d
rejoice in the prosperity of the people, I think that they might have
preferred so vast an improvement as the works I speak of would have
effected in the condition of the people, even to the raising of long
avenues of sphinxes and gorgeous temples in their own honor."

"Yes, one would think so," Chebron said thoughtfully. "And yet,
father, we are always taught that our highest duty is to pay honor to
the gods, and that in no way can money be so well spent as in raising
fresh temples and adding to the beauty of those that exist."

"Our highest duty is assuredly to pay honor to the gods, Chebron; but
how that honor can be paid most acceptably is another and deeper
question which you are a great deal too young to enter upon. It will
be time enough for you to do that years hence. There, do you see that
temple standing on the right bank of the river? That is where we stop
for the night. My messenger will have prepared them for our coming,
and all will be in readiness for us."

As they approached the temple they saw a number of people gathered on
the great stone steps reaching down to the water's edge, and strains
of music were heard. On landing Ameres was greeted with the greatest
respect by the priests all bowing to the ground, while those of
inferior order knelt with their faces to the earth, and did not raise
them until he had passed on. As soon as he entered the temple a
procession was formed. Priests bearing sacred vessels and the symbols
of the gods walked before him to the altar; a band of unseen musicians
struck up a processional air; priestesses and maidens, also carrying
offerings and emblems, followed Ameres. He naturally took the
principal part in the sacrifice at the altar, cutting the throat of
the victim, and making the offering of the parts specially set aside
for the gods.

After the ceremonies were concluded the procession moved in order as
far as the house of the chief priest. Here all again saluted Ameres,
who entered, followed by his son and attendants. A banquet was already
in readiness. To this Ameres sat down with the principal priests,
while Chebron was conducted to the apartment prepared for him, where
food from the high table was served to him. Amuba and the rest of the
suit of the high priest were served in another apartment. As soon as
Chebron had finished he joined Amuba.

"Let us slip away," he said. "The feasting will go on for hours, and
then there will be music far on into the night.