use two measures frequently. When a Phoenician brings a ruby or a sapphire ye do not inquire what its use is; ye buy the jewel and shut it up in a casket. But if a sage comes to you with an invention which might change the face of the world, ye ask straightway: 'What is the use of this?' It is clear that ye are frightened lest the investigator might ask a handful of barley for a thing the sense of which your mind does not fathom."

"Art Thou angry, father? Have I wished to offend thee?"

"I am not angry, but I am pained. Twenty years ago there were five men in this temple working over the discovery of new secrets. Today I am alone. And, by the gods, I am unable to find not merely a successor, but even a man who is able to understand me."

"Beyond doubt I would remain here till death so as to learn thy god- like thoughts," said Pentuer. "But tell me, can I shut myself up today in a temple when the fate of the kingdom and the future of the people are wavering in the balance, and when my assistance."

"May influence the fate of the kingdom and of some millions of people!" interrupted Menes, jeeringly. "O ye grownup children in the miters and chains of office. Because ye are free to draw water from the Nile it seems to you that ye may stop the rise or the fall of the river. Not otherwise, surely, thinks the sheep, which following the herd imagines that she is directing it."

"But think, the young pharaoh has a heart full of nobleness; he wishes to give the seventh day for rest, just courts, and even land."

"All those things are vanishing," said Menes, shaking his head. "The young pharaoh will grow old, while the people, well, the people have had the seventh day for rest more than one time, and they have had land but afterward they lost both! Ah, if that were all that changed! During three thousand years how many dynasties have passed over Egypt, and priests, how many cities and temples have fallen into ruins; nay more! how many new strata of earth have overlaid the country. Everything has changed except this, that two and two are four, that a triangle is half a quadrangle, that the moon may hide the sun, and boiling water hurl a stone through the air.

"In this 'transitory world wisdom alone is enduring and permanent. And woe to him who deserts the eternal for things as fleeting as clouds are. His heart will never know peace, and his mind will dance like a boat in a whirlwind."

"The gods speak through thy lips," replied Pentuer, after some thought, "but barely one man in millions may serve them directly. And well that it is so, for what would happen if laborers gazed for whole nights at the firmament, if warriors made reckonings, and officials and the pharaoh, instead of ruling the people, hurled stones by means of boiling water? Before the moon could go once round the earth all would die of hunger. No wheel or cattle would defend the laud from barbarians, or give justice to those who were injured by wrong-doers.

"Hence," ended Pentuer, "though wisdom is like the sun, blood and breath, we cannot all be sages."

To these words Menes made no answer.

Pentuer passed some days in the temple of the divine Nut; he admired at one time the view of the sandy ocean, at another the fertile valley of the Nile. In company with Menes he looked at the stars, examined the wheel for raising water, and walked at times toward the pyramids. He admired the poverty and the genius of his teacher, but said in spirit,

"Menes is a god in human form, surely, and hence he has no care for common matters. His wheel to raise water will not be accepted in Egypt, for first we lack timber, and second to move such wheels one hundred thousand oxen would be needed. Where is there pasture for them even in Upper Egypt?"

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Chapter LXI

WHILE Pentuer was going around the country and choosing out delegates, Ramses XIII tarried in Thebes, arranging the marriage of his favorite, Tutmosis.

First of all, the ruler of two worlds, surrounded by a grand retinue, drove in a golden chariot to the palace of the most worthy Antefa.

This magnate hurried forth to meet his sovereign before the gate, and, taking the costly sandals from his feet he knelt and assisted Ramses to alight from the chariot.

In return for this homage the pharaoh gave him his hand to kiss, and declared that thenceforth Antefa was his friend, and might enter even the throne hall in sandals.

When they were in an immense chamber of Antefa's palace the sovereign said before the whole retinue,

"I know, worthy Antefa, that as thy revered ancestors occupy the most beautiful of tombs, thou, their descendant, art foremost among nomarchs in Egypt. To thee it is known surely that in my court and army, as in my heart, the first place is held by Tutmosis, chief of the guard, and my favorite.

"According to the opinion of sages the rich man does ill who does not put his most precious jewel into the most beautiful setting. And, since thy family is most precious to me, and Tutmosis is most dear, I have conceived the idea of connecting thee with myself, as Thou wilt be, if thy daughter, the wise and beautiful Hebron, accepts Tutmosis as husband."

To this the worthy Antefa replied,

"Holiness, sovereign of the western world, and of living men! As Egypt, and all that is in it belongs to thee, so this house and all its inhabitants are thy possession. Since it is thy desire that my daughter should be the wife of thy favorite, let it be so."

Now the pharaoh declared to Antefa that Tutmosis had twenty talents of yearly salary, and considerable estates in various provinces. Thereupon the worthy Antefa declared that his daughter Hebron would have fifty talents a year, also the right to make use of the estates of her father in those provinces in which the pharaoh's court sojourned for a season. And since he had no son, his immense property, which was free of debt, would pass to Tutmosis some time, together with the office of nomarch of Thebes, in so far as that transfer might coincide with the will of the pharaoh.

After concluding the conditions Tutmosis entered the court, thanked Antefa first for giving his daughter to one so unworthy, and second, because he had reared her so beautifully.

It was arranged then that the ceremony of marriage would take place in a few days, since Tutmosis, as leader of the guard, had no time for protracted preliminaries.

"I wish thee happiness, my son," said Antefa, smiling, "and also great patience, because my beloved daughter, now twenty years old, is the first exquisite in Thebes, and has had her will always. By the gods, I tell thee that my command over Thebes always ends at the gate of her garden. And I fear that thy military command will go no farther."

Next the noble Antefa invited his guests to a splendid banquet, in the course of which the beautiful Hebron showed herself with a great retinue of damsels.

In the dining-hall were numbers of small tables for two or four persons, also a larger table, on a loftier place, for the pharaoh. To show honor to Antefa and his favorite, Tutmosis, Ramses approached Hebron and invited her to his table.

The young lady was really beautiful, and as it seemed had experience, a thing not exceptional in Egypt. Ramses soon noticed that the betrothed turned no attention whatever toward Tutmosis, but to make up for this she turned eloquent glances toward him, the pharaoh.

That also was no wonder in Egypt.

When the guests had taken their places, when music sounded and female dancers began to bring fruit and wine to the tables, Ramses said to Hebron,

"The longer I look at thee, the more I am astonished. Were some stranger to enter he might consider thee a high priestess or a goddess, but never a woman at the time of happy betrothal."

"I am happy," said she, "at this moment, though not because of betrothal."

"How is that?" interrupted the pharaoh.

"Marriage does not entice me, and surely I should rather be the high priestess of Isis than be married."

"Then why marry?"

"I marry because it is the absolute wish of my father to have an heir to his glory, but mainly because it is thy wish, my sovereign."

"Can it be that Tutmosis does not please thee?"

"I will not say that he does not please me. Tutmosis is fine-looking; he is the first exquisite in Egypt, be plays well, and takes prizes at games. His position, as commander of thy guard, is one of the highest. Still, were it not for the prayers of my father, and thy command I should not marry Tutmosis. Even as it is, I shall not be his wife. My property will suffice Tutmosis and the titles after my father; the rest he can find among dancing girls."

"But does he know of his misfortune?"

Hebron smiled.

"He knows this long time that even were I not the daughter of Antefa, but of the lowest dissector, I would not give myself to a man unless I loved him. I could love only a man who is above me."

"Art Thou speaking seriously?" asked Ramses in wonder.

"I am twenty years old. Since I was six years of age adorers have surrounded me; but I measured them quickly. And today I would rather hear learned priests than songs and declarations from youthful exquisites."

"In that case I ought not to sit near thee, Hebron, for I am not even an exquisite, and I have no priestly wisdom whatever."

"Thou art something higher," replied she, blushing deeply. "Thou art a chief who has won victory. Thou art as impetuous as a lion, as swift as a vulture. Millions fall on their faces before thee, and kingdoms tremble. Do I not know what fear is roused by thy name in Tyre and Nineveh? Gods might be jealous of thy influence."

Ramses was confused.

"O Hebron, Hebron," said he. "If Thou knew what alarm Thou art sowing in my heart."

"For this very reason," continued Hebron, "I marry Tutmosis. I shall be nearer thee, and shall see thee, though for a few days only."

She rose and left the hall.

Antefa noted her action and hastened in alarm to Ramses.

"O lord!" cried he, "has my daughter said anything improper? She is an untamable lioness!"

"Be at rest," said Ramses. "Thy daughter is full of wisdom and dignity. She went out because she saw that thy wine was gladdening the guests rather powerfully."

In fact a great uproar had risen in the hall, all the more since Tutmosis, abandoning the role of assistant host, had become a most animated talker.

"I will say to thee in confidence, holiness, that poor Tutmosis must guard himself greatly in presence of my daughter," remarked Antefa.

That first feast continued till morning. The pharaoh, it is true, departed immediately, but others remained, first in their chairs and then on the floor. Finally Antefa had to send them home as if they had been lifeless objects.

The marriage ceremony took place some days later.

To Antefa's palace went the high priests Herhor and Mefres, the nomarchs of the neighboring provinces, and the chief officials of Thebes. Later appeared Tutmosis on a two-wheeled chariot, attended by officers of the guard, and finally his holiness, the pharaoh.

Ramses was attended by the chief scribe, the commander of the archers, the commander of the cavalry, the chief judge, the chief treasurer, Sem the high priest, and the adjutant generals.

When that splendid assembly was in the hall of the ancestors of the most worthy Antefa, Hebron appeared in white robes with a numerous retinue of damsels and maids in attendance. Her father, after he had burned incense before Amon and the statue of his own father, and Ramses XIII, who was sitting on a raised platform, declared that he freed his daughter Hebron from guardianship and provided her with a dowry. Then he gave her, in a gold tube, a document securing her dowry, and written before the court on papyrus.

After a short lunch the bride took her seat in a costly litter borne by eight officials of the province. Before her went music and singers; around the litter were dignitaries, and behind them an immense crowd of people. All this procession moved toward the temple of Amon, through the most beautiful streets of the city, amid a throng of people almost as numerous as that which had attended the funeral of the pharaoh.

At the temple the people remained outside the walls while the bride and groom, the pharaoh and dignitaries, entered the hall of columns. There Hebron burned incense before the veiled statue of Amon, priestesses performed a sacred dance, and Tutmosis read the following act from a papyrus:

"I, Tutmosis, commander of the guard of his holiness Ramses XIII, take thee, Hebron, daughter of Antefa the nomarch of Thebes, as wife. I give thee now the sum of ten talents because Thou hast consented to marry me. For thy robes I designate to thee three talents yearly, and for household expenses one talent a month. Of the children which we may have the eldest son will be heir to the property which I possess now and which I may acquire hereafter. If I should not live with thee, but divorce myself and take another wife, I shall be obliged to pay thee forty talents, which sum I secure with my property. Our son, on receiving his estate, is to pay thee fifteen talents yearly. Children of another wife are to have no right to the property of our first-born son." [Authentic]

The chief judge appeared now and read an act in which the bride promised to give good food and raiment to her husband, to care for his house, family, servants, slaves, and cattle, and to entrust to that husband the management of the property which she had received or would receive from her father.

After the acts were read Herhor gave Tutmosis a goblet of wine. The bridegroom drank half, the bride moistened her lips with it, and then both burned incense before the purple curtain.

Leaving the temple of Amon the young couple and their splendid retinue passed through the avenue of sphinxes to the pharaoh's palace. Crowds of people and warriors greeted them with shouts, scattering flowers on their pathway.

Tutmosis had dwelt up to that time in the chambers of the pharaoh, but on the day of his marriage Ramses presented him with a beautiful little villa in the depth of the gardens, surrounded by a forest of fig trees, myrtles and baobabs, where the bridegroom and bride might pass days of happiness hidden from human eye, and cut off, as it were, from the world about them.

In that quiet corner people showed themselves so rarely that even birds did not flee before them. When the young couple and the guests found themselves in this new dwelling the final ceremony of marriage followed:

Tutmosis took Hebron by the hand and led her to a fire burning before a statue of Isis; then Mefres poured a spoonful of holy water on the lady's head; Hebron touched the fire with her hand, while Tutmosis divided a morsel of bread with her and placed his own ring on her finger in sign that from that time forth she was mistress of his land, his servants, his slaves and cattle.

Meanwhile the priests sang wedding hymns and bore the statue of the divine Isis through the whole house; and priestesses performed sacred dances.

The day ended with spectacles and a great feast, during which all noticed that Hebron accompanied the pharaoh continually, and that Tutmosis kept at a distance from her, and simply entertained guests at the wedding.

When the stars had risen the holy Herhor left the feast, and soon after some of the highest dignitaries slipped out also. About midnight the following worthy persons met in a subterranean chamber of the temple of Amon: the high priests Herhor, Mefres, and Mentezufis, the chief judge of Thebes, also the chiefs of the provinces of Abs, Horti, and Emsuchs.

Mentezufis looked around among the great columns, closed the door, quenched the torches, and in that lower chamber there remained only one light, that which burned before a statue of Horus. The dignitaries sat down on three stone benches.

"If I were commanded to describe the character of Ramses XIII," said the nomarch of Abs, "I should be unable to do so."

"He is a maniac!" said Mefres.

"I do not know that he is a maniac," answered Herhor, "but he is very dangerous in every case. Already Assyria has reminded us twice of the last treaty, and is beginning, I hear, to be alarmed at the arming of Egypt."

"That is of less importance," said Mefres; "there is something worse, for this godless man is thinking to violate the treasure of the labyrinth."

"But I should consider," said the nomarch of Emsuch, "that his promises to the people are the worst. Our income and that of the state will be shattered if the common people are idle one day in seven. But if the pharaoh gives them land in addition?"

"He is ready to do that," said the chief judge in a whisper.

"Is he ready?" asked the nomarch of Horti. "It seems to me that he merely wants money. If we should give him something from the labyrinth."

"Impossible," interrupted Herhor. "The state is not threatened by danger, but the pharaoh is, and that is not the same question. I repeat that as a dam is strong only while it is not penetrated by the tiniest stream of water, so the labyrinth is full till we touch the first block of gold in it. After that, all will go. Finally, whom do we strengthen by the treasures of the gods and of Egypt? This young man who despises religion, belittles priests, and disturbs the people. Is he not worse than Assar? Assar is a barbarian, but he does not harm us."

"It is improper for the pharaoh to pay court to his favorite's wife so openly on the very day of the marriage," said the judge, thoughtfully.

"Hebron herself entices him," said the nomarch of Horti.

"All women entice men," answered the nomarch of Emsuch. "Sense, however, is given a man to avoid sin."

"But is not the pharaoh husband to all the women of Egypt?" whispered the nomarch of Abs. "Moreover, sin is under the judgment of the gods, while we are occupied only with Egypt."

"He is dangerous! he is dangerous!" said the nomarch of Emsuch, while his hands and head trembled. "There is no doubt that the common people have become insolent and may rise any moment. In that case no high priest or nomarch would be sure of his life, not to mention his office and property."

"Against an uprising we have means," replied Herhor.

"What means?"

"First of all," answered Mefres, "we can avoid an uprising if we explain to the wisest among common people that he who makes them promises is a maniac."

"He is one of the soundest men under the sun," whispered the nomarch of Horti. "All that we need is to learn what he wishes."

"He is a maniac! a maniac!" repeated Mefres. "His own brother imagines himself a monkey, and drinks with dissectors. Ramses may act in the same fashion any day."

"It is awkward and evil to declare a man of sound mind a maniac," said the nomarch of Horti. "For if people see the falsehood they will cease to believe in us, and nothing will restrain an uprising."

"If I say that Ramses is a maniac it must be that I have proof," replied Mefres. "And now listen."

The dignitaries moved on their benches.

"Tell me," continued Mefres, "would a man of sound mind, heir to the throne of Egypt, dare to fight in public against a bull in presence of so many thousands of Asiatics? Would a prince of sound judgment, an Egyptian, wander into a Phoenician temple during night hours? Would he, without cause, reduce to the rank of slaves his first woman, an act which caused her death and the death of her infant?"

Those present murmured in fear.

"All this we have seen in Pi-Bast. Mentezufis and I were witnesses of drinking feasts, at which the half-demented heir blasphemed against the gods and insulted the priesthood."

"That is true," said Mentezufis.

"And what do ye think," continued Mefres, with greater heat, "would a man of sound mind, the leader of an army, leave his troops to chase after a few Libyan bandits? I pass over a number of smaller things, even the idea of giving the people land and a holiday; could I say that a man was of sound mind who committed so many criminal absurdities without cause, just at random?"

Those present were silent; the nomarch of Horti was troubled.

"It is necessary to think over this," added the chief judge, "lest injustice be done him."

Here Herhor spoke.

"Holy Mefres has done him a kindness," said he, in low decisive tones, "by considering him a maniac. Unless he is a maniac we must call him a traitor."

Those present moved with fear.

"Yes, the man called Ramses XIII is a traitor, for not only does he select spies and robbers to discover the way to the treasures of the labyrinth, not only does he reject the treaty with Assyria, which Egypt needs absolutely."

"Grievous accusations," said the judge.

"But listen to me further: he is negotiating with villainous Phoenicians to cut a canal between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. This canal is the greatest danger for Egypt, since our country might be inundated by water in one moment. It is not a question here of the treasures of the labyrinth, but of our temples, houses, fields, six millions of people, foolish, it is true, but innocent, and finally of our own lives and the lives of our children."

"If that is the case" sighed the nomarch of Horti.

