weight of a heavy man, and it is at the
service of Egypt."

"I thank you, Shabaka. Believe me, such generosity shall not go
unrewarded," and he glanced at Amada who dropped her eyes. "But if we
can collect the army, what then?"

"Then you can put Memphis into a state of defence. Then too when Idernes
comes I will meet him and, as the bearer of the seal, command him under
the seal to retreat and disperse his army."

"But if he does, Shabaka, it will only be until he has received fresh
orders from the Great King, whereon he will advance again."

"No, Prince, _he_ will not advance, or that army either. For when they
are in retreat we will fall on them and destroy them, and declare you,
O Prince, Pharaoh of Egypt, though what will happen afterwards I do not
know."

When they heard this all gasped. Only Amada whispered,

"Well said!" and Bes clapped his big hands softly in the Ethiopian
fashion.

"A bold counsel," said Peroa, "and one on which I must have the night to
think. Return here, Shabaka, an hour after sunrise to-morrow, by which
time I can gather all the wisest men in Memphis, and we will discuss
this matter. Ah! here is the impress. Now let the seal be tried."

A box was brought and opened. In it was a slab of wood on which was an
impress of the King's seal in wax, surrounded by those of other seals
certifying that it was genuine. Also there was a writing describing
the appearance of the seal. I handed the signet to Peroa who, having
compared it with the description in the writing, fitted it to the
impress on the wax.

"It is the same," he said. "See, all of you."

They looked and nodded. Then he would have given it back to me but I
refused to take it, saying,

"It is not well that this mighty symbol should hang about the neck of a
private man whence it might be stolen or lost."

"Or who might be murdered for its sake," interrupted Peroa.

"Yes, Prince. Therefore take it and hide it in the safest and most
secret place in the palace, and with it these pearls that are too
priceless to be flaunted about the streets of Memphis at night, unless
indeed----" and I turned to look for Amada, but she was gone.

So the seal and the pearls were taken and locked in the box with the
impress and borne away. Nor was I sorry to see the last of them, wisely
as it happened. Then I bade the Prince and his company good night, and
presently was driving homeward with Bes in the chariot.

Our way led us past some large