I have spoken cannot be
recalled. Already they are registered in the books of Eternity, and soon
or late, in this way or in that, must be fulfilled. My life is staked,
and I desire to learn at once if it be forfeit."

Now even Userti looked on her with admiration, but answered only:

"Of a truth, Israelite, I trust that this courage will not forsake you
when you are handed over to the mercies of Ki, the Sacrificer of Amon,
and the priests, in the vaults of the temple you would profane."

"I also trust that it will not, your Highness, if such should be my
fate. Your word, Prince of Egypt."

Seti looked at her standing before him so calmly with bowed head, and
hands crossed upon her breast. Then he looked at Userti, who wore a
mocking smile upon her face. She read the meaning of that smile as I
did. It was that she did not believe that he would allow this beautiful
woman, who had saved his life, to risk her life for the sake of any or
all the powers of heaven or hell. For a little while he walked to and
fro about the chamber, then he stopped and said suddenly addressing, not
Merapi, but Userti:

"Have your will, remembering that if this brave woman fails and dies,
her blood is on your hands, and that if she triumphs and lives, I shall
hold her to be one of the noblest of her sex, and shall make study of
all this matter of religion. Moon of Israel, as titular high-priest of
Amon-Ra, I accept your challenge on behalf of the god, though whether
he will take note of it I do not know. The trial shall be made
to-morrow night in the sanctuary of the temple, at an hour that will be
communicated to you. I shall be present to make sure that you meet with
justice, as will some others. Register my commands, Scribe Ana, and
let the head-priest of Amon, Roi, and the sacrificer to Amon, Ki the
Magician, be summoned, that I may speak with them. Farewell, Lady."

She went, but at the door turned and said:

"I thank you, Prince, on my own behalf, and on that of my people.
Whatever chances, I beseech you do not forget the prayer that I have
made to you to save them, being innocent, from the sword. Now I ask that
I may be left quite alone till I am summoned to the temple, who must
make such preparation as I can to meet my fate, whatever it may be."

Userti departed also without a word.

"Oh! friend, what have I done?" said Seti. "Are there any gods? Tell me,
are there any gods?"

"Perhaps we shall learn to-morrow night, Prince," I