"I and the worthy Mefres pledge ourselves that it is the case, and that this one man has gathered into his hands more dangers than have ever yet threatened Egypt. Hence we have brought you here to provide means of rescue. But we must act quickly, for the plans of this man advance like a storm in a desert and may overwhelm every one of us."

For a moment there was silence in the dark chamber.

"What is to be done at present?" asked the nomarch of Emsuch. "We live in our provinces far from the court, and not only do we not know the plans of this madman, but we cannot even divine them, we can hardly believe that they exist. I think it is best therefore to leave this affair with thee, worthy Herhor, and with Mefres. Ye have discovered the disease, provide the remedy and act. But if the greatness of responsibility alarms you, associate with yourselves the supreme judge as assistant."

"Yes! yes! he speaks truth," confirmed the indignant officials.

Mentezufis lighted a torch and placed on a table before the statue of the god a papyrus on which was written an act of the following contents: In view of dangers threatening the state, the power of the secret council passes into the hands of Herhor with whom are associated as assistants the supreme judge and Mefres.

This act, confirmed by the signatures of the dignitaries present, was enclosed in a tube and concealed in a secret place beneath the altar.

In addition, each one of the seven associates bound himself under oath to attract to the conspiracy ten dignitaries. Herhor promised to bring proof that Assyria was insisting on the treaty, and that the pharaoh did not wish to sign it, that he was negotiating with Phoenicians to dig the canal, and that he intended to enter the labyrinth treacherously.

"My life and honor are in your hands," concluded Herhor. "If what I have said is untrue condemn me to death, and have my body burned afterward."

No one doubted now that the high priest spoke the pure truth; for no Egyptian would expose his body to burning and his soul to destruction.

Tutmosis spent a few days after the wedding in company with Hebron, in the palace given him by his holiness. But every evening he went to the barracks of the guard, where with officers and dancers he passed the nights very pleasantly.

From this conduct his comrades divined that he had married Hebron only for her dowry; this, however, did not astonish any one.

After five days Tutmosis announced to the pharaoh that he was ready to resume his duties. Thenceforth he visited his wife only in the daytime, the nights he passed near his lord's chamber.

One evening the pharaoh said to him,

"This palace has so many comers for watching and listening that every act of mine is noted. My revered mother is addressed again by those mysterious voices which ceased in Memphis after I dismissed the priesthood. I cannot receive therefore any one in my own chamber, but must leave the palace and take counsel with my servants in a safe place."

"Am I to follow thee, holiness?" inquired Tutmosis, seeing that the pharaoh was looking around for his mantle.

"No; Thou must stay here and see that no one enters my chamber. Admit no person, not even my mother, not even the shade of my ever-living father. Thou wilt say that I am asleep and will see no one."

"It will be as Thou hast said," replied Tutmosis, putting on his lord a hooded mantle. Then he quenched the light in the bed-chamber and Ramses went out through side passages.

When he was in the garden Ramses stopped and looked on all sides with attention. Then, taking bearings, he started quickly toward the villa which he had given Tutmosis. After he had walked some minutes in a shady alley a man stood before him and inquired,

"Who goes?"

"Nubia," answered the pharaoh.

"Libya," said the inquirer, and pushed back suddenly, as if frightened.

The man was an officer of the guard. The pharaoh looked at him, and said,

"Ah, this is Eunana! What art Thou doing in this place?"

"I am going around the gardens; I do so a couple of times nightly, for thieves steal in sometimes."

"Thou dost wisely. But remember the first duty of an officer of the guard is silence. Drive the thief out, but if Thou meet a man in office seize him not, be silent, be silent always. Even if the high priest Herhor were in question."

"Oh lord!" exclaimed Eunana, "but command me not to do homage in the night to Herhor, or to Mefres. I am not sure that my sword at sight of them would not spring of itself from the scabbard."

Ramses smiled.

"Thy sword is mine," replied he, "and it may leave the scabbard only when I give the order." He nodded to Eunana and passed on.

After wandering a quarter of an hour by paths intended to mislead, the pharaoh found himself near a secret gate in a thicket. It seemed to him that he heard a rustle, and he said in a low voice,

"Hebron!"

A figure, also in a dark mantle, ran out, rushed at Ramses and clung to his neck, whispering,

"Is it thou? is it thou? Oh, how long I have waited!"

The pharaoh felt that she was slipping from his embrace, so he took her in his arms and carried her to an arbor. At that moment the mantle fell from his shoulders; he dragged it for a while, but at last dropped it.

Next day the revered lady Niort's summoned Tutmosis. The favorite of the pharaoh was frightened when he looked at her. The queen was terribly pale, her eyes were sunken and she was almost demented.

"Sit down!" said she, indicating a stool near her armchair.

Tutmosis hesitated.

"Sit down! And and swear that Thou wilt repeat to no one what I tell thee."

"By the shade of my father, I will not."

"Hear me," said the queen in a low voice; "I have been almost a mother to thee. Wert Thou to betray this secret the gods would punish thee. No they would only cast on thy head a part of those misfortunes which are hanging over my family."

Tutmosis listened with astonishment.

"Is she mad?" thought he with fear.

"Look at that window," continued the queen; "look at that tree. Dost Thou know whom I saw last night on that tree outside the window?"

"Could the brother of his holiness have come to Thebes?"

"It was not he," whispered she, sobbing. "It was my Ramses himself."

"On the tree? Last night?"

"Yes. The light of the lamp fell on his face and figure perfectly. He had a coat in white and blue stripes, his eyes were wandering he laughed wildly, like his unfortunate brother, and said, 'Look at me, mother, I am able to fly now, a thing that neither Seti, nor Ramses the Great, nor Cheops could do. See what wings are growing out on me!' He stretched his hands toward me, and I, unconscious from sorrow, touched his hands through the window and his face, covered with cold perspiration. At last he slipped down the tree and vanished."

Tutmosis listened in terror. All at once he struck his forehead.

"That was not Ramses," said he with decision. "That was a man very like him, that villain, the Greek Lykon, who killed Sarah's son, and who is now under control of the high priests. That was not Ramses. This is a crime of Herhor and Mefres, those wretches."

Hope gleamed on the queen's face, but only for a moment.

"How could I fail to recognize my son?"

"Lykon is very like him," answered Tutmosis. "This is a trick of the priests. They are infamous! For them death is too slight a punishment."

"Did the pharaoh sleep at home last night?" inquired the lady.

Tutmosis was confused and dropped his eyes.

"So he did not sleep at home?"

"He did," answered the favorite with an uncertain voice.

"That is not true. But tell me, at least, did he not wear a coat with white and blue stripes?"

"I do not remember," whispered Tutmosis.

"Thou art telling untruth again. And this mantle, tell me if this is not my son's mantle? My slave found it on that same tree, in the branches."

The queen sprang up and brought from a case a brown, hooded mantle. Tutmosis remembered that the pharaoh had returned after midnight without his mantle and even explained to him that he had lost it somewhere in the garden. He hesitated, meditated, but at last answered with decision,

"No, queen, that was not the pharaoh. That was Lykon, and this is a crime of the priests which I must report to his holiness straightway."

"But if that were Ramses?" inquired the lady again, though in her eyes a spark of hope was now evident.

Tutmosis was troubled. His conclusion that it was Lykon was wise and might be true, but indications were not lacking that the queen had seen Ramses. It was certain that he had returned to his chamber after midnight; he wore a tunic with white and blue stripes, he had lost his mantle. It was true that his brother was demented, and, moreover, could a mother's heart deceive her?

And doubts rose in the soul of Tutmosis, intricate and involved as a nest of poisonous reptiles. Luckily in proportion as his doubts increased hope entered the heart of Niort's.

"It is well that Thou hast reminded me of that Lykon," said she. "I remember. Through him Mefres accused Ramses of child murder, and today he may use the wretch to defame his sovereign. In this case not a word to any one of what I have told thee. If Ramses if in truth he is subject to such a misfortune, it may be temporary. We must not humiliate him by mentioning such reports, we must not inform him. If this is a plot of the priests we must also be cautious. Though people who use such deceit cannot be powerful."

"I will investigate this," interrupted Tutmosis, "but if I convince myself."

"Do not inform Ramses I implore thee by the shade of thy father!" exclaimed the queen, clasping her hands. "The pharaoh would not forgive them, he would deliver them to judgment, and then one of two misfortunes would happen. Either the supreme priests of the state would be condemned to death, or the court would free them. And then what? But pursue Lykon and slay him without mercy, like a wild beast like a reptile."

Tutmosis took farewell of the queen. She was pacified, though his fears had grown greater.

"If that villainous Greek, Lykon, is living yet, despite imprisonment by the priests," thought he, "he would prefer flight to climbing trees and showing himself to the queen. I myself would facilitate his escape, and cover him with wealth if he would tell the truth and seek protection against those wretches. But whence came the mantle? How deceive the mother?"

From that time Tutmosis avoided the pharaoh, and dared not look him in the eyes, while Ramses himself acted strangely, so their heartfelt relations seemed to grow cold somewhat.

But one evening the pharaoh summoned his favorite a second time.

"I must speak with Hiram," said he, "on questions of importance. I am going out. Watch here at my chamber, and if any man wishes to see me do not admit him."

When the pharaoh vanished in the secret corridors Tutmosis was seized by alarm.

"Maybe," thought he, "the priests have poisoned him to produce insanity; and he, feeling that an attack is coming, flees from his own palace? Ha! we shall see!"

In fact he did see. The pharaoh returned well after midnight to his chambers, and had a mantle; it was not his own, however, but a soldier's.

Tutmosis was alarmed and did not sleep till morning, thinking that the queen would summon him again on a sudden. The queen did not summon him, however. But during the morning review of the guard, the officer Eunana begged to speak with his chief for a moment.

When they were alone in a chamber Eunana fell at the feet of Tutmosis and implored the chief not to repeat what he was going to tell him.

"What has happened?" inquired the adjutant, feeling cold in his heart.

"Chief," said Eunana, "yesterday I saw a man running in the garden naked, and crying in an unearthly voice. He was brought in to me, and, chief slay me!"

Eunana fell again at the feet of Tutmosis.

"That naked man that I cannot tell."

"Who was he?" inquired the terrified Tutmosis.

"I will not tell!" groaned Eunana. "I took off my mantle and covered sacred nakedness. I wanted to take him to the palace but I the lord commanded me to stay where I was, and be silent be silent!"

"Whither did he go?"

"I know not. I did not look, and I did not let the warriors look. He vanished somewhere among the bushes of the garden. I told my men not to see anything, not to hear anything; that if any man saw or heard anything he would be strangled that instant."

Tutmosis had succeeded in mastering himself.

"I know nothing," said he, coldly, "and understand nothing of what Thou hast said to me. But remember, one thing: I myself ran naked once when I had drunk too much wine, and I gave a good reward to those who failed to see me. Common people, Eunana, and laborers always go naked; great persons only when it may please them. And if the wish should come to me or any of the officials to stand head downward, a wise and pious officer should not wonder at my action."

"I understand," replied Eunana, looking into the eyes of his chief quickly. "And not only will I repeat that to my warriors, but I will even go naked this night through the garden to let them know that superiors have the right to do whatever pleases them."

Still, notwithstanding the small number of men who had seen the pharaoh or his counterfeit in a state of insanity, the reports of these strange happenings circulated everywhere very quickly. In a few days all the inhabitants of Thebes, from dissectors and water-carriers to scribes and merchants, whispered that Ramses XIII was affected with the disease which had deprived his older brothers of succession.

Dread of the pharaoh and honor for him were so great that people feared to speak openly, especially before strangers. Still, all heard of it all save Ramses.

But most peculiar was this, that the report went around the whole kingdom very speedily; a proof that it circulated by means of the temples. For priests alone possessed the power of communicating in a few hours from one end of Egypt to the other.

No one mentioned these disagreeable tidings to Tutmosis directly, but the chief of the pharaoh's guard felt their existence everywhere. From the bearing of people with whom circumstances brought him in contact he divined that the servants, the slaves, the warriors, the purveyors of the court were discussing the insanity of the pharaoh, and were silent only when some superior might overhear them.

At last Tutmosis, impatient and alarmed, decided on a conversation with the Theban nomarch.

On arriving at the palace of his father-in-law he found Antefa lying on a sofa in a room, one half of which was filled with rare plants like a garden. In the centre played a fountain of water perfumed with roses; in the comers of the room were statues of gods; on the walls were depicted the deeds of the renowned nomarch. Standing near his head was a black slave who cooled his master with an ostrich feather fan; on the pavement sat the scribe of the province reading a report to him.

Tutmosis had such an anxious face that the nomarch dismissed the scribe and the slave straightway; then rising from the couch he looked toward every corner of the chamber to be sure that no one overheard them.

"Worthy father of Lady Hebron, my revered wife," said Tutmosis, "from thy bearing I see that Thou divinest the subject of which I wish to speak."

"The nomarch of Thebes must always look ahead," replied Antefa. "I divine also that the commander of the guard of his holiness would not honor me by a visit for a frivolous reason."

For a moment they looked each other in the eyes. Then Tutmosis took a seat at the side of his father-in-law, and whispered,

"Hast Thou heard vile reports about our sovereign, which the enemies of the state are spreading?"

"If it be a question of my daughter Hebron," replied the nomarch quickly, "I declare that Thou art her lord today, and canst have no question with me."

Tutmosis waved his hand with indifference.

"Some vile persons are reporting that the pharaoh is insane. Hast heard of this, my father?"

Antefa nodded and turned his head motions which meant equally that he had, or that he had not. At last he said,

"Stupidity is as great as the ocean; everything finds a place in it."

"This is not stupidity," replied Tutmosis, "but a crime of the priests, who have in their possession a man who resembles his holiness, and they make use of him for evil purposes." And he told the nomarch the story of the Greek Lykon, and his crime in Pi-Bast.

"I have heard of this Lykon who killed the son of the heir," said Antefa. "But hast Thou proof that Mefres imprisoned Lykon in Pi-Bast, that he brought him to Thebes, and that he lets him enter the gardens of the pharaoh to counterfeit the sovereign as insane?"

"Just because I have not proof of this do I ask thee, worthiness, what to do. I am the commander of the guard and I must watch over the honor and safety of our sovereign."

"What Thou must do?" repeated Antefa. "Well, first of all take care that these vile reports do not reach the ears of the pharaoh."

"Why?"

"Because a great misfortune would happen. If our lord hears that Lykon feigns insanity and pretends to be the pharaoh, he will fall into terrible anger. Naturally he will direct that anger against Herhor and Mefres. Maybe he will only abuse them in words, maybe he will imprison them, maybe he will kill them. Whatever he does, he will do it without proof, and what then? Egypt at present does not care to give offerings to the gods, but it will take the part of priests injured without reason. And what then? Well," added he, approaching his lips to Tutmosis' ear, "I think it would be the end of the dynasty."

"What am I to do?"

"One thing!" exclaimed Antefa. "Find Lykon, prove that Mefres and Herhor secreted him, and ordered him to counterfeit the pharaoh as insane. Thou must do this, if Thou wish to keep the favor of thy sovereign. Proofs as many proofs as possible! Egypt is not Assyria; Thou canst not act against high priests without the court, and no court will condemn them without tangible evidence. Where hast Thou the certainty that some one did not give the pharaoh an intoxicating potion? That would be simpler than to send out a man at night who knows neither the watchword, nor the palace, nor the garden. I have heard of Lykon from an authentic source, for I heard from Hiram. Still, I do not understand how Lykon could perform such miracles in Thebes."

"But but" interrupted Tutmosis, "where is Hiram?"

"Immediately after the wedding he went to Memphis, and in these last days he was in Hiten."

Tutmosis again was in trouble: "That night," thought he, "when they took a naked man to Eunana, the pharaoh said that he was going to see Hiram. But as Hiram was not in Thebes, then what? Well, his holiness knew not at the moment that of which he himself was talking."

Tutmosis returned home dazed. Not only did he fail to understand what he was to do in that unheard-of position, but even he knew not what to think of the position itself. His conviction while conversing with Niort's, that Lykon, the emissary of high priests, had appeared in the garden, was equaled now by his doubts as to whether the Greek had been there at all.

And if this was the case with Tutmosis the favorite, who saw Ramses at all times, what must it be in the hearts of strangers. The most devoted adherents of the pharaoh and his measures might hesitate on hearing from all sides that their sovereign was demented.

This was the first blow which the priests gave Ramses XIII Slight in itself, it involved results which were beyond reckoning.

Not only did Tutmosis hesitate, he suffered. Under a frivolous exterior he had a character at once energetic and noble. So that day, when men struck at the honor and power of his sovereign, inactivity was devouring Tutmosis. He seemed to himself the commander of a fortress which the enemy was undermining, while he himself was looking on in helplessness. This thought so tortured him that under its influence he fell upon a daring plan. Meeting the high priest Sem, he said to him,

"Worthiness, hast Thou heard the reports about our sovereign?"

"The pharaoh is young, hence various scandals may circulate concerning him," replied Sem, looking strangely at Tutmosis. "But such affairs pertain not to me; I take the place of his holiness in the service of the gods; I fulfill that office as I know best, and have no care for other questions."

"I know, worthiness, that Thou art a faithful servant of the pharaoh," said Tutmosis, "and I have no thought of interfering with priestly secrets; I must turn thy attention, however, to one trifle. I have learned that holy Mefres holds a certain Lykon, a Greek, on whom two crimes are weighing: he murdered the pharaoh's son, and besides he looks like his holiness. Let the worthy Mefres not bring disgrace on the revered priestly order; let him yield the murderer to justice at the earliest; for if we find Lykon, I swear that Mefres will lose not his office alone, but his head also. In our kingdom it is not permitted to patronize murderers and secrete men who resemble the sovereign."

