"It is not for thee to hunt fugitives, worthiness."
"What?" cried the heir. "During this whole battle I did not raise a hand on any man, and now I am to give up the Libyan leader? What would be said by the warriors whom I have sent out under spears and axes?"
"The army cannot remain without a leader."
"But are not Patrokles, Tutmosis, and finally Mentezufis, here? For what purpose am I commander if I cannot hunt the enemy? They are a few hundred yards from us and have tired horses."
"We will come back in an hour with him. He is only an arm's length from us!" whispered some Asiatic.
"Patrokles, Tutmosis, I leave the army to you!" cried the heir. "Rest.
I will come back immediately."
He put spurs to his horse and advanced at a trot, sinking in the sand, and behind him about twenty horsemen, with Pentuer.
"Why art Thou here, O prophet?" asked Ramses. "Better sleep today Thou hast rendered good service."
"I may be of use yet," added Pentuer.
"But remain I command thee!"