When Hiram entered the chamber of Ramses he saw Queen Niort's, the chief treasurer, the chief scribe, and a number of generals. Ramses XIII was irritated, and walked up and down quickly through the chamber.
"Here we have the misfortune of the pharaoh, and of Egypt!" exclaimed the queen, pointing to the Phoenician.
"Worthy lady," answered Hiram, without confusion, bowing to her, "time will show who was the faithful and who the evil servant of his holiness."
Ramses stopped suddenly before Hiram.
"Hast Thou the letters of Herhor to Assyria?" inquired he.
The Phoenician drew from under his robe a package, and in silence handed it to the pharaoh.
"This is what I needed!" exclaimed the pharaoh in triumph. "We must declare at once to the people that the high priests are guilty of treason."
"My son," interrupted the queen in an imploring voice, "by the shade of thy father I adjure thee; delay this announcement a couple of days. There is need of great caution with gifts from Phoenicia."
"Holiness," put in Hiram, "Thou mayst even burn these letters. I am in no way concerned with them."
The pharaoh thought a while, then hid the package in his bosom.