Sem, in whose presence Mefres had taken Lykon from the police, was confused out of fear perhaps that he might be suspected of co- operation, still he answered,

"I will try to forewarn holy Mefres of these suspicions. But Thou knowest, worthiness, how people answer who attribute crimes to others."

"I know and assume responsibility. I am so certain of my case that I have no concern as to the result of my suspicions. Alarm I leave to holy Mefres; I trust that he will not force me to pass from warning to energetic action."

The conversation had its result: from that day forth no man ever saw the counterfeit of the pharaoh. But reports did not cease; Ramses XIII, however, knew nothing of them; Tutmosis feared violent action of the pharaoh against the priests, hence gave him no information.

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Chapter LXII

IN the beginning of the month Paofi (July, August) the pharaoh, Queen Niort's, and the court returned from Thebes to the palace at Memphis. Toward the end of the journey, which took place on the Nile this time also, Ramses fell into meditation often, and said once to Tutmosis,

"I notice a strange thing. The people assemble on both banks as numerously, and perhaps even more so than they did when we sailed up the river, but their shouts are far weaker, boats follow us in smaller numbers, and flowers are thrown from them stingily."

"Divine truth flows from thy lips, lord," replied Tutmosis. "Indeed the people look wearied, but great heat is the cause of that.'?

"Thou speakest wisely," said the pharaoh in praise, and his face brightened.

But Tutmosis did not believe his own words. He felt, and what was worse the whole retinue felt, that the masses of men had grown somewhat cool in their love for the pharaoh. Whether this came from tales of the unfortunate illness of the sovereign, or from new intrigues, Tutmosis knew not; he felt certain, however, that the priests had had influence in producing that coolness.

"That is a stupid rabble," thought he, not restraining the contempt in his heart. "A short time ago they were drowning just to look at the face of his holiness, and today they are sparing their voices. Have they forgotten the seventh day for rest, or the land as property?"

Immediately after his arrival at the palace the pharaoh issued an order to assemble delegates. At the same time he commanded officials devoted to him, and also the police, to begin an agitation against the priests and in favor of rest on the seventh day from labor.

Soon there was a buzzing in Lower Egypt as in a beehive. The common people claimed not only a day for repose, but payment for public labor. Artisans in inns and on the streets abused the priests for wishing to limit the sacred power of the pharaoh. The number of offenders increased, but criminals would not appear before any court. Scribes grew timid, and no one dared strike a common man, knowing that he would avenge himself. No one brought offerings to a temple. Stones and mud were hurled more and more frequently at the gods guarding boundaries, and at times these gods were thrown down even. Fear fell on priests and nomarchs as well as their adherents. In vain did judges announce on the highroads and squares that, according to ancient laws, laborers, artisans, and even merchants were not to busy themselves with politics which withdrew them from bread-giving labor. The crowd, amid shouts and laughter, hurled rotten vegetables and date skins at heralds.

Meanwhile the most powerful gathered at the palace, and, prostrate before the pharaoh, begged for deliverance.

"We are," cried they, "as if the ground were opening under us, and as if the world were nearing its end! The elements are in confusion, men's minds are vexed, and if thou, lord, wilt not rescue us, our days are numbered."

"My treasury is empty, the army not numerous, the police have seen no salary this long time," replied the pharaoh. "If ye wish enduring peace and safety ye must find funds for me. But since my heart is troubled by your fear I will do what I can, and I hope to restore order."

In fact his holiness gave command to concentrate troops and dispose them at the most important points in the kingdom. At the same time he ordered Nitager to leave the eastern boundary to his assistant, and come himself with five chosen regiments to Memphis. This he did not so much to protect aristocrats from common people as to have at hand strong forces in case the high priests incited to rebellion Upper Egypt and the troops attached to temples.

On Paofi 10 there was a great movement in the palace and about it. The delegates who were to recognize the pharaoh's right to the treasures in the labyrinth had assembled, also a multitude of men who wished at least to look at the place of a solemnity rare in Egypt.

The procession of delegates began in the morning. In front went naked earth-tillers wearing white caps and girdles; each held in his hand a piece of coarse cloth to cover his back in presence of the pharaoh. Next advanced artisans dressed like the earth-tillers, from whom they differed in wearing finer cloth and narrow aprons covered with parti- colored embroidery. Third came merchants, some in wigs, all in long tunics and pelerines. Among them were some who had rich bracelets on their arms and legs, and rings on their fingers.

Next appeared officers in caps and wearing coats with girdles which were black and yellow, blue and white, blue and red. Two instead of coats had bronze breastplates. After a long interval appeared thirteen nobles, wearing immense wigs and white robes which reached the pavement. After them advanced nomarchs in robes bordered with a purple stripe, and on their heads were coronets. The procession was closed by priests with shaven heads, and wearing panther skins over their shoulders.

The delegates entered the great hall of the pharaoh's palace where there were seven benches, one behind another, the highest for priests, the lowest for earth-tillers.

Soon appeared in a litter his holiness, Ramses XIII, before whom the delegates fell on their faces. When the lord of both worlds had taken his seat on a lofty throne, he permitted his faithful subjects to rise and occupy their places. Now Herhor, Mefres, and the overseer of the labyrinth, the latter carrying a box, entered and took their seats on lower thrones. A brilliant suite of generals surrounded the pharaoh, behind whom stood two high officials with fans of peacock feathers.

"Truth-believing Egyptians," said the ruler of both worlds, "it is known to you that my court, my army, and my officials are in such need that the impoverished treasury cannot overcome it. Of expenses concerning my sacred person I speak not, since my food and dress are like those of a warrior; any general or chief scribe has more servants and women than I have."

Among those assembled a murmur of assent was heard.

"Hitherto the custom has been," continued the pharaoh, "that when the treasury needs funds, greater taxes are imposed on working people. I, who know my people and their needs, not only do not wish to add burdens, but would gladly lessen those which they now bear."

"Our lord, may Thou live through eternity!" said some from the lowest benches.

"Happily for Egypt," said the pharaoh, "our kingdom has treasures through which we may improve the army, pay officials, help the people, and even pay all debts which we owe either to the temples or Phoenicians. These treasures, collected by my glorious ancestors, are lying in the vaults of the labyrinth. But they can be taken only if all you right believers recognize as one man that Egypt is in need, and I, your lord, have the right to dispose of the treasures of my ancestors."

"We recognize! We entreat thee to take what is needed!" was the answer from all benches.

"Worthy Herhor," said the ruler, turning to him, "has the sacred priestly order aught to say in this question?"

"Very little," answered the high priest rising. "According to ancient laws the treasure of the labyrinth may be touched only when the state has no other means; such is not the position at present, however, for should the government wipe away the Phoenician debts, which have risen from dishonest usury, not only would they fill thy treasury, holiness, but men working today for Phoenicians would have respite from grievous labor."

On the benches of the delegates approbation was heard now a second time.

"Thy advice is keen, O holy man," replied the pharaoh, "but full of danger. Were my treasurer, the worthy nomarchs, and the nobles, to erase what the state owes to creditors, they might omit one day to pay Phoenicians, the next day they might forget to pay sums due the temples and the pharaoh. Who will assure me, that common men, encouraged by examples from the great, would not think that they, too, have the right to forget their duties toward the sovereign?"

The blow was so weighty that the most worthy Herhor bent and was silent.

"And thou, chief overseer of the labyrinth, what hast Thou to say?" asked Ramses.

"I have a box here," replied the overseer, "with white and black pebbles. Every delegate will receive two and will put one of them into a pitcher; whoso wishes thee, holiness, to break the treasure in the labyrinth will put in a black pebble; whoso wishes that the property of the gods be untouched will put in a white one."

"Agree not, O lord, to that," whispered the treasurer to the sovereign. "Let each delegate tell openly what he has on his soul."

"Let us respect ancient customs," interrupted Mefres.

"Yes, let them put pebbles into the pitcher," decided the pharaoh. "My heart is pure and my plans are unbending."

Holy Mefres and Herhor exchanged glances. The overseer of the labyrinth and two generals went around the benches and gave a white pebble and a black one to each delegate. The poor men from the common crowd were confused much at seeing before them such great dignitaries. Some fell on the floor, did not dare to take the pebbles, and understood with great difficulty that they were to put only one pebble into the pitcher, a black or a white one.

"I wish to agree with the gods and his holiness," whispered an old shepherd.

At last the officials succeeded in explaining, and the common men in understanding what was needed. The voting began. Each delegate went to the pitcher and dropped in his pebble in such fashion that others did not see its color.

Meanwhile the chief treasurer knelt behind the throne, and whispered,

"All is lost! If they had voted openly we should have unanimity; but now may my hand wither if there will not be twenty white pebbles in the pitcher."

"Be at rest, faithful servant," replied Ramses with a smile. "I have more regiments at hand than there will be voices against us."

"But to what purpose? to what purpose?" sighed the treasurer; "without unanimity they will not open the labyrinth."

Ramses smiled all the time.

The procession of delegates had finished. The overseer of the labyrinth raised the pitcher and poured out its contents on a golden tray.

Of ninety-one pebbles eighty-three were black and only eight white.

The generals and officials lost courage, the high priests looked at the assembly in triumph, but soon alarm seized them, for the face of Ramses had a gladsome expression.

No one dared to declare openly that the plan of his holiness had been defeated.

"Right-believing Egyptians, my good servants," said the pharaoh with perfect freedom. "Ye have carried out my command, and my favor is with you; for two days ye will be guests in my house. Ye will receive presents and return to your houses and labors. Peace and blessings be with you."

When he had said this he left the hall with his suite. The high priests Herhor and Mefres gazed with a look of alarm at each other.

"He is not troubled in any way," whispered Herhor.

"Ah, I said that he is a raging wild beast," replied Mefres. "He will not hesitate at violence, and if we do not anticipate."

"The gods will defend us and our dwellings."

In the evening the most faithful servants of Ramses XIII assembled in his chamber: the chief treasurer, the chief scribe, Tutmosis, and Kalippos, the commander-in-chief of the Greek forces.

"O lord," groaned the treasurer, "why not act like thy eternally living ancestors. If the delegates had spoken openly we should now have a right to the treasure in the labyrinth."

"His worthiness speaks the truth," put in the chief scribe.

The pharaoh shook his head.

"Ye are mistaken. If all Egypt cried, 'give the funds in the labyrinth,' the priests would not give them."

"Then why disturb the priests by summoning delegates? This royal act has stirred them greatly, and given insolence to common men, who today are like a rising deluge."

"I have no fear of this deluge," said the pharaoh. "My regiments will be dams against it. The advantage of this delegation is evident, since it shows the weakness of my opponents: eighty-three for us, eight against us. It proves that if they can count on one corps I can rely on ten. Yield not to illusions; between me and the high priests war has begun already. They are the fortress which we have summoned to surrender. They have refused; we must storm the fortress."

"Live forever!" cried Tutmosis and Kalippos.

"Command us," said the chief scribe.

"This is my will," said Ramses. "Thou, O treasurer, wilt distribute one hundred talents among the police, the overseers of the laborers, and the mayors in the provinces of Seft, Neha-chent, Nehapechu, Sebt-Het, Aa, Ament, and Ka. In those same places you will give the innkeepers and the keepers of dramshops barley, wheat, and wine, whatever is at hand, so that common men may have meat and drink free of charge. Ye will do this immediately, so that there be supplies wherever needed till the 23d of Paofi."

The treasurer inclined to the pavement.

"Thou, scribe, wilt write and command to-morrow to herald forth in the streets of provincial capitals that barbarians of the western desert are advancing in great force to attack the province of Fayum. Thou, Kalippos, wilt dispatch four Greek regiments southward. Two of these will halt at the labyrinth, two will push on to Hanes. If troops of the priests go from Thebes ye will drive them back and not let them approach Fayum. If people are indignant at the priests and threaten the labyrinth, thy Greeks will occupy the edifice."

"But if the overseers of the labyrinth refuse?" inquired Kalippos.

"That would be rebellion," answered the pharaoh, and continued,

"Thou, Tutmosis, wilt send three regiments to Memphis and post them near the temples of Ptah, Isis, and Horus. If the enraged people wish to storm the temples the commanders of the regiments will open the gates to themselves, will not admit common men to the holy places, and will guarantee the persons of the high priests from insult. There will be priests in the labyrinth and in the temples of Memphis, who will come forth to the army with green branches. The commanders of regiments will ask those men for the password and will counsel with them."

"But if they resist?" inquired Tutmosis.

"Only rebels would refuse to obey commanders of the pharaoh," answered Ramses. "The temples and the labyrinth must be occupied by troops on the 23d of Paofi," continued the pharaoh, turning to the chief scribe. "The people both in Memphis and Fayum may begin to assemble on the 18th, at first in small groups, then in increasing numbers. But if slight disturbances begin about the 20th, they are not to be prevented. The people are to storm the temples not earlier than the 22d and 23d. And when troops occupy those points all must be quieted."

"Would it not be better to imprison Herhor and Mefres at once?" inquired Tutmosis.

"What for? I am not concerned about them, but the labyrinth and the temples, for the occupation of which troops are not ready yet. Besides, Hiram, who intercepted Herhor's letters to the Assyrians will return no sooner than the 20th. So only on the 21st of Paofi shall we have proofs in our hands that the high priests are traitors, and we shall announce their treason in public."

"Then am I to go to Fayum?" inquired Kalippos.

"Oh, no! Thou and Tutmosis will remain near me with chosen regiments. We must have reserves in case the priests draw away a part of the people."

"Art Thou not afraid of treason, lord?" asked Tutmosis.

The pharaoh waved his hand with indifference. "Treason is always leaking out like water from a swollen barrel. It will be difficult for the high priests to divine my plans, while I know what they wish. But as I have anticipated them in collecting forces they will be weaker. Regiments are not formed in a few days."

"But enchantments?" inquired Tutmosis.

"There are no enchantments which an axe will not shatter," said Ramses, laughing.

Tutmosis wished at that moment to mention the tricks of the high priests with Lykon, but he was restrained by the thought that his lord would be very angry and lose calmness, through which he was powerful on that day. A chief before battle can think of nothing but action, and there would be time enough for Lykon's case when the priests were in prison.

At a sign from his holiness Tutmosis remained in the chamber, but the three other dignitaries made low obeisances and vanished.

"At last!" sighed the chief scribe, when he found himself with the treasurer in the antechamber, "at last the power of the shaven heads is ending."

"Indeed it is time," said the treasurer. "During the last ten years any prophet had more power than the nomarch of Thebes or of Memphis."

"I think that Herhor is preparing in secret a boat in which to flee before the 23d of Paofi," put in Kalippos.

"What will be done to Herhor?" said the scribe. "His holiness, who is terrible today, will forgive him when he is obedient."

"And even leave him his property at the intercession of Queen Niort's," said the treasurer. "At all events there will be order in the state, which for some time has been lacking."

"But it seems to me that his holiness is making too great preparations," said the scribe. "I should finish all with the Greek regiments, and not employ the people."

"He is young; he likes noise and uproar," added the treasurer.

"How clear it is that ye are not warriors," said Kalippos. "When it comes to battle we must concentrate all the forces, for surprises are sure to happen."

"They would happen if we had not the people behind us," said the scribe. "But what unexpected thing can happen? The gods will not come down to defend the labyrinth."

"Such is thy speech, worthiness, for Thou art at rest," answered Kalippos; "Thou knowest that the supreme chief is watching and is trying to foresee everything; if that were not the case thy skin might creep."

"I see no surprises," contended the scribe, "unless the high priests are spreading reports again that the pharaoh is demented."

"They will try various tricks," added the treasurer, yawning; "but in fact they have not strength enough. In every case I thank the gods who put me in the pharaoh's camp. Well, let us go to sleep."

After the dignitaries had left the chamber of the pharaoh, Tutmosis opened a secret door in one of the walls, and led in Samentu. Ramses received the high priest of Set with great pleasure; he gave him his hand to kiss, and pressed his head.

"Peace be with thee, good servant," said the sovereign. "What dost Thou bring me?"

"I have been twice in the labyrinth," replied the priest.

"And dost Thou know the way now?"

"I knew it before, but this time I have made a new discovery: the treasure chamber may sink, people may be lost, and jewels be destroyed which are of the greatest value."

The pharaoh frowned.

"Therefore," continued Samentu, "be pleased, holiness, to have ready some tens of reliable men. With them I will enter the labyrinth on the night before the storm, and seize the chambers adjoining the treasury, especially the upper ones."

"Canst Thou lead in men?"

"Yes. Though I will go alone again to the labyrinth, and see absolutely whether we may not avert destruction unaided. Even the most faithful men are uncertain, and to introduce them at night might rouse the attention of those watchdogs."

"Are they not following thee now?" asked the pharaoh.

"Believe me, lord," answered the priest, placing his hand on his breast, "a miracle would be needed to follow me. Their blindness is almost childlike. They feel that some one wants to invade the labyrinth, but the fools have doubled the guard at the ordinary gateways. Meanwhile, in the course of a month I have discovered three hidden entrances, these they have forgotten, or perhaps they know nothing about them. Only some spirit could warn those guardians that I traverse the labyrinth, or indicate the room in which I may find myself. Among three thousand chambers and corridors this is impossible."

"The worthy Samentu speaks truth," said Tutmosis. "And perhaps we employ too much keenness against these priestly reptiles."

"Do not say that," replied the priest. "Their strength, as compared with that of his holiness, is as a handful of sand in comparison with a temple, but Herhor and Mefres are very wise, and they may use weapons against us and means before which we shall be dumb with amazement. Our temples are full of secrets which will arrest even sages, and bring down to the dust the courage of the multitude."

