the pharaoh.

"Pardon, sovereign, but the attack on the temple today was planned by
the priests. How they drew thee into it, holiness, I do not understand
to this moment."

It was five in the afternoon.

CHAPTER LXVI

AT that same hour to a minute, the priest, watching on the pylon of the
temple of Ptah in Memphis, informed the high priests and nomarchs
counseling in the hall, that the palace of the pharaoh was giving some
signals.

"It seems that his holiness will beg us for peace," said one of the
nomarchs, smiling.

"I doubt that!" answered Mefres.

Herhor ascended the pylon, for they were signaling to him from the
palace. Soon he returned and said to those assembled:

"Our young priest has managed very well. At this moment Tutmosis is
advancing with some tens of volunteers to imprison or slay us."

"And wilt Thou dare still to defend Ramses?" cried Mefres.

"I must and will defend him, for I swore solemnly to the queen that I
would. Were it not for the worthy daughter of the holy Amenhotep, our
position today would not be what it is."

"Well, but I have not sworn," replied Mefres, and he left the hall.

"What does he wish?" asked one of the nomarchs.

"He is an old man grown childish," replied Herhor, shrugging his
shoulders.

Before six o'clock in the evening a division of the guard approached
the temple of Ptah unhindered, and the leader of it knocked at the
gate, which was opened immediately. This was Tutmosis with his
volunteers.

When the chief entered the temple court he was astonished to see Herhor
in the miter of Amenhotep, and surrounded only by priests come out to
meet him.

"What dost Thou wish, my son?" asked the high priest of the chief, who
was somewhat confused by the meeting.

Tutmosis mastered himself quickly, and said,

"Herhor, high priest of Amon in Thebes, because of letters which Thou
hast written to Sargon, the Assyrian satrap, which letters I have with
me, Thou art accused of high treason to the state, and must justify
thyself before the pharaoh."

"If the young lord," answered Herhor calmly, "wishes to learn the
object of the policy of the eternally living Ramses XII, let him apply
to our Supreme Council and he will receive explanations."

"I summon thee to follow me at once, unless Thou wish that I should
force thee," continued Tutmosis.

"My son, I implore the gods to preserve thee from violence, and from
the punishment which Thou deservest."

"Wilt Thou