addition?"

"He is ready to do that," said the chief judge in a whisper.

"Is he ready?" asked the nomarch of Horti. "It seems to me that he
merely wants money. If we should give him something from the
labyrinth."

"Impossible," interrupted Herhor. "The state is not threatened by
danger, but the pharaoh is, and that is not the same question. I repeat
that as a dam is strong only while it is not penetrated by the tiniest
stream of water, so the labyrinth is full till we touch the first block
of gold in it. After that, all will go. Finally, whom do we strengthen
by the treasures of the gods and of Egypt? This young man who despises
religion, belittles priests, and disturbs the people. Is he not worse
than Assar? Assar is a barbarian, but he does not harm us."

"It is improper for the pharaoh to pay court to his favorite's wife so
openly on the very day of the marriage," said the judge, thoughtfully.

"Hebron herself entices him," said the nomarch of Horti.

"All women entice men," answered the nomarch of Emsuch. "Sense,
however, is given a man to avoid sin."

"But is not the pharaoh husband to all the women of Egypt?" whispered
the nomarch of Abs. "Moreover, sin is under the judgment of the gods,
while we are occupied only with Egypt."

"He is dangerous! he is dangerous!" said the nomarch of Emsuch, while
his hands and head trembled. "There is no doubt that the common people
have become insolent and may rise any moment. In that case no high
priest or nomarch would be sure of his life, not to mention his office
and property."

"Against an uprising we have means," replied Herhor.

"What means?"

"First of all," answered Mefres, "we can avoid an uprising if we
explain to the wisest among common people that he who makes them
promises is a maniac."

"He is one of the soundest men under the sun," whispered the nomarch of
Horti. "All that we need is to learn what he wishes."

"He is a maniac! a maniac!" repeated Mefres. "His own brother imagines
himself a monkey, and drinks with dissectors. Ramses may act in the
same fashion any day."

"It is awkward and evil to declare a man of sound mind a maniac," said
the nomarch of Horti. "For if people see the falsehood they will cease
to believe in us, and nothing will restrain an uprising."

"If I say that Ramses is a maniac it must be that I have proof,"
replied Mefres. "And now listen."

The dignitaries moved on their benches.

"Tell me," continued Mefres, "would