"Wilt Thou tell us something of that?" inquired the pharaoh.

"I will say first that the warriors of your holiness will meet with wonders in the temples. In one chamber torches will quench in their hands, in another, flames and disgusting monsters will surround them. In one place a wall will stop the way, or a gulf will open before their feet. In some corridors water will cover them, in others invisible hands will throw stones at them. And such thunders, such voices will be heard round about."

"In every temple I have partisans among the younger priests, and Thou wilt be in the labyrinth" said the pharaoh.

"But our axes?" said Tutmosis. "He is a poor soldier who draws back before flames or frightful pictures, or who loses time listening to mysterious voices."

"Thou speakest well, chief," cried Samentu. "If ye go ahead valiantly, terrors will vanish, voices cease, and flames burn no longer. Now my last word, lord," said the priest, turning to Ramses. "If I perish."

"Do not speak thus," interrupted the pharaoh quickly.

"A young priest of Set will come to thee, holiness, with my ring. Let the army occupy the labyrinth and expel the overseers, and let them not leave the building, for that young priest in the course of a month, perhaps, or even earlier, will find the way to the treasures with the indications which I will leave him. But, lord," continued Samentu kneeling down, "I implore thee for one thing: when Thou shalt conquer, avenge me, and above all, pardon not Mefres and Herhor. Thou knowest not what enemies they are. If they win, Thou wilt perish, not only thou, but the dynasty."

"But does not magnanimity become a victor?" inquired the pharaoh gloomily.

"No magnanimity! No favor!" cried Samentu. "As long as they live we are threatened, Thou and I, with death, with shame, even with insult to our corpses. It is possible to fondle a lion, to buy a Phoenician, to win the attachment of a Libyan and an Ethiopian. It is possible to win favor from a Chaldean priest, for he, like an eagle, soars above heights and is safe from missiles. But an Egyptian prophet who has tried power and luxury Thou wilt win with nothing, only his death or thine can end the conflict."

"Samentu speaks truth," said Tutmosis. "Happily not his holiness, but we, the warriors, will decide the ancient struggle between the priests and the pharaoh."

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Chapter LXIII

On Paofi 12 alarming news went forth from various Egyptian temples. During a few preceding days an altar was overturned in the temple of Horus; in the temple of Isis a statue of the goddess shed tears. In the temple of Amon at Thebes, and from the tomb of Osiris in Dendera, omens of much evil were given. The priests inferred from infallible signs that some dreadful misfortune would threaten Egypt before the month had ended. Hence Herhor and Mefres, the high priests, commanded processions around the temples and sacrifice in houses.

On Paofi 13 there was a great procession in Memphis: the god Ptah issued from his temple, and the goddess Isis from hers. Both divinities moved toward the centre of the city with a very small assembly of believers, mainly women. But they were forced to withdraw, for Egyptians reviled them and foreigners went so far as to hurl stones at the sacred boats of the divinities.

In presence of these abuses the police bore themselves with indifference, some of them even took part in unseemly jests. During the afternoon unknown persons told the crowd that the priests would not permit relief to be given the people and desired a rebellion against the pharaoh.

Toward evening laborers gathered in crowds at the temples, where they hissed the priests and abused them. Meanwhile stones were hurled at the gate, and some criminals openly beat off the nose of Horus who was on guard at his own entrance.

A couple of hours after sunset the high priests and their most faithful adherents assembled in the temple of Ptah. The worthy Herhor was there; so were Mefres, Mentezufis, three nomarchs, and the highest judge.

"Terrible times!" said the judge, "I know to a certainty that the pharaoh wishes to rouse a rabble to attack temples."

"I have heard," said the nomarch of Sebes, "that an order has been sent to Nitager to hurry at the earliest with new troops, as if those here were insufficient."

"Communication between Upper and Lower Egypt is interrupted since yesterday," added the nomarch of Aa. "On the roads are posted troops, and the galleys of his holiness examine every barge sailing on the river."

"Ramses XIII is not 'holiness,'" said Mefres, dryly, "for he has not received a crown from the gods yet."

"All this would be a trifle," said the judge. "Treason is worse. We have indications that many of the younger priests are favorable to the pharaoh and inform him of everything."

"There are some even who have undertaken to facilitate the occupation of the temples by troops," added Herhor.

"Are troops to enter the temples?" exclaimed the nomarch of Sebes.

"They have such an order at least for the 23d," replied Herhor.

"And dost Thou speak of this, worthiness, quietly?" inquired the nomarch of Ament.

Herhor shrugged his shoulders, while the nomarchs exchanged glances.

"I do not understand this," said the nomarch of Aa, almost in anger. "There are barely a few hundred warriors at the temples, some priests are traitors, the pharaoh cuts us off from Thebes and is rousing the people, while the worthy Herhor speaks as though we were invited to a banquet. Either let us defend ourselves, if that be still possible, or."

"Shall we yield to 'his holiness'?" inquired Mefres with irony.

"We shall have time for that always!"

"But we should like to learn about means of defense," said the nomarch of Sebes.

"The gods will save those who are faithful to them," answered Herhor.

The nomarch of Aa wrung his hands.

"If I am to open my heart, I must say that I too am astonished at thy indifference," said the judge. "Almost all the people are against us."

"The common people are like barley in the field, they incline with the wind."

"But the army?"

"What army will not fall before Osiris?"

"I know," replied the nomarch of Aa, with impatience, "but I see neither Osiris nor that wind which is to turn the people toward us. Meanwhile, the pharaoh has attached them by promises, and he will appear with gifts to-morrow."

"Fear is stronger than promises and gifts," replied Herhor.

"What have they to fear? Those three hundred soldiers of ours?"

"They will fear Osiris."

"But where is he?" asked the indignant nomarch of Aa.

"Ye will see him. But happy the man who will be blind on that day."

Herhor spoke with such calm solemnity that silence settled on the assembly.

"But what shall we do?" asked the judge after a while.

"The pharaoh," said Herhor, "wishes the people to attack the temple on the 23d. We must make them attack us on the 20th of Paofi."

"The gods live through eternity!" cried the nomarch of Aa, raising his hands. "But why should we bring misfortune on our heads, and besides two days earlier?"

"Listen to Herhor," said Mefres with a voice of decision; "try by all means that the attack be made on the morning of the 20th."

"But if they beat us in fact?" inquired the judge in confusion.

"If Herhor's spells fail I will call the gods to assist us," replied Mefres, and in his eyes was an ominous glitter.

"Ah, ye high priests have secrets which ye may not explain to us. We will do what ye command; we will cause the attack on the 20th. But remember, on your heads be our blood and the blood of our children."

"So be it! So be it!" cried both high priests together.

Then Herhor added: "For ten years we have governed the state, and during that time no wrong has happened to any of you, and we have kept every promise; so be patient and faithful for a few days. Ye will see the might of the gods and receive your reward."

The nomarchs took farewell of the high priests, not trying even to hide their own grief and alarm. Only Herhor and Mefres remained. After a long silence Herhor said,

"Yes, that Lykon was good as long as he counterfeited the maniac. But that it should be possible to show him instead of Ramses."

"If the-mother did not detect him," answered Mefres, "the man must resemble Ramses remarkably. As to sitting on the throne and saying a few words to those present, he will do that. Moreover, we shall be there."

"A terribly stupid comedian!" sighed Herhor, rubbing his forehead.

"He is wiser than millions of other men, for he has second sight and he may render the state immense service."

"Thou art speaking continually, worthiness, of that second sight. Let me convince myself of it certainly."

"Dost Thou wish to do so?" inquired Mefres. "Well come with me. But by the gods, Herhor, mention not, even before thy own heart, what Thou shalt witness."

They went beneath the temple of Ptah and entered a large vault where a lamp was then gleaming. By the feeble light Herhor saw a man sitting at a table; he was eating. The man wore a coat of the pharaoh's guardsmen.

"Lykon," said Mefres, "the highest dignitary of the state wishes evidence of those powers with which the gods have gifted thee."

"Cursed be the day in which the soles of my feet touched your land!" muttered Lykon, pushing away a plate with food on it. "I should rather labor in the quarries, and be beaten."

"There will be time for that always," interrupted Herhor, severely.

The Greek was silent, and trembled suddenly when he saw a dark crystal globe in the hand of Mefres. He grew pale, his sight became dim, large drops of sweat came out on his face. His eyes were fixed on one point, as if fastened to that ball of crystal.

"He is sleeping," said Mefres. "Is this not wonderful?"

"If he is not feigning."

"Punch him, stick him, burn him even," said Mefres.

Herhor drew from under his white robe a dagger and pointed it as if to strike Lykon between the eyes, but the Greek did not move, even his eyelids did not quiver.

"Look!" said Mefres, holding the crystal up to Lykon. "Dost Thou see the man who carried off Kama?"

The Greek sprang from his chair, his fists were clenched, and there was saliva on his lips.

"Let me go!" cried he with a hoarse voice. "Let me go and drink his blood."

"Where is he now?" inquired Mefres.

"In the villa at the side of the garden next the river. A beautiful woman is with him."

"Her name is Hebron, and she is the wife of Tutmosis," added Herhor. "Confess, Mefres, that second sight is not needed to know that."

Mefres closed his thin lips tightly.

"If this does not convince thee, worthiness, I will show something better," said he at length. "Lykon, find now the traitor who is seeking the way to the treasure of the labyrinth."

The sleeping Greek looked for a while at the crystal intently, and answered,

"I see him he is dressed in the rags of a beggar."

"Where is he?"

"In the court of the last inn before the labyrinth. He will be there in the morning."

"How does he look?"

"He has red hair and beard," answered Lykon.

"Well?" inquired Mefres of Herhor.

"Thou hast good police, worthiness," replied Herhor.

"But the overseers of the labyrinth guard it poorly!" said Mefres in anger. "I will go there to-night with Lykon to warn the local priests. But if I succeed in saving the treasure of the gods, Thou wilt permit me to become its overseer, worthiness?"

"As Thou wishest," answered Herhor with indifference. But in his heart he added: "The pious Mefres begins at last to show his claws and teeth. He desires to become only overseer of the labyrinth, and his ward, Lykon, he would make only pharaoh! Indeed, to satisfy the greed of my assistants the gods would have to make ten Egypts,"

When both dignitaries had left the vault, Herhor, in the night, returned on foot to the temple of Isis where he had a dwelling, but Mefres commanded to make ready a couple of litters on horses. In one of these the younger priests placed the sleeping Lykon with a bag on his head; in the other the high priest himself took his place and, surrounded by a party of horsemen went at a sharp trot in the direction of Fayum.

On the night between the 14th and 15th Paofi the high priest Samentu, according to the promise given Ramses, entered the labyrinth by a corridor known to himself only. He had in his hand a bundle of torches, one of which was burning, and on his back he carried tools in a small basket.

Samentu passed very easily from hall to hall, from corridor to corridor, pushing back with a touch stone slabs in columns and in walls where there were secret doors. Sometimes he hesitated, but then he read mysterious signs on the walls and compared them with signs on the beads which he bore on his neck.

After a journey of half an hour he found himself in the treasure room, whence by pushing aside a slab in the pavement he reached a hall in the lower story. The hall was spacious and its ceiling rested on a number of short thick columns.

Samentu put down his basket and, lighting two torches, began by the light of them to read inscriptions on the walls.

"Despite my wretched figure," declared one inscription, "I am a real son of the gods, for my auger is terrible.

"In the open air I turn to a column of fire, and I am lightning. Confined I am thunder and destruction, and no building can resist me.

"Nothing can weaken me but sacred water which takes my force away. But my anger is roused as well by the smallest spark as by a flame.

"In my presence everything is twisted and broken. I am like Typhon, who overturns the highest trees and lifts rocks from their places."

"In one word, every temple has its secret which others do not know," thought Samentu.

He opened one column and took a large pot from it. The pot had a' cover sealed with wax, also an opening through which passed a long slender cord; it was unknown where this cord ended inside the column. Samentu cut off a piece, touched the torch with it and saw that the cord gave out a hiss and burned quickly. Then with a knife be removed the cover very carefully and saw inside the pot as it were sand and pebbles of an ashen color. He took out a couple of the pebbles and going aside touched them with the torch. In one moment a flame burst forth and the pebbles vanished leaving thick smoke behind and a disagreeable odor. Samentu took some of the ash-colored sand, poured it on the pavement, put in the middle of it a piece of the cord which he had found at the pot, covered all with a heavy stone. Then he touched the cord with his torch, the cord burned and after a while the stone sprang up in a flame.

"I have that son of the gods now!" said Samentu smiling. "The treasure will not be lost."

He went from column to column to open slabs and take out hidden pots. In each pot was a cord which Samentu cut, the pots he left at one side.

"Well," said the priest, "his holiness might give me half these treasures and make my son a nomarch and surely he will do so, for he is a magnanimous sovereign."

When he had rendered the lower hall safe in this way Samentu returned to the treasure chamber, and hence went to the upper hall. There also were various inscriptions on the walls, numerous columns and in them pots provided with cords and filled with kernels which burst when fire touched them. Samentu cut the cords, removed the pots from the interior of the columns, and tied up in a rag one pinch of the sand. Then being wearied he sat down to rest. Six of his torches were burnt now. The night must have been nearing its end.

"I never should have supposed," said he to himself, "that those priests had such a wonderful agent. Why, with it they could overturn Assyrian fortresses! Well, we will not tell our own pupils everything either."

The wearied man fell to thinking. Now he was certain that he would hold the highest position in Egypt, a position higher than that held by Herhor. What would he do? Very much.

He would secure wealth and wisdom to his posterity. He would try to gain their secrets from all the temples and this would increase his power immensely; he would secure to Egypt preeminence above Assyria.

The young pharaoh jeered at the gods, that would facilitate to Samentu the establishment of the worship of one god, Osiris, for example; and the union of Phoenicians, Jews, Greeks, and Libyans in one state with Egypt.

Together they would make the canal to join the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Along that canal they would build fortresses and concentrate a numerous army all the trade with unknown nations of the Orient and the West would fall into the hands of Egyptians.

They would require an Egyptian fleet and Egyptian sailors. But above all was the need to crush Assyria, which was growing each year more dangerous. It was imperative to stop priestly greed and excesses. Let priests be sages, let them have a sufficiency, but let them serve the state instead of using it for their own profit as at present.

"In the month Hator," thought Samentu, "I shall be ruler of Egypt! The young lord loves women and warriors too well to labor at governing. And if he has no son, then my son, my son."

He came to himself. One more torch had burnt out; it was high time to leave those underground chambers.

He rose, took his basket and left the hall above the treasure.

"I need no assistance," thought he, laughing. "I have secured everything I alone I, the despised priest of Set!"

He had passed a number of tens of chambers and corridors when he halted on a sudden. It seemed to him that on the pavement of the hall to which he was going he saw a small streak of light.

In one moment such dreadful fear seized the man that he put out his torch. But the streak of light on the pavement had vanished. Samentu strained his hearing, but he heard only the throbbing of his own temples.

"That only seemed to me!" said he.

With a trembling hand he took out of the basket a small vessel in which punk was burning slowly, and he lighted the torch again.

"I am very drowsy," thought he. Looking around the chamber he went to a wall in which a door was hidden. He pushed a nail; the door did not slip back. A second, a third pressure no effect.

"What does this mean?" thought Samentu in amazement.

He forgot now the streak of light. It seemed to him that a new thing, unheard of, had met him. He had opened in his life so many hundreds of secret doors, he had opened so many in the labyrinth, that he could not understand simply the present resistance. Terror seized him a second time. He ran from wall to wall and tried secret doors everywhere. At last one opened. He found himself in an immense hall, filled as usual with columns. His torch lighted barely a part of the space, the remainder of it was lost in thick darkness.

The darkness, the forest of columns, and above all the strangeness of the hall gave the priest confidence. At the bottom of his fear a spark of naive hope was roused then. It seemed to him that since he did not know the place himself no one else knew it, and that no man would meet him in that labyrinth.

He was pacified somewhat and felt that his legs were bending under him; so he sat down. But again he sprang up and looked around, as if to learn whether danger was really threatening, and whence. From which of those dark comers would it come out to rush at him?

Samentu was acquainted as no other man in Egypt with subterranean places, with going astray, and with darkness. He had passed also through many alarms in his life. But that which he experienced then was something perfectly new and so terrible that the priest feared to give its own name to it.

At last, with great effort, he collected his thoughts, and said,

"If indeed I have seen a light if indeed some one has closed the doors, I am betrayed. In that case what?"

"Death!" whispered a voice hidden in the bottom of his soul somewhere.

"Death?"

Sweat came out on his face, his breath stopped-. All at once the madness of fear mastered him. He ran through the chamber and struck his fist against the wall, seeking an exit. He forgot where he was and how he had got there; he lost his direction, and even the power of taking bearings with the bead-string.

All at once he felt that in him were two persons, so to speak: one really bewildered, the other wise and self-possessed. This wiseman explained to himself that all might be imagination, that no one had discovered him, that no one was searching, and that he could escape if he would recover somewhat. But the first, the bewildered man, would not listen to the voice of wisdom; on the contrary, he gained on his internal antagonist every moment.

Oh, if he could only hide in some column! Let them seek then Though surely no one would seek, and no one would find him, while self-command would come again to him.

"What can happen to me here?" said he, shrugging his shoulders. "If I calm myself they can chase me through the whole labyrinth. To cut off all the roads there would have to be many thousand persons, and to indicate what cell I am in a miracle would be needed! But let us suppose that they seize me. Then what? I will take this little vial here, put it to my lips, and in one moment I shall flee away so that no one could catch me not even a divinity."

