"Of course," continued Eunana, glancing toward Herhor, "I and my people, as piety enjoins, rendered homage to the golden symbols of the sun, and halted. That augury is of such import that no man of us would make a step forward unless commanded."
"I see that Thou art a pious Egyptian, though Thou hast the features of a Hittite," answered the worthy Herhor; and turning to certain dignitaries standing near, he added,
"We will not advance farther by the highway, for we might crush the sacred beetles. Pentuer, can we go around the road by that ravine on the right?"
"We can," answered the secretary. "That ravine is five miles long, and comes out again almost in front of Pi-Bailos."
"An immense loss of time!" interrupted Ramses, in anger.
"I would swear that those are not scarabs, but the spirits of my Phoenician usurers," said Tutmosis the exquisite. "Not being able, because of their death, to receive money from me, they will force me now to march through the desert in punishment!"
The suite of the prince awaited the decision with fear; so Ramses turned to Herhor,
"What dost Thou think of this, holy father?"
"Look at the officers," answered the priest, "and Thou wilt understand that we must go by the ravine."
Now Patrokles, leader of the Greeks, pushed forward and said to the heir,