"In every case he did not sell the secret to a stripling, but to some one more important; and that is dangerous."
The high priest of the temple of Ptah, the holy Sem, knocked at the door of the cell.
"Peace to you," said he, entering.
"Blessing to thy heart."
"I came, for ye were raising your voices as if some misfortune had happened. Does this war with the wretched Libyans not surprise you?"
"What dost Thou think of the prince, the heir to the throne?" asked
Mentezufis, interrupting him.
"I think," answered Sem, "that he must be quite satisfied with the war and supreme command. He is a born hero. When I look at him I remember that lion, Ramses the Great. This youth is ready to rush at all the bands of Libya, and, indeed, he may scatter them."
"This youth," added Mefres, "is capable of overturning all our temples, and wiping Egypt from the face of the earth."
Holy Sem drew forth quickly a gold amulet which he wore on his breast, and whispered,
"Flee, evil words, to the desert. Go far, and harm not the just. What art Thou saying, worthiness?" continued he, more loudly, and in a tone of reproach.