"I have been twice in the labyrinth," replied the priest.
"And dost Thou know the way now?"
"I knew it before, but this time I have made a new discovery: the treasure chamber may sink, people may be lost, and jewels be destroyed which are of the greatest value."
The pharaoh frowned.
"Therefore," continued Samentu, "be pleased, holiness, to have ready some tens of reliable men. With them I will enter the labyrinth on the night before the storm, and seize the chambers adjoining the treasury, especially the upper ones."
"Canst Thou lead in men?"
"Yes. Though I will go alone again to the labyrinth, and see absolutely whether we may not avert destruction unaided. Even the most faithful men are uncertain, and to introduce them at night might rouse the attention of those watchdogs."
"Are they not following thee now?" asked the pharaoh.
"Believe me, lord," answered the priest, placing his hand on his breast, "a miracle would be needed to follow me. Their blindness is almost childlike. They feel that some one wants to invade the labyrinth, but the fools have doubled the guard at the ordinary gateways. Meanwhile, in the course of a month I have discovered three hidden entrances, these they have forgotten, or perhaps they know nothing about them. Only some spirit could warn those guardians that I traverse the labyrinth, or indicate the room in which I may find myself. Among three thousand chambers and corridors this is impossible."
"The worthy Samentu speaks truth," said Tutmosis. "And perhaps we employ too much keenness against these priestly reptiles."