"If the prince permit, my regiment will advance by the highway. My soldiers have no fear of beetles!"
"Your soldiers have no fear of royal tombs even," added the minister.
"Still it cannot be safe in them since no one has ever returned."
The Greek pushed back to the suite confounded.
"Confess, holy father," hissed the heir, with the greatest anger, "that such a hindrance would not stop even an ass on his journey."
"True, but no ass will ever be pharaoh," retorted the minister, calmly.
"In that case thou, O minister, wilt lead the division through the ravine!" exclaimed Ramses. "I am unacquainted with priestly tactics; besides, I must rest. Come with me, cousin," said he to Tutmosis; and he turned toward some naked hills.
CHAPTER II
Straightway his worthiness Herhor directed his adjutant who carried the mace to take charge of the vanguard in place of Eunana. Then he commanded that the military engines for hurling great stones leave the road, and that the Greek soldiers facilitate passage for those engines in difficult places. All vehicles and litters of staff-officers were to move in the rear.
When Herhor issued commands, the adjutant bearing the fan approached
Pentuer and asked,
"Will it be possible to go by this highway again?"