erything, even our lives but a
hundred talents where could I find wealth like that? Neither in Egypt
nor Phoenicia," continued he, sobbing.

"Set has seized thee, O Dagon," laughed the heir. "Couldst Thou believe
that I thought of expelling thy Phoenicians?"

The banker fell at the prince's feet a second time.

"I know nothing I am a common merchant, and thy slave as many days as
there are between the new and the full moon would suffice to make dust
of me and spittle of my property."

"But explain what this means," said the prince, again impatient.

"I cannot explain anything, and even were I able I have a great seal on
my lips. I do nothing now but pray and lament."

"Do the Phoenicians pray also?" thought the prince.

"Unable to render any service," continued Dagon, "I will give good
counsel at least. There is here in Pi-Bast a renowned Syrian, Prince
Hiram, an old man, wise and tremendously wealthy. Summon him, Erpatr,
ask of him a hundred talents; perhaps he will be able to gratify thee."

Since Ramses could get no explanations from the banker, he dismissed
him, and promised to send an embassy to Hiram.

CHAPTER XXX

NEXT day Tutmosis, with a great suite of officers and attendants, paid
a visit to the Phoenician prince, and invited him to the viceroy.

In the afternoon Hiram appeared before the palace in a simple litter
borne by eight poor Egyptians to whom he gave alms. He was surrounded
by the most notable Phoenician merchants, and that same throng of
people who stood before his house daily.

Ramses greeted with a certain astonishment the old man out of whose
eyes wisdom was gazing and in whose whole bearing there was dignity. He
bowed gravely before the viceroy, and raising his hands above his head,
pronounced a short blessing. Those present were deeply affected.

When the viceroy indicated an armchair and commanded his courtiers to
withdraw, Hiram said,

"Yesterday thy servant Dagon informed me that the prince needs a
hundred talents. I sent out my couriers at once to Sabne-Chetam,
Sethroe, Pi-Uto, and other cities where there are Phoenician ships,
asking them to land all their goods. I think that in a day or two Thou
wilt receive this small sum."

"Small!" interrupted Ramses, with a smile. "Thou art happy if Thou call
a hundred talents a small sum."

Hiram nodded.

"Thy grandfather, worthiness," said he, after a while, "the eternally
living Ramses-sa-Ptah, honored me with his friendshi