"That is the truth!" interrupted Hiram.
"Why didst Thou not inform earlier?" inquired Tutmosis.
"The warriors kept me in prison two days. We cannot forewarn the people now, but at least inform the troops at the palace, so that they, too, should not give way to panic."
Ramses clapped his hands.
"Ah, it is too bad!" whispered he, and added aloud. "When will it be, and what will take place?"
"Day will become night," said Pentuer. "This will last as much time, perhaps, as is needed in walking five hundred yards. It will begin at midday, so Menes told me."
"Menes," repeated the pharaoh, "I know that name."
"He wrote thee a letter concerning it, holiness. But let the army know."
Straightway they sounded the trumpets; the guard and the Asiatics were drawn out under arms, and the pharaoh, surrounded by his staff, informed the troops of the eclipse, telling them not to be alarmed, that it would pass soon, and that he would be with them.
"Live through eternity!" answered the armed ranks.