"Let us respect ancient customs," interrupted Mefres.
"Yes, let them put pebbles into the pitcher," decided the pharaoh. "My heart is pure and my plans are unbending."
Holy Mefres and Herhor exchanged glances. The overseer of the labyrinth and two generals went around the benches and gave a white pebble and a black one to each delegate. The poor men from the common crowd were confused much at seeing before them such great dignitaries. Some fell on the floor, did not dare to take the pebbles, and understood with great difficulty that they were to put only one pebble into the pitcher, a black or a white one.
"I wish to agree with the gods and his holiness," whispered an old shepherd.
At last the officials succeeded in explaining, and the common men in understanding what was needed. The voting began. Each delegate went to the pitcher and dropped in his pebble in such fashion that others did not see its color.
Meanwhile the chief treasurer knelt behind the throne, and whispered,
"All is lost! If they had voted openly we should have unanimity; but now may my hand wither if there will not be twenty white pebbles in the pitcher."
"Be at rest, faithful servant," replied Ramses with a smile. "I have more regiments at hand than there will be voices against us."
"But to what purpose? to what purpose?" sighed the treasurer; "without unanimity they will not open the labyrinth."
Ramses smiled all the time.