But in spite of reasoning, such terrible fear seized the man again that he put out the torch a second time, and trembling, his teeth chattering, he pushed up to one of the columns.

"How was it possible how could I decide to come in here?" thought Samentu. "Had I not food to eat, a place on which to lay my head? It is a simple thing, I am discovered! The labyrinth has a multitude of overseers as watchful as dogs, and only a child, or an idiot, would think of deceiving them. Property power! Where is the treasure for which it would be worth while for a man to give one day of his life? And here, I, a man in the bloom of existence, have exposed myself."

It seemed to him that he heard heavy knocking. He sprang up and in the depth of the chamber he saw a gleam of light.

Yes! a real gleam of light, not an illusion. At a distant wall, somewhere at the end, stood an open door through which at that moment armed men were coming in carefully with torches.

At sight of this the priest felt a chill in his feet, in his heart, in his head. He doubted no longer that he was not merely discovered, but hunted and surrounded.

Who could have betrayed him? Of course only one man: the young priest of Set, whom he had acquainted minutely enough with his purposes. The traitor, if alone, would have had to look almost a month for the way to the treasure, but if he had agreed with the overseers they might in one day track out Samentu.

At that moment the high priest felt the impressions known only to men who are looking at death face to face. He ceased to fear since his imagined alarms had now vanished before real torches. Not only did he regain self-command, but he felt immensely above everything living. In a short time he would be threatened no longer by danger of any sort.

The thoughts flew through his head with lightning clearness and speed. He took in the whole of his existence: his toils, his perils, his hopes, his ambitions, and all of those seemed to him a trifle. For what would it serve him to be at that moment the pharaoh, or to own every treasure in all kingdoms? They were vanity, dust, and even worse an illusion. Death alone was all-mighty and genuine.

Meanwhile the torch-bearers were examining columns most carefully, and also every corner; they had passed through half the immense hall. Samentu saw even the points of their lances, and noted that the men hesitated and advanced with alarm and repulsion. A few steps behind them was another group of persons to whom one torch gave light. Samentu did not even feel aversion toward them, he was only curious as to who could have betrayed him. But even that point did not concern him overmuch, for incomparably more important then seemed the question: Why must he die, and why had he been brought into existence? For with death present as a fact a whole life-time is shortened into one painful minute even though that life were the longest of all and the richest in experience.

"Why was he alive? For what purpose?"

He was sobered by the voice of one of the armed men,

"There is no one here, and cannot be."

They halted. Samentu felt that he loved those men, and his heart thumped within him.

The second group of persons came up; among them there was a discussion,

"How can even thou, worthiness, suppose that some one has entered?" asked a voice quivering with anger. "All the entrances are guarded, especially now. And even if any one stole in it would be only to die here of hunger."

"But, worthiness, see how this Lykon bears himself," answered another voice. "The sleeping man looks all the time as if he felt an enemy near him.."

"Lykon?" thought Samentu. "Ah, that Greek who is like the pharaoh. What do I see? Mefres has brought him!"

At this moment the sleeping Greek rushed forward and stopped at the column behind which Samentu was hidden. The armed men ran after him, and the gleam of their torches threw light on the dark figure of Samentu.

"Who is here?" cried, with a hoarse voice, the leader.

Samentu stood forth. The sight of him made such a powerful impression that the torch-bearers withdrew. He might have passed out between them, so terrified were they, and no one would have detained him; but the priest thought no longer of rescue.

"Well, has my man with second sight been mistaken?" said Mefres, pointing at his victim. "There is the traitor!"

Samentu approached him with a smile, and said,

"I recognize thee by that cry, Mefres. When Thou canst not be a cheat, Thou art merely an idiot."

Those present were astounded. Samentu spoke with calm irony.

"Though it is true that at this moment Thou art both cheat and fool. A cheat, for Thou art trying to persuade the overseers of the labyrinth that this villain has the gift of second sight; and a fool, for Thou thinkest that they believe thee. Better tell them that in the temple of Ptah there are detailed plans of the labyrinth."

"That is a lie!" cried Mefres.

"Ask those men whom they believe: thee, or me? I am here because I found plans in the temple of Set; Thou hast come by the grace of the immortal Ptah," concluded Samentu, laughing.

"Bind that traitor and liar!" cried Mefres.

Samentu moved back a couple of steps, drew forth quickly from under his garment a vial, and said, while raising it to his lips, "Mefres, Thou wilt be an idiot till death. Thou hast wit only when it is a question of money."

He placed the vial between his lips and fell to the pavement.

The armed men rushed to the priest and raised him, but he had slipped through their fingers already.

"Let him stay here, like others," said the overseer of the labyrinth.

The whole retinue left the hall and closed the open doors carefully. Soon they issued forth from the edifice.

When the worthy Mefres found himself in the court he commanded the priests to make ready the mounted litters, and rode away with the sleeping Lykon to Memphis.

The overseers of the labyrinth, dazed by the uncommon events, looked now at one another, and now at the escort of Mefres, which was disappearing in a yellow dust cloud.

"I cannot believe," said the chief overseer, "that in our days there was a man who could break into the labyrinth."

"Your worthiness forgets that this day there were three such," interrupted one of the younger priests looking askance at him.

"A a true!" answered the high priest. "Have the gods disturbed my reason?" said he, rubbing his forehead and pressing the amulet on his breast.

"And two have fled," added the younger priest.

"Why didst Thou not turn my attention to that in the labyrinth?" burst out the superior.

"I did not know that things would turn out as they have."

"Woe is on my head!" cried the high priest. "Not chief should I be at this edifice, but gatekeeper. We were warned that some one was stealing in, but now we have let out two of the most dangerous, who will bring now whomever it may please them O woe!"

"Thou hast no need, worthiness, to despair," said another priest. "Our law is explicit. Send four or six of our men to Memphis, and provide them with sentences. The rest will be their work."

"I have lost my reason," complained the high priest.

"What has happened is over," interrupted the young priest, with irony. "One thing is certain: that men who not only reach the vaults, but even walk through them as through their own houses, may not live."

"Then select six from our militia."

"Of course! It is necessary to end this," confirmed the overseers.

"Who knows if Mefres did not act in concert with the most worthy Herhor?" whispered some one.

"Enough!" exclaimed the high priest. "If we find Herhor in the labyrinth we will act as the law directs. But to make guesses, or suspect any one is not permitted. Let the secretaries prepare sentences for Mefres and Lykon, Let those chosen hurry after them, and let the militia strengthen the watch. We must also examine the interior of the edifice and discover how Samentu got into it, though I am sure that he will have no followers in the near future."

A couple of hours later six men had set out for Memphis.

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Chapter LXIV

ON the eighteenth day of Paofi chaos had begun. Communication was interrupted between Lower and Upper Egypt; commerce had ceased; on the Nile moved only boats on guard, the roads were occupied by troops marching toward those cities which contained the most famous temples.

Only the laborers of the priests were at work in the fields. On the estates of nobles and nomarchs, but especially of the pharaoh, flax was unpulled, clover uncut; there was no one to gather in grapes. The common people did nothing but prowl about in bands; they sang, ate, drank, and threatened either priests or Phoenicians. In the cities all shops were closed, and the artisans who had lost their occupation counseled whole days over the reconstruction of Egypt. This offensive spectacle was no novelty, but it appeared in such threatening proportions that the tax-gatherers, and even the judges began to hide, especially as the police treated all offences of common men very mildly.

One thing more deserved attention: the abundance of food and wine. In dramshops and cook houses, especially of the Phoenicians, as well in Memphis as in the provinces, whoso wished might eat and drink what he pleased at a very low price, or for nothing. It was said that his holiness was giving his people a feast which would continue a whole month in every case.

Because of difficult and even interrupted communication the cities were not aware of what was happening in neighboring places. Only the pharaoh, or still better the priests, knew the general condition of the country.

The position was distinguished, first of all, by a break between Upper, or Theban, and Lower, or Memphian Egypt. In Thebes partisans of the priesthood were stronger, in Memphis adherents of the pharaoh. In Thebes people said that Ramses XIII had gone mad, and wished to sell Egypt to Phoenicians; in Memphis they explained that the priests wished to poison the pharaoh and bring in Assyrians. The common people, as well in the north as the south, felt an instinctive attraction toward the pharaoh. But the force of the people was passive and tottering. When an agitator of the government spoke, the people were ready to attack a temple and beat priests, but when a procession appeared they fell on their faces and were timid while listening to accounts of disasters which threatened Egypt in that very month of Paofi.

The terrified nobles and nomarchs had assembled at Memphis to implore the pharaoh for rescue from the rebelling multitude. But since Ramses enjoined on them patience, and did not attack the rabble, the magnates began to take counsel with the adherents of the priesthood.

It is true that Herhor was silent, or enjoined patience also; but other high priests proved to the nobles that Ramses was a maniac, and hinted at the need of deposing him.

In Memphis itself two parties were facing each other. The godless who drank, made an uproar, threw mud at temples and even at statues, and the pious, mainly old men and women who prayed on the streets, prophesied misfortune aloud and implored all the divinities for rescue. The godless committed outrages daily; each day among the pious health returned to some sick man or cripple. But for a wonder neither party, in spite of roused passions, worked harm on the other, and still greater wonder neither party resorted to violence, which came from this, that each was disturbed by direction, and according to plans framed in higher circles.

The pharaoh, not having collected all his troops and all his proofs against the priests, did not give the order yet for a final attack on the temples; the priests seemed waiting for something. It was evident, however, that they did not feel so weak as in the first moments after the voting by delegates. Ramses himself became thoughtful when men reported from every side that people on the lands of the priests did not mix in disturbances at all, but were working.

"What does this mean?" asked the pharaoh of himself. "Do the shaven heads think that I dare not touch temples, or have they means of defense quite unknown to me?"

On the 19th of Paofi a police official informed Ramses that the night before people had begun to break the walls inclosing the temple of Horus.

"Did ye command them to do that?" inquired the pharaoh.

"No. They began of their own accord."

"Restrain them mildly restrain them," said Ramses. "In a few days they may do what they like. But now let them not act with great violence."

Ramses, as a leader and victor at the Soda Lakes, knew that once men attack in a multitude nothing has power to restrain them; they must break or be broken. Unless the temples defend themselves the multitude will take them; but if they defend themselves? In that case the people will flee and there will be need to send warriors, of whom there were many it is true, but not so many as would be needed, according to the' pharaoh's own reckoning. Moreover, Hiram had not returned from Pi-Bast yet with letters proving the treason of Mefres and Herhor. And what was more important, the priests who sided with the pharaoh were to assist the troops only on Paofi 23d. By what means then could he forewarn them in temples which were so numerous and so distant from one another? And did not caution itself command him to avoid relations which might betray them?

For these reasons Ramses did not wish an earlier attack on the temples.

Meanwhile the disturbance increased in spite of the pharaoh. Near the temple of Isis a number of pious persons were slain who predicted misfortune to Egypt, or who had recovered their health by a miracle. Near the temple of Ptah the multitude rushed on a procession, struck down the priests, and broke the holy boat in which the god was advancing. Almost at the same time messengers flew in from the cities of Sochem and Anu with news that people were breaking into the temples, and that in Cheran they had even broken in and desecrated the most holy places.

Toward evening a deputation of priests came, almost by stealth, to the palace of his holiness; the revered prophets fell at his feet, weeping, crying out to him to defend the gods and their sanctuaries.

This altogether unexpected event filled the heart of Ramses with great delight and still greater pride. He commanded the delegates to rise, and answered graciously that his regiments would be always ready to defend the temples when conducted into them.

"I have no doubt," said he, "that the rioters themselves will withdraw when they see the dwellings of the gods occupied by the army."

The delegates hesitated.

"It is known to thee, holiness," answered the chief, "that the army may not enter the enclosure of a temple. We must ask, therefore, what the high priests have to say."

"Very well, take counsel," answered the sovereign. "I cannot perform miracles, and I cannot defend temples from a distance."

The saddened delegates left the pharaoh, who after their departure summoned a confidential council. He was convinced that the priests would yield to his will, and it did not even occur to him that the delegation itself was a trick arranged by Herhor to lead him into error.

When the civil and military officials had assembled in the pharaoh's chamber Ramses began,

"I thought," said he, proudly, "to occupy the temples of Memphis only on the 23d, but I consider it better to do so to-morrow."

"Our troops have not assembled yet," objected Tutmosis.

"And we have not Herhor's letters to Assyria," added the chief scribe.

"Never mind!" answered the pharaoh. "Proclaim tomorrow that Herhor and Mefres are traitors, and we will show the nomarchs and priests the proofs three days later when Hiram returns from Pi-Bast to us."

"Thy new command, holiness, will change the first one greatly," said Tutmosis. "We shall not occupy the labyrinth to-morrow. If the temples in Memphis make bold to resist, we have not even rams to break down the gates."

"Tutmosis," answered the pharaoh, "I might not explain my commands, but I wish to convince thee that my heart estimates the course of events more profoundly. If people attack the temples today they will wish to break into them to-morrow. Unless we support them they will be repulsed, and will be discouraged in every case from deeds of daring. The priests send a delegation today, hence they are weak. Meanwhile the number of their adherents among the common people may be greater some days hence. Enthusiasm and fear are like wine in a pitcher; it decreases in proportion as it is poured out, and only he can drink who puts his goblet under in season. If the people are ready to attack today and the enemy is frightened, let us make use of the situation, for, as I say, luck may leave us in a few days, or may turn against us."

"And provisions will be exhausted," added the treasurer. "In three days the people must return to work, for we shall not have the wherewithal to feed them."

"Oh, seest thou," continued the pharaoh to Tutmosis. "I myself have commanded the chief of police to restrain the people. But it is impossible to restrain them, we must make a movement. An experienced sailor struggles neither with wind nor current, but he lets them bear him in the direction which they have taken."

At this moment a courier came in with news that the people had fallen upon foreigners. They had assaulted Greeks, Assyrians, but especially Phoenicians. They had plundered many shops and slain a number of persons.

"Here is proof," cried the excited pharaoh, "that we should not turn a crowd from the road it has taken. Let the troops be near the temples to-morrow, and let them march in if the people begin to burst into them, or or if they begin to withdraw under pressure.

"It is true that grapes should be gathered in the month Paofi; but is there a gardener, who if his fruit were ripe a month earlier, would leave it on the vines to wither?

"I repeat this: I wished to delay the movement of the people till we had finished preparations. But if it is impossible to delay, let us raise our sails and use the wind which is blowing. Ye must arrest Herhor and Mefres tomorrow and bring them to the palace. In a few days we will finish with the labyrinth."

The members of the council recognized that the decision of the pharaoh was proper, and they departed admiring his promptness and wisdom. Even generals declared that it was better to use the occasion at hand than to have forces ready when the time had passed in which to use them.

It was night. Another courier rushed in from Memphis with information that the police had been able to protect foreigners, but that the people were excited and it was unknown what they might attempt on the morrow.

Thenceforth courier arrived after courier. Some brought news that a great mass of men armed with clubs and axes were moving toward Memphis from every direction. From somewhere else information came that people in the region of Peme, Sochem, and On, were fleeing to the fields and crying that the end of the world would come the day following.

Another courier brought a letter from Hiram that he would arrive very soon. Another announced the stealthy advance of temple regiments to Memphis, and, what was more important, that from Upper Egypt were moving strong divisions of people and troops hostile to the Phoenicians, and even to his holiness.

"Before they arrive," thought the pharaoh, "I shall have the high priests in my hands and even the regiments of Nitager now some days late in arriving."

Finally information was brought that troops had seized here and there on the highways, disguised priests who were trying to reach the palace of his holiness, no doubt with evil purpose.

"Bring them here," answered Ramses, laughing. "I wish to see men who dare to form evil plans against the pharaoh."

About midnight the revered queen, Niort's, desired an audience of his holiness.

The worthy lady was pale and trembling. She commanded the officers to leave the pharaoh's chamber, and when alone with her son she said, weeping,

"My son, I bring thee very bad omens."

"I should prefer, queen, to hear accurate information of the strength and intention of my enemies."

"This evening the statue of the divine Isis in my chapel turned its face to the wall, and water became blood-red in the sacred cistern."

"That proves," replied the pharaoh, "that there are traitors in the palace. But they are not very dangerous if they are able only to defile water and turn statues back forward."

"All our servants," continued the queen, "all the people are convinced that if thy army enters the temples, great misfortune will fall upon Egypt."

"A greater misfortune," said the pharaoh, "is the insolence of the priesthood. Admitted by my ever-living father to the palace, they think today that they have become its owners. But by the gods, what shall I become at last in presence of their all-mightiness? And shall I not be free to claim my rights as a sovereign?"

"At least at least," said the lady after a while, "be gracious. Yes, Thou must claim thy rights, but do not permit thy soldiers to violate holy places and do injustice to the priesthood. Remember that the gracious gods send down delight on Egypt, and the priests in spite of their errors (who is without them) have rendered incomparable services to this country. Only think, if Thou shouldest impoverish and dismiss them, Thou wouldst destroy wisdom which has raised our kingdom above all others."

The pharaoh took his mother by both hands, kissed her, and replied, smiling,

"Women must always exaggerate. Thou art speaking to me, mother, as if I were the chief of wild Hyksos, and not a pharaoh. Do I wish injustice to the priests? Do I hate their wisdom, even such barren wisdom as that of investigating the course of the stars which move in the heavens without our aid, and do not enrich us one uten? Neither their wisdom nor their piety troubles me, but the wretchedness of Egypt, which within is growing weak from hunger, and without is afraid of any threat from Assyria. Meanwhile the priests, in spite of their wisdom, not merely do not wish to help me in my measures, but they present resistance in the most dangerous manner.

