With that, something began to crackle and break underfoot. Pentuer
stopped, and bent down.

"In this place," said he, "rain has made a pool on the rock. And see,
worthy lord, what has become of the water."

Thus speaking, he raised and showed the prince what seemed a plate of
glass, but which melted in his hand.

"When there is great cold," said he, "water becomes a transparent
stone."

The Asiatics confirmed the words of the priest, and added that far away
in the north, water turned into stone very often, and fog turned into a
white salt which is tasteless, but breaks in the hands and causes pain
in the teeth.

The prince admired Pentuer's wisdom still more.

Meanwhile, the northern side of the heavens grew clear, showing the
Great Bear and the star, Eshmun. The priest repeated a prayer again,
put the-guiding god into his bag, and commanded to quench the torches,
and to leave only a burning cord which kept the fire, and indicated
time by its gradual burning.

The prince enjoined watchfulness on his men, and taking Pentuer, pushed
ahead some tens of paces.

"Pentuer," said he, "from this hour I make thee my counselor, both now
and when it shall please the gods to give me the crown of Upper and
Lower Egypt."

"How have I deserved this favor?"

"Before my eyes Thou hast done deeds which show great wisdom, and also
power over spirits. Besides Thou wert ready to save me. So, although it
is thy resolve to keep many things from my knowledge."

"Pardon, lord," interrupted Pentuer. "For gold and jewels, Thou wilt
find traitors shouldst Thou need them, among priests even. But I am not
of those men. For think, were I to betray the gods, what bond could I
give not to betray thee also?"

Ramses grew thoughtful.

"Thou hast answered wisely," said he. "But it is a wonder to me why
thou, a priest, hast for me kindness in thy heart. Thou didst bless me
a year ago, and today Thou wouldst not let me go alone into the desert,
and hast shown me great service."

"Because the gods have forewarned me that Thou art worthy, lord;
shouldst Thou wish, Thou mayst rescue the ill-fated people of Egypt."

"How do the people concern thee?"

"I came from them. My father and brother raised water long days from
the Nile, and received blows of sticks for their labor."

"How can I aid the people?" asked Ramses.

Pentuer grew animated.

"Thy people," said he, with emotion, "toil too much, they pay too much
tribute, they suffer p