"be pleased to hearken. We have heard very evil
words spoken by these Hebrew men, words that threaten your divine life,
O Pharaoh, and call down a curse upon the Upper and the Lower Land.
Pharaoh, these people of Israel hold that they suffer wrong and are
oppressed. Now give me, your son, a writing under your hand and seal, by
virtue of which I shall have power to go down to the Land of Goshen and
inquire of this matter, and afterwards make report of the truth to you.
Then, if it seems to you that the People of Israel are unjustly dealt
by, you may lighten their burden and bring the curse of their prophets
to nothing. But if it seems to you that the tales they tell are idle
then your words shall stand."

Now, listening, I, Ana, thought that Pharaoh would once more be angry.
But it was not so, for when he spoke again it was in the voice of one
who is crushed by grief or weariness.

"Have your will, Son," he said. "Only take with you a great guard of
soldiers lest these hook-nosed dogs should do you mischief. I trust them
not, who, like the Hyksos whose blood runs in many of them, were ever
the foes of Egypt. Did they not conspire with the Ninebow Barbarians
whom I crushed in the great battle, and do they not now threaten us in
the name of their outland god? Still, let the writing be prepared and
I will seal it. And stay. I think, Seti, that you, who were ever
gentle-natured, have somewhat too soft a heart towards these shepherd
slaves. Therefore I will not send you alone. Amenmeses your cousin shall
go with you, but under your command. It is spoken."

"Life! Blood! Strength!" said both Seti and Amenmeses, thus
acknowledging the king's command.

Now I thought that all was finished. But it was not so, for presently
Pharaoh said:

"Let the guards withdraw to the end of the hall and with them the
servants. Let the King's councillors and the officers of the household
remain."

Instantly all saluted and withdrew out of hearing. I, too, made ready to
go, but the Prince said to me:

"Stay, that you may take note of what passes."

Pharaoh, watching, saw if he did not hear.

"Who is that man, Son?" he asked.

"He is Ana my private scribe and librarian, O Pharaoh, whom I trust. It
was he who saved me from harm but last night."

"You say it, Son. Let him remain in attendance on you, knowing that if
he betrays our council he dies."

Userti looked up frowning as though she were about to speak. If so, she
changed her m