s that I
traverse the labyrinth, or indicate the room in which I may find
myself. Among three thousand chambers and corridors this is
impossible."

"The worthy Samentu speaks truth," said Tutmosis. "And perhaps we
employ too much keenness against these priestly reptiles."

"Do not say that," replied the priest. "Their strength, as compared
with that of his holiness, is as a handful of sand in comparison with a
temple, but Herhor and Mefres are very wise, and they may use weapons
against us and means before which we shall be dumb with amazement. Our
temples are full of secrets which will arrest even sages, and bring
down to the dust the courage of the multitude."

"Wilt Thou tell us something of that?" inquired the pharaoh.

"I will say first that the warriors of your holiness will meet with
wonders in the temples. In one chamber torches will quench in their
hands, in another, flames and disgusting monsters will surround them.
In one place a wall will stop the way, or a gulf will open before their
feet. In some corridors water will cover them, in others invisible
hands will throw stones at them. And such thunders, such voices will be
heard round about."

"In every temple I have partisans among the younger priests, and Thou
wilt be in the labyrinth" said the pharaoh.

"But our axes?" said Tutmosis. "He is a poor soldier who draws back
before flames or frightful pictures, or who loses time listening to
mysterious voices."

"Thou speakest well, chief," cried Samentu. "If ye go ahead valiantly,
terrors will vanish, voices cease, and flames burn no longer. Now my
last word, lord," said the priest, turning to Ramses. "If I perish."

"Do not speak thus," interrupted the pharaoh quickly.

"A young priest of Set will come to thee, holiness, with my ring. Let
the army occupy the labyrinth and expel the overseers, and let them not
leave the building, for that young priest in the course of a month,
perhaps, or even earlier, will find the way to the treasures with the
indications which I will leave him. But, lord," continued Samentu
kneeling down, "I implore thee for one thing: when Thou shalt conquer,
avenge me, and above all, pardon not Mefres and Herhor. Thou knowest
not what enemies they are. If they win, Thou wilt perish, not only
thou, but the dynasty."

"But does not magnanimity become a victor?" inquired the pharaoh
gloomily.

"No magnanimity! No favor!" cried Samentu. "As long as they live we are
threatened, T