Anat--the child of the
paraschites Pinem, and he stayed there three days," replied Gagabu.

"And it was Pinem," said Ameni, "that opened the body of Rui! Now I know
who has dimmed Pentaur's faith. It was that inquisitive stutterer,
and he shall be made to repent of it. For the present let us think of
to-morrow's feast, but the day after I will examine that nice couple,
and will act with iron severity."

"First let us examine the naturalist in private," said Gagabu. "He is
an ornament to the temple, for he has investigated many matters, and his
dexterity is wonderful."

"All that may be considered Ameni said, interrupting the old enough to
think of at present."

"And even more to consider later," retorted Gagabu. "We have entered on
a dangerous path. You know very well I am still hot-headed, though I am
old in years, and alas! timidity was never my weakness; but Rameses is a
powerful man, and duty compels me to ask you: Is it mere hatred for the
king that has led you to take these hasty and imprudent steps?"

"I have no hatred for Rameses," answered Ameni gravely. "If he did not
wear the crown I could love him; I know him too, as well as if I were
his brother, and value all that is great in him; nay I will admit that
he is disfigured by no littleness. If I did not know how strong the
enemy is, we might try to overthrow him with smaller means. You know as
well as I do that he is our enemy. Not yours, nor mine, nor the enemy of
the Gods; but the enemy of the old and reverend ordinances by which this
people and this country must be governed, and above all of those who
are required to protect the wisdom of the fathers, and to point out the
right way to the sovereign--I mean the priesthood, whom it is my duty to
lead, and for whose rights I will fight with every weapon of the spirit.
In this contest, as you know, all that otherwise would be falsehood,
treachery, and cunning, puts on the bright aspect of light and truth.
As the physician needs the knife and fire to heal the sick, we must do
fearful things to save the community when it is in danger. Now you will
see me fight with every weapon, for if we remain idle, we shall soon
cease to be the leaders of the state, and become the slaves of the
king."

Gagabu nodded assent, but Ameni went on with increasing warmth, and in
that rhythmical accent in which, when he came out of the holy of holies,
he was accustomed to declare the will of the Divinity, "You were my
teacher,