The nomarch, though a great dignitary, grew pale when he heard the humble invitation, and answered that he knew nothing. The high priest Sem gave almost the same answer, adding, for himself, the reflection that Sarah seemed to him innocent.
When the turn came to the holy Mefres, he said,
"I know not whether Thou hast heard, worthiness, that during the night of the crime one of the prince's women escaped; her name was Kama."
The chief of police feigned to be greatly astonished.
"I know not," continued Mefres, "whether they have told thee that the heir did not pass the night in the palace, but was in Sarah's house. The doorkeeper and two servants recognized him, for the night was rather clear. It is a great pity," finished the high priest, "that Thou hast not been here these two days past."
The chief bowed very low to Mefres, and turned to the nomarch,
"Wouldst Thou be pleased, worthiness, to tell me, graciously, how the prince was dressed that evening?"
"He wore a white jacket, and a purple apron with gold fringe," answered the nomarch. "I remember very well, for that evening I was one of the last who spoke with him."
The chief of the police clapped his hands, and Sarah's doorkeeper entered the chamber.
"Didst Thou see the prince," inquired he, "when he came in the night to the house of thy lady?"