we are both
descended. O Ramses," exclaimed she, falling on her knees, "expel these
wicked counselors who urge thee to insult temples, and raise thy hand
against the successor of thy grandsire, Amenhotep. There is still time
for agreement, still time to save Egypt."

All at once, Pentuer, in torn garments, entered the chamber.

"Well, and what hast Thou to say?" inquired the pharaoh, with wonderful
calmness.

"Today, perhaps immediately, there will be an eclipse of the sun."

The pharaoh started back in astonishment.

"How does an eclipse of the sun concern me, especially at this moment?"

"Lord," said Pentuer, "I thought the same till I read in old chronicles
of eclipses. An eclipse is such a terrifying spectacle that it was
necessary to forewarn the whole people of it."

"That is the truth!" interrupted Hiram.

"Why didst Thou not inform earlier?" inquired Tutmosis.

"The warriors kept me in prison two days. We cannot forewarn the people
now, but at least inform the troops at the palace, so that they, too,
should not give way to panic."

Ramses clapped his hands.

"Ah, it is too bad!" whispered he, and added aloud. "When will it be,
and what will take place?"

"Day will become night," said Pentuer. "This will last as much time,
perhaps, as is needed in walking five hundred yards. It will begin at
midday, so Menes told me."

"Menes," repeated the pharaoh, "I know that name."

"He wrote thee a letter concerning it, holiness. But let the army
know."

Straightway they sounded the trumpets; the guard and the Asiatics were
drawn out under arms, and the pharaoh, surrounded by his staff,
informed the troops of the eclipse, telling them not to be alarmed,
that it would pass soon, and that he would be with them.

"Live through eternity!" answered the armed ranks.

At the same time a number of the best riders were sent to Memphis.

The generals took their places at the head of the columns, the pharaoh
walked through the court thoughtfully, the civilians whispered with
Hiram; Queen Niort's, left alone in the chamber, fell on her face
before the statue of Osiris.

It was after one. The light of the sun began to lessen.

"Will night come in fact?" asked the pharaoh of Pentuer.

"It will come, but during a very short interval."

"Where will the sun be?"

"It will hide behind the moon."

"I must restore to my favor the sages who investigate stars," said the
pharaoh to himself.

The darkness increased