ppos. "When it
comes to battle we must concentrate all the forces, for surprises are
sure to happen."

"They would happen if we had not the people behind us," said the
scribe. "But what unexpected thing can happen? The gods will not come
down to defend the labyrinth."

"Such is thy speech, worthiness, for Thou art at rest," answered
Kalippos; "Thou knowest that the supreme chief is watching and is
trying to foresee everything; if that were not the case thy skin might
creep."

"I see no surprises," contended the scribe, "unless the high priests
are spreading reports again that the pharaoh is demented."

"They will try various tricks," added the treasurer, yawning; "but in
fact they have not strength enough. In every case I thank the gods who
put me in the pharaoh's camp. Well, let us go to sleep."

After the dignitaries had left the chamber of the pharaoh, Tutmosis
opened a secret door in one of the walls, and led in Samentu. Ramses
received the high priest of Set with great pleasure; he gave him his
hand to kiss, and pressed his head.

"Peace be with thee, good servant," said the sovereign. "What dost Thou
bring me?"

"I have been twice in the labyrinth," replied the priest.

"And dost Thou know the way now?"

"I knew it before, but this time I have made a new discovery: the
treasure chamber may sink, people may be lost, and jewels be destroyed
which are of the greatest value."

The pharaoh frowned.

"Therefore," continued Samentu, "be pleased, holiness, to have ready
some tens of reliable men. With them I will enter the labyrinth on the
night before the storm, and seize the chambers adjoining the treasury,
especially the upper ones."

"Canst Thou lead in men?"

"Yes. Though I will go alone again to the labyrinth, and see absolutely
whether we may not avert destruction unaided. Even the most faithful
men are uncertain, and to introduce them at night might rouse the
attention of those watchdogs."

"Are they not following thee now?" asked the pharaoh.

"Believe me, lord," answered the priest, placing his hand on his
breast, "a miracle would be needed to follow me. Their blindness is
almost childlike. They feel that some one wants to invade the
labyrinth, but the fools have doubled the guard at the ordinary
gateways. Meanwhile, in the course of a month I have discovered three
hidden entrances, these they have forgotten, or perhaps they know
nothing about them. Only some spirit could warn those guardian