order and the
temples?"

They looked each other in the eyes for a moment.

"Dost Thou inquire whether I can? Whether I can? I need make no effort.
The gods have placed in my hands a thunderbolt which will destroy every
author of sacrilege."

"Pst!" whispered Herhor. "Let that take place."

"With the consent or without the consent of the supreme council of
priests," added Mefres. "When a boat is overturned there is no time to
discuss with the oarsmen."

They parted in a gloomy state of mind. That same day in the evening the
Pharaoh summoned them.

They came at the appointed time, each high priest separately. Each made
a profound obeisance to his lord, and each stood in a separate corner
without looking at the other.

"Have they quarreled?" thought Ramses? "No harm in that!"

A moment later the holy Sem and the prophet Pentuer came in. Then
Ramses sat on an elevation, indicated to the priests stools in front of
him, and said,

"Holy fathers! I have not summoned you thus far to counsel because all
my orders related to military questions exclusively."

"Thou hadst the right, holiness, not to call us," put in Herhor.

"I have done what I was able in such a short time to strengthen the
defensive power of the state. I have formed two new schools for
officers and I have restored five regiments."

"Thou hadst the right, lord," answered Mefres.

"Of other military reforms I do not speak, since those questions do not
concern you, holy people."

"Thou art right," said Mefres and Herhor together.

"But there is another question," continued the pharaoh, satisfied with
the assent of the two dignitaries from whom he had expected opposition.
"The funeral day of my divine father is approaching, but the treasury
does not possess sufficient funds."

Mefres rose from his stool.

"Osiris-Mer-Amen-Ramses," said he, "was a just lord who for many years
assured peace to his people, and praise to the gods. Permit, holiness,
that the funeral of this pious pharaoh be performed at the expense of
the temples."

Ramses XIII was astonished and was moved by the homage rendered his
father. He was silent for a while as if unable to find an answer; at
last he replied,

"I am very thankful to you for the honor shown my father, who is equal
to the gods. I permit the funeral, and once more I thank you greatly."

He stopped, rested his head on his hand and meditated, as if struggling
with himself. Suddenly he raised his head; his fa