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?"



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.



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."



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.