rror prevailing. The arrival of the body of the king was the first
intimation of disaster, and this had been followed by several horsemen
and chariots, who had spread the news of the defeat of the army. The
cries of women filled the air; some in their grief and terror ran
wildly here and there; some sat at their doors with their faces hidden
by their hands, wailing loudly; others tore their garments and behaved
as if demented.

On their way to the palace they met the troops who had been left
behind to guard the city, moving down stern and silent to take their
places on the wall. During the drive Amusis, who had driven in Amuba's
chariot, had broken to the boy the news that his father was dead, and
Amuba was prepared for the loud lamentation of women which met him as
he entered the royal inclosure.

"I will see my mother," he said to Amusis, "and then I will come down
with you to the walls and will take whatever part you may assign me in
the defense. It is to your experience and valor we must now trust."

"I will do all that I can, prince. The walls are strong, and if, as I
hope, the greater part of our army find their way back, I trust we may
be able to defend ourselves successfully against the Egyptian host.
Assure your royal mother of my deep sympathy for her in her sorrow,
and of my devotion to her personally."

The general now drove off, and Amuba entered the royal dwellings. In
the principal apartment the body of the king was laid upon a couch in
the middle of the room. The queen stood beside it in silent grief,
while the attendants raised loud cries, wrung their hands, and filled
the air with their lamentation, mingled with praises of the character
and bravery of the king. Amuba advanced to his mother's side. She
turned and threw her arms round him.

"Thank the gods, my son, that you are restored to me; but what a loss,
what a terrible loss is ours!"

"It is indeed, mother. No better father ever lived than mine. But I
pray you, mother, lay aside your grief for awhile; we shall have time
to weep and mourn for him afterward. We have need of all our courage.
In a few hours the Egyptian hosts will be before our walls, and every
arm will be needed for their defense. I am going down to take my place
among the men, to do what I can to encourage them; but the confusion
in the city is terrible. None know whether they have lost husbands or
fathers, and the cries and lamentations of the women cannot but
dispirit and d