"I only fulfill my duty," said the priest, unmoved by her language.
"This man is a pupil of Samentu indeed," said Hiram. "He alone sees what is left us to do, and sees clearly."
The military and civil dignitaries recognized the correctness of
Hiram's opinion.
"Since we have begun a struggle with the priests," said the chief scribe, "we should finish it, and finish it today when we have letters proving that Herhor was negotiating with the Assyrians, an act which is high treason against Egypt."
"He is carrying out the policy of Ramses XII," said the queen.
"But I am Ramses XIII," said the pharaoh impatiently.
Tutmosis rose from his chair.
"My lord," said he, "let me act. It is very dangerous to continue uncertainty in the government, and it would be folly and crime not to use this occasion. Since this priest says that the temple is not defended, let me go to it with a handful of men whom I will select."
"I am with thee!" said Kalippos. "According to my experience, an enemy while triumphant is the weakest. If we attack the temple of Ptah immediately."
"Ye do not need to attack, but go in there as executives of the pharaoh who commands you to imprison traitors," said the chief scribe. "Even force is not needed. How often does one policeman rush at a crowd of offenders and seize as many as he wishes."