"Now, do thou test the helpfulness of thy God! I have been tricked and I see no help for us. Enter the tomb and close the door, and since thou lovest honor better than liberty, let this be thine escape."
He put his only weapon, his dagger, into her hands. For an instant he gazed at her tense white face; then bending over her, he kissed her once and put her behind him.
"Go," he said.
"What want ye?" he demanded of the men.
"A slave," Unas answered evilly, stepping to the fore.
"Your authority?" The fat courier flourished a document and held up a blue jewel, hanging about his neck. Meneptah had forgotten his promise to return the lapis-lazuli signet to Mentu.
"Thou art undone, knave!" the courier added with a short laugh. He clapped his hands and the four Nubians advanced rapidly upon Kenkenes. There was to be no parley.
Kenkenes glanced at the youth. He was not full grown,—spare, light and small in stature.
"I am sorry for thee, boy," Kenkenes muttered. "Thy gods judge between thee and me!"
The Nubians, two by two, each man ready to spring, rushed.