"It is true," said Hiram, on a sudden, and looking sharply at the viceroy. "Poor Phoenicia but also Egypt."
"What dost Thou say?" asked the prince, frowning. "I understand not thy questions."
"Prince, Thou knowest what it is of which I speak, since Thou dost not answer my question," replied Hiram; and he rose as if to withdraw. "Still, I withdraw not my promise. Thou wilt receive a hundred talents."
He made a low bow, but the viceroy forced him to sit down again.
"Thou art hiding something," said Ramses, in a voice in which offence was evident. "I would hear thee explain what danger threatens Egypt or Phoenicia."
"Hast Thou not heard?" asked Hiram, with hesitation.
"I know nothing. I have passed more than a month in the temple."
"That is just the place in which to learn everything."
"Tell me, worthiness," said the viceroy, striking the table with his fist. "I am not pleased when men are amused at my expense."
"Give a great promise not to betray me to any one and I will tell, though I cannot believe that they have not informed the heir of this."