"She escaped me," the fan-bearer answered.
"A lie will not save thee; the truth may plead for thee before Osiris.
Hast thou spoken truly?"
"I have said, as Osiris hears me. Have done; I have no more time for thee!"
"Stand thou there! I have not done with thee."
The thin nostril of the fan-bearer expanded and quivered wrathfully.
"Have a care, thou insolent!" he exclaimed.
Kenkenes did not seem to hear him. He had turned toward Meneptah.
"I have dared over-far, my King," he said, "because of my love for
Egypt and my concern for thee. Bear with me further, I pray thee."
Meneptah bent his head in assent.
"Suffer mine inquiry, O Son of Ptah. Wilt thou tell me upon whose persuasion thou hast gathered thine army and set forth to pursue Israel?"