"Let me, mother, convince them that not they, but I am the master of my own heritage. I should not be able to take revenge on the submissive, but I will trample on the necks of the insolent.

"They know this, but still do not trust, and with a lack of real power they wish to frighten me by declaring some misfortune. That is their last resource and weapon. When they understand that I do not fear their terrors they will submit. And then not a stone will fall from their temples, or one ring be lost from their treasures.

"I know those men! Today they put on a great front, for I am far from them. But when I stretch out a bronze fist they will fall on their faces, and all this confusion will end in general prosperity and contentment."

The queen embraced his feet and went out comforted, imploring him, however, to respect the gods and spare their servants.

After the departure of his mother he summoned Tutmosis.

"Tomorrow," said the pharaoh, "my troops will occupy the temples. But tell the commanders of regiments, let them know that it is my will, that the holy places must be inviolate, and that no one is to raise a hand on any priest in Egypt."

"Even on Mefres and Herhor?" inquired Tutmosis.

"Even on them. They will be punished enough when they are put out of their present positions; they will live in learned temples to pray and investigate wisdom without hindrance."

"It will be as Thou commandest, holiness though."

Ramses raised his finger in sign that he did not wish to hear arguments. And then, to change the conversation, he said, with a smile,

"Dost Thou remember, Tutmosis, the maneuvers at Pi-Bailos? Two years have passed. When I was angry then at the insolence and greed of the priests, couldst Thou think that I should reckon with them so early? But poor Sarah and my little son. How beautiful he was!"

Two tears rolled down the pharaoh's cheeks.

"Indeed, if I were not a son of the gods, who are magnanimous and merciful, my enemies would pass through grievous hours to-morrow. How many humiliations have they put on me! How often have my eyes grown dark from weeping!"

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Chapter LXV

ON the 20th of Paofi Memphis looked as it might during a great solemn festival. All occupations had ceased; even carriers were not bearing burdens. The whole population had come out on the streets, or had collected around the temples, mainly around the temple of Ptah, which was the best defended, and where the spiritual dignitaries had come together, also those lay officials who were under the direction of Herhor and Mefres.

Near the temples troops were posted in loose rank, so that the warriors might come to an understanding with the populace.

Among the common people and the army circulated many hucksters, 'with baskets of bread and with pitchers and skin bags in which there was wine. They entertained free of charge. When any one asked them why they took no pay, some answered that his holiness was entertaining his subjects, while others said,

"Eat and drink, right-believing Egyptians, for it is unknown whether we shall see to-morrow!"

These were hucksters in the service of the priesthood.

A multitude of agents were circling about. Some proved to listeners that the priests were rebelling against their lord, and even wanted to poison him, because he had promised the seventh day for rest. Others whispered that the pharaoh had gone mad, and had conspired with foreigners to destroy the temples and Egypt. The first encouraged the people to attack the temples where the priests and nomarchs were arranging to oppress laborers and artisans; the others expressed fear that if the people attacked the temples some great misfortune might fall on them.

Under the walls of Ptah were a number of strong beams, and piles of stones brought, it was unknown from what quarter.

The serious merchants of Memphis, passing among the crowds, had no doubt that the popular disturbance was called forth artificially. Inferior scribes, policemen, overseers of laborers, and disguised decurions denied neither their official positions, nor this, that they were urging the people to occupy the temples. On the other side dissectors, beggars, temple servants and inferior priests, though they wished to conceal their identity, were unable to do so, and each one who was endowed with perception saw that they were urging the people to violence. The thinking citizens of Memphis were astonished at this action of partisans of the priesthood, and the people began to fall away from their zeal of yesterday. Genuine Egyptians could not understand what the question was, or who was really calling forth disturbance. The chaos was increased by half-frenzied zealots, who, running about the streets naked, wounded themselves till the blood flowed, and cried,

"Woe to Egypt! Impiety has passed its measure and the hour of judgment is coming! O gods show your power over the insolence of injustice."

The troops bore themselves calmly, waiting till the people should break into the temples. For an order to that effect had come from the palace; and on the other the officers foresaw ambushes in the temples, and preferred that men of the crowd should perish rather than warriors, who would be sufficiently occupied in every case.

But in spite of the shouts of agitators, and wine given for nothing, the crowd hesitated. Laborers looked at the artisans; the artisans and all were waiting for something.

Suddenly, about one in the afternoon, from side streets a drunken band poured forth toward the temple of Ptah; it was armed with poles and axes and was made up of fishermen, Greek sailors, shepherds, and Libyan vagrants, even convicts from the quarries in Turra. At the head of this band went a laborer of gigantic stature, with a torch in his hand. He stood before the gate of the temple and cried with an immense voice to the people,

"Do ye know, right believers, what the high priests and the nomarchs are preparing here? They wish to force his holiness, Ramses XIII, to deprive laborers of a barley cake a day, and to impose new taxes on the people, a drachma each man. I say, then, that ye are committing a low and stupid deed by standing here with your arms crossed. We must catch these temple rats at last and give them into the hands of our lord, the pharaoh, against whom these godless wretches are conspiring. If our lord yields to priests, who will take the part of honest people?"

"He speaks truth!" called out voices from the multitude.

"Our lord will command to give us the seventh day for rest."

"And will give us land."

"He had compassion always for the common people. Remember how he freed those who, two years ago, were under judgment for attacking the house of the Jewess."

"I myself saw him beat a scribe, when the man was dragging an unjust tax from laborers."

"May he live through eternity, our lord, Ramses XIII, the guardian of oppressed laborers!"

"But look!" called out some voice from afar, "the cattle are coming from pasture, as if evening were near."

"What cattle! Go on against the priests!"

"Hei, ye!" cried the giant at the temple gate. "Open to us of your own will, so that we may know what the high priests and the nomarchs are counseling!"

"Open, or we will break the gate!"

"A wonderful thing," said people from afar; "the birds are going to sleep. But it is only midday."

"Something evil has happened in the air!"

"O gods, night is coming, and I have not pulled salad for dinner," said some girl.

But these remarks were drowned by the uproar of the drunken band, and the noise of beams striking the bronze gate of the temple. If the crowd had been less occupied with the violent deeds of the attackers, they would have seen that something unusual was happening in nature. The sun was shining, there was not one cloud in the sky, and still the brightness of the day had begun to decrease and there was a breath of coolness.

"Give us another beam!" cried the attackers of the temple. "The gate is giving way!"

"Powerfully! Once more!"

The crowd looking on roared like a tempest. Here and there men began to separate from the throng and join the attackers. At last a whole mass of people pushed slowly toward the temple.

Though but just past midday, gloom increased. In the gardens of the temple the cocks began to crow. But the rage of the throng was so great now that few noticed the change.

"Look ye!" cried some beggar. "Behold the day of judgment is coming O gods."

He wished to speak on, but struck on the head by a club he fell prostrate.

On the walls of the temple naked but armed figures began to climb up. Officers called the warriors to arms, certain that soon they would have to support the attack of the multitude.

"What does this mean?" whispered warriors, looking at the sky. "There is not a cloud, still the world looks as it does in the time of a tempest."

"Strike! break!" shouted men near the temple.

The sound of beams was more and more frequent.

At that moment on the terrace above the gate appeared Herhor. He was surrounded by a retinue of priests and civil dignitaries. The most worthy high priest was in a golden robe, and wore the cap of Amenhotep with its regal serpent.

Herhor looked at the enormous masses of people who surrounded the temple, and bending toward the band of stormers, he said to them,

"Whoever ye are, right believers or unbelievers, leave this temple in peace, in the name of the gods I summon you."

The uproar of the people ceased suddenly, and only the pounding of the beams against the bronze gate was audible. But soon even that ceased.

"Open the gate!" cried the giant from below. "We wish to see if ye are forging treason against the pharaoh."

"My son," replied Herhor, "fall on thy face and implore the gods to forgive thee thy sacrilege."

"Ask Thou the gods to shield thee!" cried the leader of the band, and taking a stone he threw it toward the high priest.

At the same time, from a window of the pylon shot out a small stream which seemed to be water, and which struck the giant's face. The bandit tottered, threw up his hands, and fell.

Those nearest him gave out a cry of fear, whereupon the farther ranks, not seeing what had happened, answered with laughter and curses.

"Break down the gate!" was heard from the end of the crowd, and a volley of stones flew in the direction of Herhor and his retinue.

Herhor raised both hands, and when the crowd had grown silent again the high priest shouted,

"O gods! into your protection I give these sacred retreats, against which blasphemers and traitors are advancing!"

A moment later, somewhere above the temple, an unearthly voice was heard,

"I turn my face from the accursed people and may darkness fall on the earth."

Then a dreadful thing happened: as the voice rose the sun decreased, 'and with the last word there was darkness as at night. Stars began to shine in the heavens; instead of the sun was a black disk surrounded with a thin hoop of flame.

An immense cry was rent from a hundred thousand breasts. Those who were storming the gate threw down their beams; common people fell to the earth.

"Oh, the day of punishment and death has come!" cried a shrill voice at the end of the street.

"O gods of mercy! O holy men, ward off this terror!" cried the crowd.

"WOE TO ARMIES WHICH CARRY OUT THE ORDERS OF GODLESS COMMANDERS!" cried a great voice from the temple.

In answer all the people fell on their faces, and confusion rose in the two regiments standing before the temple. The ranks broke, warriors threw down their weapons and ran toward the river insensate. Some, rushing like blind men, knocked against the walls of houses in the darkness; others fell to the ground and were trampled to death by their comrades. In the course of a few minutes, instead of close columns of warriors, on the square, spears and axes lay scattered about, and at the entrance of the streets were piles of dead and wounded.

"O gods! O gods!" groaned and cried the people, "take pity on the innocent."

"Osiris!" cried Herhor from the terrace, "have compassion and show thy face to the unfortunate people."

"AT LAST I HEAR THE PRAYERS OF MY PRIESTS, FOR I AM COMPASSIONATE," answered the supernatural voice from the temple.

At that moment the darkness began to disappear, and the sun to regain its brightness.

A new shout, new weeping, and new prayers were heard in the throng. The people, drunk with delight, greeted the sun which had risen from the dead. Men unknown to one another embraced, some persons died, and all crawled on their knees to kiss the sacred walls of the temple.

Above the gate stood the most worthy Herhor, his eyes fixed on the sky, and two priests supporting his holy hands with which he had dissipated darkness, and saved his people from destruction.

Scenes of the same kind with certain changes took place throughout all Lower Egypt. In each city on the 20th of Paofi people had collected from early morning. In each city about midday some band was storming a sacred gate. About one the high priest of the temple, with a retinue, cursed the faithless attackers and produced darkness. But when the throng fled in panic, or fell on the ground, the high priest prayed to Osiris to show his face, and then the light of day returned to the earth again.

In this way, thanks to the eclipse of the sun, the party of the priests, full of wisdom, had shaken the importance of Ramses XIII in Lower Egypt.

In the course of a few minutes the government of the pharaoh had come, even without knowing it, to the brink of a precipice. Only great wisdom could save it, and an accurate knowledge of the situation. But that was lacking in the pharaoh's palace, where the all-powerful reign of chance had set in at that critical moment.

On the 20th of Paofi his holiness rose exactly at sunrise, and, to be nearer the scene of action, he transferred himself from the main palace to a villa which was hardly an hour's distance from Memphis. On one side of this villa were the barracks of the Asiatic troops, on the other the villa of Tutmosis and his wife, the beautiful Hebron. With their lord came the dignitaries faithful to Ramses, and the first regiment of the guard in which the pharaoh felt unbounded reliance.

Ramses was in perfect humor. He bathed, ate with appetite, and began to hear the reports of couriers who flew in from Memphis every fifteen minutes.

Their reports were monotonous to weariness: The high priests and some of the nomarchs, under the leadership of Herhor and Mefres, had shut themselves up in the temple of Ptah. The army was full of hope, and the people excited. All were blessing the pharaoh, and waiting the order to move on the temple.

When the fourth courier came about nine, and repeated the same words, the pharaoh was frowning.

"What are they waiting for?" asked he. "Let them attack immediately."

The courier answered that the chief band which was to attack and batter down the bronze gate had not arrived yet.

This explanation displeased the pharaoh. He shook his head, and sent an officer to Memphis to hasten the attack.

"What does this delay mean?" asked he. "I thought that my army would waken me with news of the capture of the temple. In such cases prompt action is the condition of success."

The officer rode away, but nothing had changed at the temple of Ptah. The people were waiting for something, but the chief band was not in its place yet. Some other will seemed to delay the execution of the order.

About ten the litter of Queen Niort's came to the villa occupied by the pharaoh. The revered lady broke into her son's chamber almost with violence, and fell at his feet, weeping.

"What dost Thou wish of me, mother?" asked Ramses, hardly hiding his impatience. "Hast Thou forgotten that the camp is no place for women?"

"I will not leave thee today, I will not leave thee for an instant!" exclaimed the queen. "Thou art the son of Isis, it is true, and she surrounds thee with care. But I should die from fright."

"What threatens me?" inquired the pharaoh, shrugging his shoulders.

"The priest who investigates the stars," said she, tearfully, "declared to a serving woman that Thou wilt live and reign a hundred years if this day favors thee."

"Ah! Where is that man who is skilled in my fate?"

"He fled to Memphis," replied the lady.

Ramses thought a while, then he said, smiling,

"As the Libyans at the Soda Lakes hurled missiles at us, the priests hurl threats today. Be calm, mother! Talk is less dangerous than stones and arrows."

From Memphis a new courier rushed in with a report that all was well, but still the main band was not ready.

On the comely face of the pharaoh appeared signs of anger. Wishing to calm the sovereign, Tutmosis said to him,

"The people are not an army. They know not how to assemble at a given hour; while marching they stretch out like a swamp, and obey no commands. If the occupation of the temples were committed to regiments they would be in possession at present."

"What art Thou saying, Tutmosis?" cried the queen. "Where has any one heard of Egyptian troops."

"Thou hast forgotten," interrupted Ramses, "that according to my commands the troops were not to attack, but defend the temples from attacks of the people."

"Action is delayed through this also," answered Tutmosis, impatiently.

"O counselors of the pharaoh!" burst out the queen. "Your lord acts wisely, appearing as a defender of the gods, and ye, instead of making him milder, urge him to violence."

The blood rushed to Tutmosis' head. Fortunately an adjutant called him from the chamber with information that at the gate was an old man who wished to speak with his holiness.

"Today each man is struggling to get at the pharaoh, as he might at the keeper of a dramshop," muttered the adjutant.

Tutmosis thought that in the time of Ramses XII no one would have dared to speak of the ruler in that way. But he feigned not to hear.

The old man whom the watch had detained was Prince Hiram. He wore a soldier's mantle covered with dust; he was irritated and wearied.

Tutmosis commanded to admit him, and when both were in the garden, he said to him,

"I judge that Thou wilt bathe, worthiness, and change thy dress before I obtain an audience with his holiness?"

Hiram raised his iron-gray brows, and his bloodshot eyes became bloodier.

"From what I have seen," said he firmly, "I may even not ask for an audience."

"Hast Thou the letters of the high priest to Assyria?"

"What good are those letters, since ye have agreed with the priests?"

"What dost Thou say, worthiness?" inquired Tutmosis, starting.

"I know what I say!" replied Hiram. "Ye have obtained tens of thousands of talents from the Phoenicians, as it were for the liberation of Egypt from the power of the priesthood, and today in return for that ye are robbing and slaying us. See what is happening from the sea to the First Cataract: your common people are hunting the Phoenicians like dogs, for such is the command of the priesthood."

"Thou art mad, Phoenician! Our people are taking the temple of Ptah in Memphis."

Hiram waved his hand.

"They will not take it! Ye are deceiving us, or ye are deceiving yourselves. Ye were to seize, first of all, the labyrinth and its treasure, and that only on the 23d. Meanwhile ye are wasting power on the temple of Ptah, and the labyrinth is lost. What is happening here? Where is mind to be found in this place?" continued the indignant Phoenician. "Why storm an empty building? Ye are attacking it so that the priests may take more care of the labyrinth!"

"We will seize the labyrinth, too," said Tutmosis.

"Ye will seize nothing, nothing! Only one man could take the labyrinth, and he will be stopped by today's action in Memphis."

Tutmosis halted on the path.

"About what art Thou troubled?" asked he, abruptly.

"About the disorder which reigns here. About this, that ye are no longer a government, but a group of officers and officials whom the priests send whithersoever they wish and whensoever it pleases them. For three days there is such terrible confusion in Lower Egypt that the people are killing us, your only friends, the Phoenicians. And why is this? Because government has dropped from jour hands, and the priests have seized it."

"Thou speakest thus for Thou knowest not the position," replied Tutmosis. "It is true that the priests thwart us and organize attacks on Phoenicians. But power is in the hands of the pharaoh; events move in general according to his orders."

"And the attack on the temple of Ptah?" inquired Hiram.

"Was ordered by the pharaoh. I was present at the confidential council, during which the pharaoh gave command to take possession of the temples today instead of the 23d."

"Well, I declare to thee, commander of the guard, that ye are lost, for I know to a certainty that the attack of today was decided on at a council of high priests and nomarchs in the temple of Ptah, which was held on Paofi 13."

"Why should they arrange an attack on themselves?" asked Tutmosis in a jeering voice.

"They must have had some reason for it. And I have convinced myself that they manage their affairs better than ye manage yours."

Further conversation was interrupted by an adjutant summoning Tutmosis to his holiness.

"But but," added Hiram, "your soldiers have stopped on the path the priest Pentuer, who has something important to convey to the pharaoh."

