a jackal
from a hare. However, these matters I did not hear from the people.
Such secret things are not discussed upon the streets. All that I
heard in Pithom may be talked openly over Egypt.

"The man and the woman laid their plans, and they were these: Last
night, the man and his servants were to lie at Pithom, and to-day they
were to meet thee at the temple of Bast, overpower thee, take thy
treasure and, with the woman, fly to some secure place. With the
treasure they were to hire them soldiers--mercenaries, and take arms
against the king, thy father."

The speaker paused again. Seti's breast labored and his gaze was fixed
upon the Hebrew.

"The ire of Jambres was kindled against the plotters, and he called an
assembly of the priests within short distances from the village of
image-makers and laid his discoveries before them. They pledged
themselves to proceed to Pithom last night, which was the night they
came together in council, and take the traitors. But one among their
number, a young priest who knew the woman, played them false, entered
the city before his fellows and warned the plotters. They had fled,
with the priests in pursuit.

"My son, the man was Siptah, son of Amon-meses; the woman, the Princess
Ta-user."

The prince's face took on an insane beauty. In each cheek was a
scarlet stain--his lips smiled without parting and his eyes glittered.
He did not question the Hebrew's story. Something within him
corroborated every word. He sprang to his feet and with an unnatural
laugh flung his hand above his head.

"Now, by Horus," he cried, "I must get back to Tanis. I would ask the
pardon of Rameses!"

Aaron arose and laid detaining hands upon him.

"I did not tell thee this, that I might be a bearer of evil tidings. I
came forth to meet thee, that thou mayest save thyself. Far be it from
me to bring misfortune upon Israel's one friend in Egypt's high places.
Return to Tanis with all speed and take the treasure with thee. Then
only will the intent rest against thee--"

"Not so," Seti interrupted harshly. "Wilt thou rob me of the one balm
to my humiliation? Wilt thou defeat me also in the one good deed I
would do? Take thou the treasure and be glad that it fell not into the
hands of the wanton. Let me depart."

But Aaron was planted in his way.

"Knowest thou not what they will do with thee? Thou wouldst have given
aid to the enemy of Egypt. Thou knowest the penalty. Sooner woul