When the dignitaries had assembled, the pharaoh let Samentu's messenger speak.
The young priest would not talk of the labyrinth, but he explained sufficiently that the temple of Ptah was undefended, and that a few tens of men would suffice to arrest all who were hiding there.
"This man is a traitor!" screamed the queen. "A priest himself, he persuades thee to violence against the priesthood."
In the face of the messenger no muscle quivered. "Worthy lady," replied he, "if Mefres destroyed my guardian and master, Samentu, I should be a dog if I sought not revenge. Death for death!"
"This young man pleases me," whispered Hiram.
Indeed a fresher air seemed to move in the assembly. Generals straightened themselves; civilians looked at the priest with curiosity; even the pharaoh's face became livelier.
"Listen not to him, my son," implored Queen Niort's.
"What dost Thou think," asked the pharaoh on a sudden; "what would the holy Samentu do now were he living?"
"I am sure," answered the priest, energetically, "that Samentu would go to the temple of Ptah and burn incense to the gods; but he would punish murderers and traitors."
"And I repeat that Thou art the worst of traitors!" cried the queen.