Tutmosis seized his own head, and sent officers immediately to find Pentuer. Then he ran to the pharaoh, and after a while returned and commanded the Phoenician to follow him.

When Hiram entered the chamber of Ramses he saw Queen Niort's, the chief treasurer, the chief scribe, and a number of generals. Ramses XIII was irritated, and walked up and down quickly through the chamber.

"Here we have the misfortune of the pharaoh, and of Egypt!" exclaimed the queen, pointing to the Phoenician.

"Worthy lady," answered Hiram, without confusion, bowing to her, "time will show who was the faithful and who the evil servant of his holiness."

Ramses stopped suddenly before Hiram.

"Hast Thou the letters of Herhor to Assyria?" inquired he.

The Phoenician drew from under his robe a package, and in silence handed it to the pharaoh.

"This is what I needed!" exclaimed the pharaoh in triumph. "We must declare at once to the people that the high priests are guilty of treason."

"My son," interrupted the queen in an imploring voice, "by the shade of thy father I adjure thee; delay this announcement a couple of days. There is need of great caution with gifts from Phoenicia."

"Holiness," put in Hiram, "Thou mayst even burn these letters. I am in no way concerned with them."

The pharaoh thought a while, then hid the package in his bosom.

"What hast Thou heard in Lower Egypt?" inquired the sovereign.

"They are beating Phoenicians at all points," replied Hiram. "Our houses are wrecked, our effects stolen, and a number of tens of Phoenicians are slain."

"I have heard. This is the work of the priests," said the pharaoh.

"Say, rather, my son, that it comes of the godlessness and extortion of Phoenicians," interrupted Queen Niort's.

"For three days the chief of police from Pi-Bast is in Memphis with two assistants, and they are on the trail of the murderer and deceiver Lykon."

"Who was hidden in Phoenician temples!" cried Niort's.

"Lykon," continued Hiram, "whom the high priest Mefres stole from the police and the courts Lykon, who in Thebes ran naked through the garden as a maniac, counterfeiting thee, holiness."

"What dost Thou tell me?" cried the pharaoh.

"Holiness, ask the most revered queen if she saw him," answered Hiram.

Ramses looked in confusion at his mother.

"Yes," said she. "I saw that wretch, but I said nothing so as to spare thee pain. I must explain, however, that no one has proof that Lykon was put there by the priests, for the Phoenicians might have done that as well."

Hiram laughed sneeringly.

"O mother, mother!" cried Ramses, with sorrow. "Is it possible that the priests are dearer to thy heart than I am?"

"Thou art my son and most precious sovereign," said the queen with enthusiasm, "but I cannot suffer a stranger, an infidel, to cast calumny on the holy order of the priests from which we are both descended. O Ramses," exclaimed she, falling on her knees, "expel these wicked counselors who urge thee to insult temples, and raise thy hand against the successor of thy grandsire, Amenhotep. There is still time for agreement, still time to save Egypt."

All at once, Pentuer, in torn garments, entered the chamber.

"Well, and what hast Thou to say?" inquired the pharaoh, with wonderful calmness.

"Today, perhaps immediately, there will be an eclipse of the sun."

The pharaoh started back in astonishment.

"How does an eclipse of the sun concern me, especially at this moment?"

"Lord," said Pentuer, "I thought the same till I read in old chronicles of eclipses. An eclipse is such a terrifying spectacle that it was necessary to forewarn the whole people of it."

"That is the truth!" interrupted Hiram.

"Why didst Thou not inform earlier?" inquired Tutmosis.

"The warriors kept me in prison two days. We cannot forewarn the people now, but at least inform the troops at the palace, so that they, too, should not give way to panic."

Ramses clapped his hands.

"Ah, it is too bad!" whispered he, and added aloud. "When will it be, and what will take place?"

"Day will become night," said Pentuer. "This will last as much time, perhaps, as is needed in walking five hundred yards. It will begin at midday, so Menes told me."

"Menes," repeated the pharaoh, "I know that name."

"He wrote thee a letter concerning it, holiness. But let the army know."

Straightway they sounded the trumpets; the guard and the Asiatics were drawn out under arms, and the pharaoh, surrounded by his staff, informed the troops of the eclipse, telling them not to be alarmed, that it would pass soon, and that he would be with them.

"Live through eternity!" answered the armed ranks.

At the same time a number of the best riders were sent to Memphis.

The generals took their places at the head of the columns, the pharaoh walked through the court thoughtfully, the civilians whispered with Hiram; Queen Niort's, left alone in the chamber, fell on her face before the statue of Osiris.

It was after one. The light of the sun began to lessen.

"Will night come in fact?" asked the pharaoh of Pentuer.

"It will come, but during a very short interval."

"Where will the sun be?"

"It will hide behind the moon."

"I must restore to my favor the sages who investigate stars," said the pharaoh to himself.

The darkness increased quickly. The horses of the Asiatics grew restive, flocks of birds flew into the garden, and occupied all the trees, with noisy twitter.

"Rouse up!" cried Kalippos to the Greeks.

The drums beat, the flutes sounded, and to this accompaniment the Greek soldiers sang a dancing song of the priest's daughter who was so timid that she could sleep only in the barracks.

Meanwhile an ominous shade fell on the tawny Libyan hills, and covered Memphis, the Nile, and the palace gardens with lightning swiftness. Night embraced the earth, and in the heavens appeared a ball as black as coal surrounded by a rim of brightness.

An immense uproar drowned the song of the Greek regiment. This was caused by the Asiatics, who raised a military shout as they sent a cloud of arrows toward the sky to frighten the evil spirit which was gulping the sun down.

"Dost say that that black ball is the moon?" inquired the pharaoh of Pentuer.

"That is what Menes asserts."

"He is a great sage! And will the darkness end soon?"

"To a certainty."

"And if this moon should tear itself away and fall to the earth?"

"That cannot be. Here is the sun!" cried Pentuer, with delight.

The assembled regiments raised a shout in honor of Ramses XIII.

The pharaoh embraced Pentuer. "Indeed," said he, "we have seen a most wonderful event. But I should not like to see it a second time. I feel that if I had not been a warrior fear would have mastered me."

Hiram approached Tutmosis, and whispered,

"Send couriers, worthiness, to Memphis immediately, for I fear that the high priests have done something evil."

"Dost Thou think so?"

Hiram nodded.

"They would not have managed the kingdom so long," said he, "they would not have buried eighteen dynasties if they had not known how to use events like the present."

When Ramses had thanked the troops for good bearing in presence of the strange phenomenon, he returned to his villa. He continued thoughtful, he spoke calmly, even mildly, but on his shapely face doubt was evident.

In the pharaoh's soul there was indeed a grievous struggle. He had begun to understand that the priests possessed powers which he not only had not weighed, but had not noted; he had not even wished to hear of them. In a few moments the priests who followed the movements of stars rose in his eyes immensely, and he said to himself that in every case he should learn this wonderful wisdom which confuses people's plans so terribly.

Courier after courier flew from the palace to Memphis to learn what had happened during the eclipse. But the couriers did not return, and uncertainty spread its black wings above the retinue of the pharaoh. No one doubted that something evil had happened at the temple of Ptah. More than that, no man dared to draw his own conclusions. It seemed as though the pharaoh and his intimate counselors were glad when a minute passed without tidings. Meanwhile Queen Niort's sat down at the pharaoh's side, and whispered,

"Let me act, Ramses. Women have served this state more than once. Only remember Queen Niort's in the sixth dynasty, or Makara who created a fleet on the Red Sea. In our sex there is no lack of mind or of energy, so let me act. If the temple of Ptah is not taken, and the priests are not wronged I will reconcile thee with Herhor. Thou wilt take his daughter as wife, and thy reign will be full of glory. Remember that thy grandfather, the holy Amenhotep, was also a high priest and a viceroy of the pharaoh, and Thou thyself, who knows if Thou wouldst be reigning today, had the holy order of the priests not desired to have its own blood on the throne. Art thou, too, not obliged to them for dominion?"

The pharaoh as he listened to her, thought all the time that the wisdom of the priests was an immense power, and the struggle with them difficult.

Only about three in the afternoon did the first courier arrive from Memphis, an adjutant of the regiment which had been stationed at the temple. He informed the sovereign that the temple had not been taken because of the anger of the gods; that the people had fled, that the priests were triumphant, and that even in the army disorder had arisen during that brief but terrible darkness.

Then, taking Tutmosis aside, the adjutant declared to him directly that the troops were demoralized; that, because they had fled in a panic, as many were wounded and killed as in a battle.

"What is happening now with the troops?" inquired Tutmosis in consternation.

"Of course," replied the adjutant, "we were able to rally the men and bring them to order. But we cannot even speak of using them against the temples, especially now when they are occupied with caring for the wounded. At present a warrior is ready to fall to the earth before a shaven head and a panther skin; a long time will pass before any one will dare to cross a sacred gateway."

"But what are the priests doing?"

"Blessing the warriors, giving food and drink to them, and pretending that the troops are not guilty of attacking the temple; that that was the work of Phoenicians."

"But do ye permit this demoralization of troops?" exclaimed Tutmosis.

"Well, his holiness commanded us to defend the priests against the multitude. Had we been permitted to occupy the temple we should have done so at ten in the morning, and the high priests now would be sitting in a dungeon."

At this moment the officer in attendance informed Tutmosis that again some priest had arrived from Memphis, and desired to speak with his holiness.

Tutmosis looked at the guest. He was a man rather young, with a face as if carved out of wood. He said that he had come to the pharaoh from Samentu.

Ramses received the priest, who prostrated himself and gave the pharaoh a ring, at sight of which his holiness grew pallid.

"What does this mean?" asked he.

"Samentu is no longer alive," replied the priest.

Ramses could not recover his voice for a time. At last he asked,

"How has this happened?"

"It appears," replied the priest, "that Samentu was discovered in one of the halls of the labyrinth, and that he poisoned himself to escape torture. It seems that Mefres discovered him through the aid of a certain Greek, who, as they tell us, resembles thee, holiness."

"Again Mefres and Lykon!" exclaimed Tutmosis in anger. "O lord," said he, turning to Ramses, "wilt Thou never free thyself from those traitors?"

The pharaoh summoned a confidential council again. He called in Hiram, also the priest who had brought the ring from Samentu. Pentuer did not wish to take part in the council, but the worthy queen went herself to it.

"I see," whispered Hiram to Tutmosis, "that after the expulsion of priests women are to govern Egypt."

When the dignitaries had assembled, the pharaoh let Samentu's messenger speak.

The young priest would not talk of the labyrinth, but he explained sufficiently that the temple of Ptah was undefended, and that a few tens of men would suffice to arrest all who were hiding there.

"This man is a traitor!" screamed the queen. "A priest himself, he persuades thee to violence against the priesthood."

In the face of the messenger no muscle quivered. "Worthy lady," replied he, "if Mefres destroyed my guardian and master, Samentu, I should be a dog if I sought not revenge. Death for death!"

"This young man pleases me," whispered Hiram.

Indeed a fresher air seemed to move in the assembly. Generals straightened themselves; civilians looked at the priest with curiosity; even the pharaoh's face became livelier.

"Listen not to him, my son," implored Queen Niort's.

"What dost Thou think," asked the pharaoh on a sudden; "what would the holy Samentu do now were he living?"

"I am sure," answered the priest, energetically, "that Samentu would go to the temple of Ptah and burn incense to the gods; but he would punish murderers and traitors."

"And I repeat that Thou art the worst of traitors!" cried the queen.

"I only fulfill my duty," said the priest, unmoved by her language.

"This man is a pupil of Samentu indeed," said Hiram. "He alone sees what is left us to do, and sees clearly."

The military and civil dignitaries recognized the correctness of Hiram's opinion.

"Since we have begun a struggle with the priests," said the chief scribe, "we should finish it, and finish it today when we have letters proving that Herhor was negotiating with the Assyrians, an act which is high treason against Egypt."

"He is carrying out the policy of Ramses XII," said the queen.

"But I am Ramses XIII," said the pharaoh impatiently.

Tutmosis rose from his chair.

"My lord," said he, "let me act. It is very dangerous to continue uncertainty in the government, and it would be folly and crime not to use this occasion. Since this priest says that the temple is not defended, let me go to it with a handful of men whom I will select."

"I am with thee!" said Kalippos. "According to my experience, an enemy while triumphant is the weakest. If we attack the temple of Ptah immediately."

"Ye do not need to attack, but go in there as executives of the pharaoh who commands you to imprison traitors," said the chief scribe. "Even force is not needed. How often does one policeman rush at a crowd of offenders and seize as many as he wishes."

"My son," said the queen, "yields to the pressure of your counsels. But he does not wish force; he forbids you to use it."

"Ha! if that be the case," said the young priest of Set, "I will tell his holiness one other thing." He breathed a couple of times deeply, but still he finished in a stifled voice and with effort. "On the streets of Memphis the party of the priests is announcing, that."

"That what? Speak boldly," said the pharaoh.

"That thou, holiness, art insane, that Thou hast not the ordination of high priest, that Thou art not even made pharaoh, and that 'it is possible to exclude thee from the throne."

"That is just what I feared," whispered Niort's.

The pharaoh sprang up from his seat.

"Tutmosis!" cried he, in a voice in which his recovered energy was heard. "Take as many troops as Thou wishest; go to the temple of Ptah and bring me Herhor and Mefres, accused of high treason. If they are justified I will return my favor; in the opposite case."

"Hast Thou finished?" interrupted the queen.

This time the indignant pharaoh did not answer her, and the officials cried,

"Death to traitors! When has it begun that in Egypt a pharaoh must sacrifice faithful servants to beg for himself the favor of scoundrels?"

Ramses XIII confided to Tutmosis the package of letters of Herhor to Assyria, and said in a solemn voice,

"Till the rebellion of the priests is suppressed, I place my power in the person of Tutmosis, commander of the guards. And do ye listen to him, and do thou, worthy mother, go with thy judgments to him?"

"Wisely and justly has the sovereign acted!" exclaimed the chief scribe. "It does not become a pharaoh to struggle with sedition, and a lack of firm rule might destroy us."

All the dignitaries inclined before Tutmosis. Queen Niort's fell at her son's feet.

Tutmosis, in company with the generals, went out to the court. He commanded the first regiment of the guard to form, and said,

"I need 'a few tens of men who are ready to die for the glory of our lord."

More presented themselves, both men and officers, than were needed, and at the head of them Eunana.

"Are ye prepared for death?" inquired Tutmosis.

"We will die with thee, lord, for his holiness!" exclaimed Eunana.

"Ye will not die, but ye will overcome vile criminals," replied Tutmosis. "Soldiers belonging to this expedition will become officers, and officers will be advanced two degrees. I say this to you, I, Tutmosis, supreme chief by the will of the pharaoh."

"Live Thou forever!"

Tutmosis commanded to prepare twenty-five two-wheeled chariots of the heavy cavalry, and ordered the volunteers to enter. Then he with Kalippos mounted their horses, and soon the whole retinue turned toward Memphis and vanished in a dust cloud.

When Hiram saw this from the window of a villa, he bowed before the pharaoh and whispered,

"Now for the first time I believe that Thou art not in conspiracy with the high priests."

"Wert Thou mad?" burst out the pharaoh.

"Pardon, sovereign, but the attack on the temple today was planned by the priests. How they drew thee into it, holiness, I do not understand to this moment."

It was five in the afternoon.

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Chapter LXVI

AT that same hour to a minute, the priest, watching on the pylon of the temple of Ptah in Memphis, informed the high priests and nomarchs counseling in the hall, that the palace of the pharaoh was giving some signals.

"It seems that his holiness will beg us for peace," said one of the nomarchs, smiling.

"I doubt that!" answered Mefres.

Herhor ascended the pylon, for they were signaling to him from the palace. Soon he returned and said to those assembled:

"Our young priest has managed very well. At this moment Tutmosis is advancing with some tens of volunteers to imprison or slay us."

"And wilt Thou dare still to defend Ramses?" cried Mefres.

"I must and will defend him, for I swore solemnly to the queen that I would. Were it not for the worthy daughter of the holy Amenhotep, our position today would not be what it is."

"Well, but I have not sworn," replied Mefres, and he left the hall.

"What does he wish?" asked one of the nomarchs.

"He is an old man grown childish," replied Herhor, shrugging his shoulders.

Before six o'clock in the evening a division of the guard approached the temple of Ptah unhindered, and the leader of it knocked at the gate, which was opened immediately. This was Tutmosis with his volunteers.

When the chief entered the temple court he was astonished to see Herhor in the miter of Amenhotep, and surrounded only by priests come out to meet him.

"What dost Thou wish, my son?" asked the high priest of the chief, who was somewhat confused by the meeting.

Tutmosis mastered himself quickly, and said,

"Herhor, high priest of Amon in Thebes, because of letters which Thou hast written to Sargon, the Assyrian satrap, which letters I have with me, Thou art accused of high treason to the state, and must justify thyself before the pharaoh."

"If the young lord," answered Herhor calmly, "wishes to learn the object of the policy of the eternally living Ramses XII, let him apply to our Supreme Council and he will receive explanations."

"I summon thee to follow me at once, unless Thou wish that I should force thee," continued Tutmosis.

"My son, I implore the gods to preserve thee from violence, and from the punishment which Thou deservest."

"Wilt Thou go?" asked Tutmosis.

"I wait here for Ramses," answered Herhor.

"Well, then, remain here, trickster!" cried Tutmosis.

He drew his sword and rushed at Herhor.

