"Thou!" exclaimed the pharaoh. "What woman has earned from the gods such a happiness?"
"She is the beautiful Hebron, the daughter of Antefa, the most worthy nomarch of Thebes," replied Tutmosis, laughing. "If Thou wilt be pleased to speak on my behalf to that revered family I had thought to say that my love for thee would be increased, but I will not say so, for I should tell untruth."
"Well, well," said the pharaoh, slapping him on the shoulder, "do not persuade me of that which I know. I will go to Antefa to-morrow and it seems to me that in the course of a few days I shall arrange a wedding. But now Thou mayst go to thy Hebron."
Left with Sem alone, his holiness said,
"Thy face is gloomy. Dost Thou doubt that we may find thirteen priests to carry out my orders?"
"I am certain," replied Sem, "that almost all the priests and nomarchs will do what may be needed for the happiness of Egypt and thy satisfaction, holiness. But be pleased not to forgot that when it is a question of the treasure of the labyrinth the final decision will be given to Amon."
"Is that the statue of Amon in Thebes?"
"It is."
The pharaoh waved his hand contemptuously,
"Amon is Herhor and Mefres. That they will not agree I know; but I have no intention of sacrificing Egypt to the stubbornness of two persons."