“That needs gold, Shabaka, and I have little. The King of kings takes all in tribute.”
“I have some, Prince, to the weight of a heavy man, and it is at the service of Egypt.”
“I thank you, Shabaka. Believe me, such generosity shall not go unrewarded,” and he glanced at Amada who dropped her eyes. “But if we can collect the army, what then?”
“Then you can put Memphis into a state of defence. Then too when Idernes comes I will meet him and, as the bearer of the seal, command him under the seal to retreat and disperse his army.”
“But if he does, Shabaka, it will only be until he has received fresh orders from the Great King, whereon he will advance again.”
“No, Prince, he will not advance, or that army either. For when they are in retreat we will fall on them and destroy them, and declare you, O Prince, Pharaoh of Egypt, though what will happen afterwards I do not know.”
When they heard this all gasped. Only Amada whispered,
“Well said!” and Bes clapped his big hands softly in the Ethiopian fashion.
“A bold counsel,” said Peroa, “and one on which I must have the night to think. Return here, Shabaka, an hour after sunrise to-morrow, by which time I can gather all the wisest men in Memphis, and we will discuss this matter. Ah! here is the impress. Now let the seal be tried.”
A box was brought and opened. In it was a slab of wood on which was an impress of the King’s seal in wax, surrounded by those of other seals certifying that it was genuine. Also there was a writing describing the appearance of the seal. I handed the signet to Peroa who, having compared it with the description in the writing, fitted it to the impress on the wax.