At that instant Eunana, who was standing behind the chief, raised an axe and struck Tutmosis with all his might between the neck and the right shoulder blade, so that the blood spurted in every direction. The favorite of the pharaoh fell to the earth almost cut in two.

Some of the warriors with leveled spears rushed at Eunana, but they fell after a brief struggle with their own comrades. Of the volunteers, three-fourths were in the pay of the priesthood.

"May he live, his holiness Herhor, our lord!" cried Eunana, waving his bloody axe.

"May he live through eternity!" repeated the warriors and priests, and all fell on their faces.

The most worthy Herhor raised his hands and blessed them.

On leaving the court of the temple, Mefres went to the underground chamber to Lykon. The high priest at the very threshold drew from his bosom a crystal ball, at the sight of which the Greek fell into auger.

"Would that the earth swallowed you! Would that your corpses might know no rest!" said Lykon, abusing him in a voice which grew lower and lower.

At last he was silent and fell into a trance.

"Take this dagger," said Mefres, giving the Greek a slender steel blade. "Take this dagger and go to the palace garden. Halt there at the clump of fig trees and wait for him who deprived thee of Kama, and took her away."

Lykon gritted his teeth in helpless rage.

"And when Thou seest him, wake," concluded Mefres.

He threw over the Greek an officer's mantle with a cowl, whispered the password into his ear and led him forth to the empty streets of Memphis through a secret door of the temple.

Then Mefres ran with the celerity of youth to the summit of the pylon, and taking in his hand some banners, made signals toward the palace. They saw and understood him, that was evident, for a bitter smile came to the parchment like face of the high priest.

Mefres put down the banners, left the summit of the pylon and descended slowly. When he reached the pavement he was surrounded by some men in light brown tunics, which were covered by coats in white and black stripes.

"Here is the most worthy Mefres," said one of them. And all three knelt before the high priest, who raised his hand mechanically, as if to bless them. But he dropped it suddenly, inquiring, "Who are ye?"

"Overseers of the labyrinth."

"Why have ye barred the way to me?" asked he, and his hand and thin lips began to tremble.

"We need not remind thee, holy man," said one of the overseers still kneeling, "that some days ago Thou wert in the labyrinth, to which Thou knowest the way as well as we, though Thou art uninitiated. Thou art too great a sage not to know what our law is in such a case."

"What does this mean?" exclaimed Mefres in a raised voice. "Ye are murderers sent by Her."

He did not finish. One of the men seized him by the arms, another passed a kerchief over his head, and a third threw a transparent liquid over his face. Mefres struggled a number of times, and fell. They sprinkled him again. When he was dead they placed him in a niche, pushed into his dead hand a papyrus, and vanished.

Three men dressed similarly chased after Lykon almost the instant that he was pushed out of the temple by Mefres and found himself on the empty street. The men had hidden not far from the door through which the Greek issued, and at first let him pass freely. But soon one of them noted something suspicious in his hand, so they followed.

A wonderful thing! Lykon though in a trance felt, as it were, the pursuit; he turned quickly into a street full of movement, then to a square where a multitude of people were circling about, and then ran to the Nile by Fisher Street. There, at the end of some alley, he found a small boat, sprang into it and began to cross the river with a speed which was remarkable.

He was a couple of hundred yards from the shore when a boat pushed out after him with one rower and three passengers. Barely had these left land when a second boat appeared with two rowers and three passengers also.

Both boats pursued Lykon with stubbornness. In that which had only one rower sat the overseers of the labyrinth, looking diligently at their rivals, as far as was permitted by the darkness, which came soon after sundown.

"Who are those three?" whispered they among themselves. "Since the day before yesterday they have been lurking around the temple, and today they are pursuing Lykon. Do they wish to protect him from us?"

Lykon's small boat reached the other shore. The Greek sprang from it and went swiftly toward the palace garden. Sometimes he staggered, stopped, and seized his head, but after an instant he went forward again, as if drawn by some incomprehensible attraction.

The overseers of the labyrinth landed also, but they were preceded by their rivals.

And a race began which was unique in its kind: Lykon was hurling toward the palace, like a swift runner; after him were the three unknown men, and the three overseers of the labyrinth.

A few hundred steps from the garden the pursuing groups came together. It was night then, but clear.

"Who are ye?" asked one of the labyrinth men of the others.

"I am the chief of police in Pi-Bast, and, with my centurions, am pursuing a great criminal," answered one of them.

"We are overseers of the labyrinth and are following the same person."

The groups looked at each other with hands on their swords or knives.

"What will ye do with him?" asked the chief of police.

"We have a sentence against the man."

"But will ye leave the body?"

"With all that is on it," replied the elder overseer.

The police whispered among themselves.

"If ye tell the truth," said the chief at last, "we shall not hinder you. On the contrary, we will lend him to you for a while, as he will fall into our hands later."

"Do ye swear?"

"We swear."

"Then we may go together."

So they joined forces, but the Greek had vanished.

"Curses on him!" cried the chief of police. "He has escaped again!"

"He will be found," answered the overseer of the labyrinth, "or perhaps even he will return."

"Why should he go to the pharaoh's garden?" asked the chief of police.

"The high priests are using him for some purpose of their own, but he will return to the temple."

They decided to wait and act in common.

"We are spending the third night for nothing," said one of the policemen, yawning.

They wrapped themselves in their cloaks and lay on the grass.

Immediately after the departure of Tutmosis, the worthy lady Niort's, in silence, with lips tightly closed from anger, left the chamber of her son, and when Ramses wished to calm her, she interrupted him sharply,

"I take leave of the pharaoh, and pray the gods to permit me to see him to-morrow as pharaoh."

"Dost Thou doubt that, mother?"

"It is possible to doubt everything in presence of one who listens to madmen and traitors."

They parted in anger.

Soon his holiness recovered good-humor and conversed joyously with the officials. But about six o'clock alarm began to torment him.

"Tutmosis ought to send us a courier," said he. "For I am certain that the affair is already settled in one or another way."

"I do not know that," said the chief treasurer. "They may not have found boats at the crossing. There may have been resistance at the temple."

"But where is that young priest?" asked Hiram on a sudden.

"The priest? The messenger of the late Samentu?" repeated the officials in concern. "That is true where can he be?"

Men were sent to search the garden. They searched every path, but there was no priest.

This circumstance made a bad impression on the dignitaries. Each one sat in silence, sunk in alarming thoughts.

About sundown the pharaoh's chamber servant entered and whispered that the lady Hebron was very ill, and implored his holiness to visit her.

The officials, knowing the relations between their lord and the beautiful Hebron, looked at one another. But when the pharaoh announced his purpose of going into the garden they made no protest. The garden, thanks to numerous guards, was as safe as the palace. No one considered it proper to watch over the pharaoh even from a distance, knowing that Ramses did not wish any one to be occupied with him at certain moments.

When he disappeared, the chief scribe said to the treasurer,

"Time drags on like a chariot in the desert. Perhaps Hebron has some news from Tutmosis."

"At this moment," answered the treasurer, "his expedition with a few tens of men to the temple of Ptah seems to me inconceivable madness!"

"But did the pharaoh act more wisely at the Soda Lakes when he chased all night after Tehenna?" put in Hiram. "Daring means more than numbers."

"But that young priest?" asked the treasurer.

"He came without our knowledge and went without leave," added Hiram. "Each one of us acts like a conspirator."

The treasurer shook his head.

Ramses passed the space between his villa and that of Tutmosis quickly. When he entered her chamber Hebron threw herself on his neck with weeping.

"I am dying of fear!" cried she.

"Art Thou alarmed for Tutmosis?"

"What is Tutmosis to me?" answered Hebron, with a contemptuous grimace. "I care for thee only! Of thee only am I thinking, I am alarmed for thee!"

"Blessed be thy alarm which freed me even for a moment from tedium," said the pharaoh, laughing. "O gods! what a day! If Thou hadst heard our discussions, if Thou hadst seen the faces of our counselors! And in addition to all, it pleased the worthy queen to honor our assembly with her presence. Never bad I supposed that the dignity of pharaoh could be so annoying."

"Do not say this audibly," cautioned Hebron. "What wilt Thou do if Tutmosis does not succeed in seizing the temple?"

"I will take the leadership from him, hide my crown in a box, and put on an officer's helmet," answered Ramses. "I am certain that when I appear at the head of the troops myself the sedition will vanish."

"Which one?" inquired Hebron.

"Ah, true, we have two," laughed Ramses. "That of the people against the priests, that of the priests against me."

He seized Hebron in his arms and went toward the couch whispering,

"How beautiful Thou art today! Each time I see thee Thou art different, each time more beautiful than ever."

"Let me go," whispered Hebron. "At times I am afraid that Thou wilt bite me."

"Bite? No! But I might kiss thee to death. Thou dost not even suspect thy own beauty."

"I am beautiful in comparison with ministers and generals. But free me."

"In thy presence I should wish to be like a pomegranate. I should wish to have as many arms as the tree has branches, so as to embrace thee with all of them, as many hands as it has leaves, and as many lips as it has flowers, so as to kiss thy lips, eyes, and bosom at once with them."

"Thou hast a mind marvelously free of care for a sovereign whose throne is in peril."

"On the couch, I do not care for a throne. While I have a sword I shall have power."

"Thy troops are scattered," said Hebron, defending herself.

"Tomorrow fresh troops will come, and after to-morrow I shall gather the scattered ones. I repeat to thee be not occupied with trifles. One moment of fondling is worth more than a year of dominion."

One hour after sunset the pharaoh left Hebron's villa and returned slowly to his palace. He was full of imaginings, he was dreamy, and he thought the high priests were great fools to resist him. Since Egypt became Egypt there had not been a kindlier pharaoh.

All at once, from out a clump of fig trees sprang a man in a dark mantle, and barred the road to Ramses. The pharaoh, to see the man better, approached his face to the face of the stranger and cried suddenly,

"O wretch, is it thou? Go to the guard house!"

It was Lykon. Ramses seized him by the neck; the Greek hissed and knelt on the ground. At the same moment the pharaoh felt a sharp pain in the left side of his stomach.

"Dost Thou bite too?" cried Ramses. He seized the Greek with both hands, and when he heard the cracking of his broken spine he hurled him off in disgust.

Lykon fell quivering in the convulsions of death.

The pharaoh moved back a couple of steps. He examined his body and discovered the handle of a dagger.

"He has wounded me!"

He drew the slender steel from his side and pressed the wound.

"I wonder," thought he, "if any of my counselors has a plaster?" He felt weak and hurried forward. Right at the palace one of the officers stood before him and said, "Tutmosis is dead; the traitor Eunana slew him."

"Eunana?" repeated the pharaoh. "But what of the others?"

"All, all the volunteers who went with Tutmosis were sold to the priests."

"Well, I must finish this!" said Ramses. "Sound the trumpets for the Asiatic regiments."

The trumpets sounded, and the Asiatics hurried from the barracks, leading their horses.

"Give me my steed!" said the pharaoh. But he felt a sudden dizziness and added, "No, give me a litter, I should tire myself."

All at once he tottered into the arms of the officers.

"Oh, I almost forgot," said Ramses in a dying voice. "Bring my helmet and sword that steel sword from the Soda. Let us go to Memphis."

Officials and servants ran out of the villa with torches. The pharaoh was supported by officers, his face was pale and his eyes were mist- covered. He stretched forth his hand as if seeking his breastplate, his lips moved, and amid general silence the lord of two worlds, the temporal and the western, breathed his life out.

The dove-eyed goddess Astaroth had avenged the wrong done her priestess.

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Chapter LXVII

From the death of Ramses XIII till the day of his burial the state was governed by the most worthy San-Amen-Herhor as high priest of the Theban Amon, and viceroy of the late pharaoh.

The government of the viceroy, lasting some months, was very prosperous for Egypt. Herhor pacified the outbreaks of the people, and, in accordance with former times, he gave the seventh day for rest to the working man. He introduced stern discipline among the priests; he extended protection to foreigners, especially Phoenicians, and concluded a treaty with Assyria, not yielding Phoenicia, however, which remained tributary to Egypt.

In the course of this short government, justice was meted out quickly, but without cruelty, and this or that man did not dare to beat an Egyptian laborer, who had the right to appeal to a court if he had time sufficient and witnesses.

Herhor occupied himself too in paying the debts which weighed on the lands of the state and the pharaoh. With this object he persuaded the Phoenicians to resign a certain part of the sums due them from the treasury, and to cover the rest he drew from the labyrinth the enormous sum of thirty thousand talents.

Thanks to these measures, in the course of three months peace and prosperity were established in Egypt.

"May the rule of the viceroy, San-Amen-Herhor be blessed!" said the people. "Indeed the gods predestined him to power so as to free Egypt from misfortunes brought on by Ramses XIII, who was a woman-hunter and frivolous."

A few days sufficed the people to forget that all Herhor's acts were merely the accomplishment of plans made by the young and lofty-minded pharaoh.

In the month Tobi, when the mummy of Ramses XIII was placed in its tomb, a great assembly of the most important personages met in the temple of Amon. There were present almost all the high priests, nomarchs, and generals of troops, and among them, covered with glory, was the gray-haired chief of the eastern army, Nitager.

In this same gigantic hall of columns, where half a year earlier the priests had judged Ramses XII, and shown dislike for Ramses XIII, those dignitaries assembled to settle the most important question of state, under the presidency of Herhor. On the 25th of Tobi, exactly at noon, Herhor, in the miter of Amenhotep, sat on the throne; others sat in armchairs, and the council took place.

It was of wonderfully short duration, just as if the result had been arranged previously.

"High priests, nomarchs, and leaders," began Herhor. "We have assembled here on sad and important business. With the death of the eternally living Ramses XIII, whose short and stormy reign ended in a manner so unfortunate "Here Herhor sighed.

"With Ramses XIII perished not only a pharaoh, but the twentieth dynasty, which was full of glory."

Among those present rose a murmur.

"The dynasty has not ended," interrupted the powerful nomarch of Memphis, almost harshly. "The worthy Queen Niort's is still living, therefore the throne belongs to her."

After a time Herhor answered: "My most worthy consort, Queen Niort's."

Now in the assembly was heard, not a murmur, but a cry, and it lasted a number of minutes. When it ceased Herhor continued calmly and with emphasis:

"My most worthy consort, Queen Niort's, inconsolable through sorrow for her son, has abdicated the throne."

"Permit!" exclaimed the nomarch of Memphis. "The most worthy viceroy has called the queen his consort. This intelligence is entirely new, and, first of all it must be verified."

At a sign from Herhor the judge of Thebes drew out an act concluded two days before between the most worthy high priest of Amon, San-Amen- Herhor, and Queen Niort's, widow of Ramses XII, and mother of Ramses XIII.

After this explanation came a grave-like silence. Herhor began again,

"Since my consort, who is the only heir to the throne, has abdicated, the reign of the twentieth dynasty is ended; we must choose a new sovereign.

"This sovereign," continued Herhor, "should be a man of ripe years, energetic, and skilled in government. For this reason I advise you to choose for the highest position."

"Herhor!" cried some one.

"The most famous Nitager, the leader of the eastern army," finished Herhor.

Nitager sat a long time with closed eyes, smiling. At last he rose, and said,

"Never will there be a lack of men eager for the title of pharaoh. We have more of them perhaps than are needed. Luckily, the gods themselves, in setting aside useless rivals, have indicated a man most worthy of power, and it seems to me that I shall act wisely if, instead of receiving the crown offered me graciously, I answer,

"May he live through eternity, his holiness, San-Amen-Herhor, the first pharaoh of a new dynasty!"

Those present, with few exceptions, repeated the shout, and at the same time the supreme judge brought on a golden tray two caps: the white one of Upper, and the red one of Lower Egypt. One of these was taken by the high priest of Osiris, the other by the high priest of Horus, and they delivered them to Herhor, who, when he had kissed the golden serpent, put them both on his head.

Then those present began the ceremony of offering homage, which lasted a couple of hours. After that a proper act was written; those who took part in the election placed their seals on it, and from that moment San-Amen-Herhor was the real pharaoh, the lord of both worlds, also of the life and death of his subjects.

Toward evening his holiness returned wearied to his chambers of a high priest, where he found Pentuer, who had grown thin, and on whose emaciated face weariness and sadness were evident.

When Pentuer prostrated himself the pharaoh raised him and said with a smile,

"Thou didst not sign my election, Thou didst not give me homage, and I fear that I shall have to arrest thee some time in the temple of Ptah. Well, hast Thou been thinking to leave me? Dost prefer Menes?"

"Forgive, holiness," answered the priest, "but court life has so wearied me that my only desire is to learn wisdom."

"Thou canst not forget Ramses?" inquired Herhor. "And yet Thou knewest him only a very short time, while Thou hast labored with me during years."

"Blame me not, holiness, but Ramses XIII was the first pharaoh to commiserate the Egyptian people."

Herhor smiled.

"O ye learned men," said he, shaking his head. "But it was Thou who didst turn the attention of Ramses to the people, and now Thou bearest mourning for him in thy heart, though he did nothing whatever for the people. It was Thou who commiserated, not he. Ye are strange men, in spite of your powerful minds," continued Herhor. "It is the same thing with Menes. That priest considers that he is the most peaceful man in Egypt, though it was he who overturned the dynasty and smoothed the road to power for me. Were it not for his letter about the eclipse of the sun on the 20th of Paofi, perhaps I and the late Mefres would be splitting stones now in the quarries.

"Well, go; go and greet Menes for me. Remember also that I know how to be thankful, which is the great secret of ruling. Tell Menes that I shall carry out every wish of his, unless he asks me, for example, to abdicate. Return to me when Thou hast rested, I will keep an important place for thee."

And he touched Pentuer's head, which was inclined submissively.

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