of a temple. We must ask, therefore, what the
high priests have to say."

"Very well, take counsel," answered the sovereign. "I cannot perform
miracles, and I cannot defend temples from a distance."

The saddened delegates left the pharaoh, who after their departure
summoned a confidential council. He was convinced that the priests
would yield to his will, and it did not even occur to him that the
delegation itself was a trick arranged by Herhor to lead him into
error.

When the civil and military officials had assembled in the pharaoh's
chamber Ramses began,

"I thought," said he, proudly, "to occupy the temples of Memphis only
on the 23d, but I consider it better to do so to-morrow."

"Our troops have not assembled yet," objected Tutmosis.

"And we have not Herhor's letters to Assyria," added the chief scribe.

"Never mind!" answered the pharaoh. "Proclaim tomorrow that Herhor and
Mefres are traitors, and we will show the nomarchs and priests the
proofs three days later when Hiram returns from Pi-Bast to us."

"Thy new command, holiness, will change the first one greatly," said
Tutmosis. "We shall not occupy the labyrinth to-morrow. If the temples
in Memphis make bold to resist, we have not even rams to break down the
gates."

"Tutmosis," answered the pharaoh, "I might not explain my commands, but
I wish to convince thee that my heart estimates the course of events
more profoundly. If people attack the temples today they will wish to
break into them to-morrow. Unless we support them they will be
repulsed, and will be discouraged in every case from deeds of daring.
The priests send a delegation today, hence they are weak. Meanwhile the
number of their adherents among the common people may be greater some
days hence. Enthusiasm and fear are like wine in a pitcher; it
decreases in proportion as it is poured out, and only he can drink who
puts his goblet under in season. If the people are ready to attack
today and the enemy is frightened, let us make use of the situation,
for, as I say, luck may leave us in a few days, or may turn against
us."

"And provisions will be exhausted," added the treasurer. "In three days
the people must return to work, for we shall not have the wherewithal
to feed them."

"Oh, seest thou," continued the pharaoh to Tutmosis. "I myself have
commanded the chief of police to restrain the people. But it is
impossible to restrain them, we must make a movement. An experienced
sailor st