camp to-morrow morning.
See, Laban returns with Merapi. One word, let his Highness beware of
Laban. He is very revengeful and has not forgotten that sword-blow on
the head."

"Let Laban be careful," I answered. "Had it not been for his Highness
the soldiers would have killed him the other night because he dared
to offer affront to the royal blood. A second time he will not escape.
Moreover, Pharaoh would avenge aught he did upon the people of Israel."

"I understand. It would be sad if Laban were killed, very sad. But the
people of Israel have One who can protect them even against Pharaoh and
all his hosts. Farewell, learned Scribe. If ever I come to Tanis, with
your leave we will talk more together."

That night I told the Prince all that had passed. He listened, and said:

"I grieve for the lady Merapi, for hers is like to be a hard fate. Yet,"
he added laughing, "perhaps it is as well for you, friend, that you
should see no more of her who is sure to bring trouble wherever she
goes. That woman has a face which haunts the mind, as the Ka haunts the
tomb, and for my part I do not wish to look upon it again."

"I am glad to hear it, Prince, and for my part, I have done with women,
however sweet. I will tell this Jabez that the provisions for the
journey will be bought elsewhere."

"Nay, buy them from him, and if Nehesi grumbles at the price, pay it on
my account. The way to a Hebrew's heart is through his treasure bags.
If Jabez is well treated, it may make him kinder to his niece, of whom I
shall always have a pleasant memory, for which I am grateful among this
sour folk who hate us, and with reason."

So the sheep and all the foodstuffs for the journey were bought from
Jabez at his own price, for which he thanked me much, and on the third
day we started. At the last moment the Prince, whose mood seemed to be
perverse that evening, refused to travel with the host upon the morrow
because of the noise and dust. In vain did the Count Amenmeses reason
with him, and Nehesi and the great officers implore him almost on their
knees, saying that they must answer for his safety to Pharaoh and the
Princess Userti. He bade them begone, replying that he would join them
at their camp on the following night. I also prayed him to listen, but
he told me sharply that what he said he had said, and that he and I
would journey in his chariot alone, with two armed runners and no more,
adding that if I thought there was danger I could