thou art most discourteous, my Prince," the fan-bearer
remonstrated, turning away. But Rameses planted himself in his path.

"Stay!" he said grimly. "Dost thou believe me so blind as to think
thee sincere? Thou canst use thy smooth pretenses upon the Pharaoh,
but I understand thee, Har-hat. Declare thyself and vex me no further
with thy subtleties." Har-hat measured the prince's patience before he
answered.

"When thou canst use me courteously, Rameses," he said with dignity, "I
shall talk with thee again. Meanwhile do not build on wedding with
Masanath. I shall mate her with him who hath respect for her father."

For a moment Rameses stood in doubt. Could it be that this soulless
man had scruples against giving him Masanath? But Har-hat, allowed a
chance to leave the prince if he would, had not moved. Rameses
understood the act. The fan-bearer was awaiting a propitious
opportunity to name his price gracefully. The momentary warmth of
respect died in the prince's heart.

"Out with it," he insisted more calmly. "What is it? Power, wealth or
a wife? These three things I have to give thee. Take thy choice."

"I would have thee use me respectfully, reverently," Har-hat retorted
warmly. "I would have thee speak favorably of me; I would have thee do
me no injustice by deed or word, nor peril my standing with the king!
This I demand of thee--I will not buy it!"

"To be plain," Rameses continued placidly, "thou wouldst insure to
thyself the position of fan-bearer. Say on."

"I am fan-bearer to the king," Har-hat continued with a show of
increasing heat, "and I would fill mine office. If thou art to be his
adviser in my stead, do thou take up the plumes, and I will return to
Bubastis."

"Once again I shall interpret. I am to keep silence in the council
chamber and resign to thee the molding of my plastic father. It is
well, for I am not pleased with ruling before I wear the crown. But
mark me! Thou shalt not advise me when I rule over Egypt. So take
heed to my father's health and see that his life is prolonged, for with
its end shall end thine advisership. What more?"

"So thou observest these things I am satisfied."

"Gods! but thou art moderate. Masanath is worth more than that. Do I
take her?"

"She does not love thee."

The prince waved his hand and repeated his question.

"I shall speak with her," Har-hat responded, "and give thee her word."

For a moment the prince contemplated t