that a crowd of some thousands of unarmed Libyans were
approaching, but that there was no army at any point, at least none
within a fifteen mile radius.

The prince laughed at the report.

"I have good sight," said he, "but I could not see an army at that
distance."

The priests, after they had counseled together, informed the prince
that if he would bind himself not to tell the uninitiated what he saw
he would learn that it was possible to see at great distances.

Ramses took an oath. The priests placed the altar of Amon on a height,
and began prayers. When the prince had washed, removed his sandals,
offered to the god a gold chain and incense, they conducted him to a
small box which was perfectly dark and told him to look at one wall of
it.

After a while sacred hymns were intoned during which a bright circle
appeared on the box. Soon the bright color grew darker; the prince saw
a sandy plain, in the midst of it cliffs, and near them an Asiatic
outpost.

The priests sang with more animation and the picture changed. Another
patch of the desert was visible, and on it a group of people who looked
no larger than ants. Still the movements and dress, and even the faces
of the persons were so definite that the prince could describe them.

The astonishment of the heir knew no bounds. He rubbed his eyes,
touched the moving picture. Suddenly he turned away his face; the
picture vanished and darkness remained.

When he went out of the chapel the elder priest asked him,

"Well, Erpatr, dost Thou believe now in the might of the gods of
Egypt?"

"Indeed," answered he, "ye are such great sages that the whole world
ought to give you offerings and homage. If ye can see the future in an
equal degree nothing can oppose you."

After these words a priest entered the chapel and began to pray; soon a
voice was heard from the chapel, saying,

"Ramses! the fates of the kingdom are weighed, and before another full
moon comes Thou wilt be its ruler."

"O gods!" cried the terrified prince. "Is my father so sick, then?"

He fell on his face in the sand; then an assisting priest inquired if
he did not wish to learn something more.

"Tell me, Father Amon, whether my plans will be accomplished."

After a while a voice spoke in the chapel.

"If Thou begin no war in the east, if Thou give offerings to the gods
and respect their servants, a long life awaits thee, and a reign full
of glory."

After the miracles which had happened