sy under sentence of death. Therefore it is most right
that those whom the true gods have condemned should die by the swords of
their servants."

"That is well argued, Userti, and if it be so, mayhap my mind will
become as yours in this matter, so that I shall no longer stand between
Pharaoh and his desire. But is it so? There's the problem. I will not
ask you why you say that the gods of the Egyptians are the true gods,
because I know what you would answer, or rather that you could give no
answer. But I will ask this lady whether her god is a false god, and if
she replies that he is not, I will ask her to prove this to me if
she can. If she is able to prove it, then I think that what I said to
Pharaoh to-day I shall repeat three days hence. If she is not able to
prove it, then I shall consider very earnestly of the matter. Answer
now, Moon of Israel, remembering that many thousands of lives may hang
on what you say."

"O your Highness," began Merapi. Then she paused, clasped her hands and
looked upwards. I think that she was praying, for her lips moved. As she
stood thus I saw, and I think Seti saw also, a very wonderful light grow
on her face and gather in her eyes, a kind of divine fire of inspiration
and resolve.

"How can I, a poor Hebrew maiden, prove to your Highness that my God is
the true God and that the gods of Egypt are false gods? I know not, and
yet, is there any one god among all the many whom you worship, whom you
are prepared to set up against him?"

"Of a surety, Israelite," answered Userti. "There is Amon-Ra, Father of
the gods, of whom all other gods have their being, and from whom they
draw their strength. Yonder his statue sits in the sanctuary of his
ancient temple. Let your god stir him from his place! But what will you
bring forward against the majesty of Amon-Ra?"

"My God has no statues, Princess, and his place is in the hearts of
men, or so I have been taught by his prophets. I have nothing to bring
forward in this war save that which must be offered in all wars--my
life."

"What do you mean?" asked Seti, astounded.

"I mean that I, unfriended and alone, will enter the presence of Amon-Ra
in his chosen sanctuary, and in the name of my God will challenge him to
kill me, if he can."

We stared at her, and Userti exclaimed:

"If he can! Hearken now to this blasphemer, and do you, Seti, accept her
challenge as hereditary high-priest of the god Amon? Let her life pay
forfeit for her sa