"That was not Ramses," said he with decision. "That was a man very like him, that villain, the Greek Lykon, who killed Sarah's son, and who is now under control of the high priests. That was not Ramses. This is a crime of Herhor and Mefres, those wretches."
Hope gleamed on the queen's face, but only for a moment.
"How could I fail to recognize my son?"
"Lykon is very like him," answered Tutmosis. "This is a trick of the priests. They are infamous! For them death is too slight a punishment."
"Did the pharaoh sleep at home last night?" inquired the lady.
Tutmosis was confused and dropped his eyes.
"So he did not sleep at home?"
"He did," answered the favorite with an uncertain voice.
"That is not true. But tell me, at least, did he not wear a coat with white and blue stripes?"
"I do not remember," whispered Tutmosis.