rd also that I would befriend
the Hebrews whom they hate, and therefore they begin to hate me. Why
should I complain when Pharaoh shows them the way?"

"Prince," I whispered, "what will you say to Pharaoh?"

"That depends on what Pharaoh says to me. Ana, if I will not desert our
gods because they seem to be the weaker, though it should prove to my
advantage, do you think that I would desert these Hebrews because they
seem to be weaker, even to gain a throne?"

"There greatness speaks," I murmured, and as we descended from the
chariot he thanked me with a look.

We passed through the great hall to that same chamber where Pharaoh had
given me the chain of gold. Already he was there seated at the head of
the chamber and wearing on his head the double crown. About him were
gathered all those of royal blood and the great officers of state. We
made our obeisances, but of these he seemed to take no note. His eyes
were almost closed, and to me he looked like a man who is very ill.
The Princess Userti entered after us and to her he spoke some words of
welcome, giving her his hand to kiss. Then he ordered the doors to be
closed. As he did so, an officer of the household entered and said that
a messenger had come from the Hebrews who desired speech with Pharaoh.

"Let him enter," said Meneptah, and presently he appeared.

He was a wild-eyed man of middle age, with long hair that fell over
his sheepskin robe. To me he looked like a soothsayer. He stood before
Pharaoh, making no salutation.

"Deliver your message and be gone," said Nehesi the Vizier.

"These are the words of the Fathers of Israel, spoken by my lips," cried
the man in a voice that rang all round the vaulted chamber. "It has come
to our ears, O Pharaoh, that the woman Merapi, daughter of Nathan, who
has refuged in your city, she who is named Moon of Israel, has shown
herself to be a prophetess of power, one to whom our God has given
strength, in that, standing alone amidst the priests and magicians of
Amon of the Egyptians, she took no harm from their sorceries and was
able with the sword of prayer to smite the idol of Amon to the dust. We
demand that this prophetess be restored to us, making oath on our part
that she shall be given over safely to her betrothed husband and that no
harm shall come to her for any crimes or treasons she may have committed
against her people."

"As to this matter," replied Pharaoh quietly, "make your prayer to the
Prince of Egyp