hich recalled a temple. Frequently even, on their rough sides, I
have seen hieroglyphs written by wind and by rainstorms."

"In that, worthiness, Thou hast proof," said Pentuer, "that our temples
were reared on a plan which the gods themselves outlined. And as a
small kernel cast into the ground gives birth to a heaven-touching palm
tree, so the picture of a cliff, a cave, a lion, even a lotus, placed
in the soul of a pious pharaoh, gives birth to an alley of sphinxes, to
temples and their mighty columns. Those are the works of divinities,
not men, and happy is the ruler who when he looks can discover divine
thought in earthly objects and present it in a form pleasing to future
generations."

"But such a ruler must have power, much wealth, and not depend on the
fancies of priests," interrupted Ramses.

Before them extended a second sandy elevation, on which at that moment
appeared some horsemen.

"Are they our men, or the Libyans?" asked Ramses.

The sound of a horn was heard from the eminence; to this an answer was
given by the prince's retinue. The horsemen came down as quickly as the
deep sand would let them. When they had approached one cried out,

"Is the heir to the throne here?"

"He is, and is well!" cried Ramses.

They dismounted and fell on their faces.

"Oh, Erpatr!" cried the leader of the newly arrived, "thy troops are
rending their garments and scattering dust on their heads, thinking
that Thou hast perished. All the cavalry has scattered over the desert
to find traces, while the gods have permitted us, the unworthy, to be
first to greet thee."

The prince named the man a centurion and commanded him to present his
subordinates for a reward on the morrow.

CHAPTER XLV

HALF an hour later dense throngs of the Egyptian army appeared and soon
the escort of the prince was in the camp. From all sides were heard
trumpets sounding the recall. Warriors seized their weapons, stood in
ranks and shouted. Officers fell at the feet of the prince, then raised
him in their arms, bore him around before the divisions, as they had
after the triumph of the day previous. The walls of the ravine trembled
from the shouts: "Live through eternity, victor! The gods are thy
guardians!"

The holy Mentezufis, surrounded by torches, approached now. The heir,
seeing the priest, tore Himself free from the arms of the officers and
hurried to him.

"Know, holy father, we have caught the Libyan chief Tehenna."

"Vain