It concerned him little that he might be recognized; besides, in case of need, he had a sword on his person.
There was light in the villa of the priestess, but there was no servant at the entrance.
"Thus far," thought he, "Kama has sent away her servants when I was to come. Had she a feeling that I would come today, or will she receive a more fortunate lover?"
He ascended one story, stood before the chamber of the priestess, and pushed aside the curtain quickly. In the chamber were Kama and Hiram; they were whispering.
"Oh, I come at the wrong time!" said Ramses, laughing. "Well, prince, art thou, too, paying court to a woman who cannot be gracious to men unless death be the penalty?"
Hiram and the priestess sprang from their seats.
"Thou wert forewarned by some good spirit that we were speaking of thee, that is clear," said the Phoenician, bowing.
"Are ye preparing some surprise for me?" inquired the heir.
"Perhaps. Who can tell?" answered Kama, with a challenging expression.
"May those who in future wish to surprise me not expose their own necks to the axe or the halter; if they do, they will surprise themselves more than me."