rnouses,
returned home, meditating deeply.

"Who knows," said Mentezufis, "that the view of that drunken Sargon
concerning our prince is not the right one?"

"In that case Istubar's view is still more correct," answered Mefres,
decidedly.

"Still, let us not be too hasty. We should examine the prince first,"
remarked Mentezufis.

"Let us do so."

"In fact, both priests went to the heir next morning with very serious
faces, and asked for a confidential talk with him.

"What has happened?" inquired the prince. "Has his worthiness Sargon
gone on some new night embassy?"

"Alas! the question for us is not of Sargon," answered Mefres. "But
reports are current among people that thou, most worthy lord, art
maintaining relations continually with unbelieving Phoenicians."

From these words the prince divined why the two prophets had made the
visit, and the blood boiled in him. But he saw at once that this was
the beginning of a play between the priests and him, and, as became the
son of a pharaoh, he mastered himself in one instant. His face assumed
an expression of innocent curiosity.

"The Phoenicians are dangerous, born enemies of Egypt," said Mefres.

The heir smiled.

"Holy fathers, if ye would lend me money, and if ye had beautiful
maidens in your temples, I should see you oftener. But as things are, I
must be friendly with Phoenicians."

"Men say, Erpatr, that Thou dost visit that Phoenician woman during
night hours."

"I must till the girl gains wit and moves to my house. But have no
fear, I go with a sword; and if any man should bar the way to me."

"But through that Phoenician woman Thou hast conceived repulsion for
King Assar's envoy."

"Not through her by any means, but because Sargon smells of tallow. But
whither does this lead? Ye, holy fathers, are not overseers of my
women; I think that the worthy Sargon has not committed his to you.
What is your desire?"

Mefres was so confused that blushes appeared on his shaven forehead.

"It is true, worthiness," answered he, "thy love affairs and the
methods therein do not pertain to us. But there is a worse thing,
people are astonished that the cunning Hiram lent thee a hundred
talents with such readiness, even without a pledge."

The prince's lips quivered, but again he answered quietly,

"It is no fault of mine that Hiram has more trust in my words than have
rich Egyptians! He knows that I would rather yield the arms which I
inherit from my grand