isest of common men and artisans from
whom it would be possible to select delegates to the assembly summoned
by the pharaoh.

Everywhere on the way he found signs of the greatest excitement. Earth-
tillers, as well as artisans, were trying to have the seventh day for
rest and receive pay for all public works, as was the case in former
ages. And it was only through remonstrances from priests of various
temples, that a general uprising was averted, or at least that work was
continued.

At the same time Pentuer was struck by certain new phenomena which he
had not observed a month earlier! first of all the people had divided
into two parties. Some were partisans of the pharaoh and enemies of the
priests; others were active against Phoenicians. Some proved that the
priests ought to give the treasures of the labyrinth to the pharaoh;
others whispered that the pharaoh afforded foreigners too much
protection.

But strangest of all was a report of unknown origin that

Ramses XIII showed signs of insanity, like his elder brother, who for
this cause had been excluded from succession. Priests, scribes, even
common men discussed this report of insanity.

"Who told thee such a lie?" inquired Pentuer of an engineer.

"It is no lie," replied the engineer, "it is sad reality. In the Theban
palaces they saw the pharaoh running naked through the gardens. One
night he climbed a tree under the window of his mother's chamber, and
spoke to her."

Pentuer assured the man that no longer than two weeks before he had
seen Ramses in the best of health. He observed at once, however, that
the engineer did not believe him.

"This is Herhor's work!" thought he. "Priests alone could have news
from Thebes so promptly."

For the moment he lost desire to busy himself in finding delegates, but
he regained energy at the thought that what the people received today
they would not lose to-morrow, unless something uncommon should happen.

Beyond Memphis to the north of the pyramids and the sphinx, on the
boundary of the desert, was a small temple of the goddess Nut. An old
priest Menes lived in that temple. This sage had more knowledge of the
stars than any man in Egypt; he was an engineer in addition.

When a great public edifice was to be built or a new canal made, Menes
went to the place and gave directions. Apart from such tasks he lived
in solitude and poverty in his temple; at night he investigated the
stars, in the daytime he worked over cu