The procession of delegates had finished. The overseer of the labyrinth raised the pitcher and poured out its contents on a golden tray.
Of ninety-one pebbles eighty-three were black and only eight white.
The generals and officials lost courage, the high priests looked at the assembly in triumph, but soon alarm seized them, for the face of Ramses had a gladsome expression.
No one dared to declare openly that the plan of his holiness had been defeated.
"Right-believing Egyptians, my good servants," said the pharaoh with perfect freedom. "Ye have carried out my command, and my favor is with you; for two days ye will be guests in my house. Ye will receive presents and return to your houses and labors. Peace and blessings be with you."
When he had said this he left the hall with his suite. The high priests
Herhor and Mefres gazed with a look of alarm at each other.
"He is not troubled in any way," whispered Herhor.
"Ah, I said that he is a raging wild beast," replied Mefres. "He will not hesitate at violence, and if we do not anticipate."
"The gods will defend us and our dwellings."
In the evening the most faithful servants of Ramses XIII assembled in his chamber: the chief treasurer, the chief scribe, Tutmosis, and Kalippos, the commander-in-chief of the Greek forces.