troops are not ready yet. Besides,
Hiram, who intercepted Herhor's letters to the Assyrians will return no
sooner than the 20th. So only on the 21st of Paofi shall we have proofs
in our hands that the high priests are traitors, and we shall announce
their treason in public."

"Then am I to go to Fayum?" inquired Kalippos.

"Oh, no! Thou and Tutmosis will remain near me with chosen regiments.
We must have reserves in case the priests draw away a part of the
people."

"Art Thou not afraid of treason, lord?" asked Tutmosis.

The pharaoh waved his hand with indifference. "Treason is always
leaking out like water from a swollen barrel. It will be difficult for
the high priests to divine my plans, while I know what they wish. But
as I have anticipated them in collecting forces they will be weaker.
Regiments are not formed in a few days."

"But enchantments?" inquired Tutmosis.

"There are no enchantments which an axe will not shatter," said Ramses,
laughing.

Tutmosis wished at that moment to mention the tricks of the high
priests with Lykon, but he was restrained by the thought that his lord
would be very angry and lose calmness, through which he was powerful on
that day. A chief before battle can think of nothing but action, and
there would be time enough for Lykon's case when the priests were in
prison.

At a sign from his holiness Tutmosis remained in the chamber, but the
three other dignitaries made low obeisances and vanished.

"At last!" sighed the chief scribe, when he found himself with the
treasurer in the antechamber, "at last the power of the shaven heads is
ending."

"Indeed it is time," said the treasurer. "During the last ten years any
prophet had more power than the nomarch of Thebes or of Memphis."

"I think that Herhor is preparing in secret a boat in which to flee
before the 23d of Paofi," put in Kalippos.

"What will be done to Herhor?" said the scribe. "His holiness, who is
terrible today, will forgive him when he is obedient."

"And even leave him his property at the intercession of Queen Niort's,"
said the treasurer. "At all events there will be order in the state,
which for some time has been lacking."

"But it seems to me that his holiness is making too great
preparations," said the scribe. "I should finish all with the Greek
regiments, and not employ the people."

"He is young; he likes noise and uproar," added the treasurer.

"How clear it is that ye are not warriors," said Kali