for not only has he great influence over our
merchants, but, what is more important, he is obtaining money for us at
present. I wish to convince the man that I remember what is due to him,
and have means to pay it."

Silence followed, which Pentuer made use of, and said,

"If Thou permit, O holiness, I will go at once to occupy myself with
assembling land-tillers and artisans. They will all vote with our lord,
but from the multitude we must select the wisest."

He took leave of the pharaoh and went out.

"But thou, Tutmosis," inquired Ramses.

"My lord," said the favorite, "I am so certain of thy nobility and army
that I make bold to turn to thee with a request for myself."

"Thou wishest money?"

"Not at all. I wish to marry."

"Thou!" exclaimed the pharaoh. "What woman has earned from the gods
such a happiness?"

"She is the beautiful Hebron, the daughter of Antefa, the most worthy
nomarch of Thebes," replied Tutmosis, laughing. "If Thou wilt be
pleased to speak on my behalf to that revered family I had thought to
say that my love for thee would be increased, but I will not say so,
for I should tell untruth."

"Well, well," said the pharaoh, slapping him on the shoulder, "do not
persuade me of that which I know. I will go to Antefa to-morrow and it
seems to me that in the course of a few days I shall arrange a wedding.
But now Thou mayst go to thy Hebron."

Left with Sem alone, his holiness said,

"Thy face is gloomy. Dost Thou doubt that we may find thirteen priests
to carry out my orders?"

"I am certain," replied Sem, "that almost all the priests and nomarchs
will do what may be needed for the happiness of Egypt and thy
satisfaction, holiness. But be pleased not to forgot that when it is a
question of the treasure of the labyrinth the final decision will be
given to Amon."

"Is that the statue of Amon in Thebes?"

"It is."

The pharaoh waved his hand contemptuously,

"Amon is Herhor and Mefres. That they will not agree I know; but I have
no intention of sacrificing Egypt to the stubbornness of two persons."

"Thou art mistaken, holiness," answered Sem with dignity. "It is true
that very often statues of gods do what high priests wish, but not
always. In our temples mysterious and uncommon things happen sometimes.
At moments the statues of the gods say and do what they themselves
wish."

"In that case I am at rest," interrupted the pharaoh. "The gods know
the condition of the state, and the