"Aha!" said the priest. "Perhaps Hosea may instil different and better views. To rule--a lofty ambition for youth. The misfortune is that we who have attained it are but servants whose burdens grow heavier with the increasing number of those who obey us. You understand me, Hornecht, and you, my lad, will comprehend my meaning later, when you become the palm- tree the promise of your youth foretells. But we are losing time. Who sent you to Hosea?" The youth cast down his eyes irresolutely, but when the prophet broke the silence with the query: "And what has become of the frankness you were taught?" he responded promptly and resolutely: "I came for the sake of a woman whom you know not." "A woman?" the prophet repeated, casting an enquiring glance at Hornecht. "When a bold warrior and a fair woman seek each other, the Hathors"--[The Egyptian goddesses of love, who are frequently represented with cords in their hands,]--are apt to appear and use the binding cords; but it does not befit a servant of the divinity to witness such goings on, so I forbear farther questioning. Take charge of the lad, captain, and aid him to deliver his message to Hosea. The only doubt is whether he is in the city." "No," the soldier answered, "but he is expected with thousands of his men at the armory to-day." "Then may the Hathors, who are partial to love messengers, bring these two together to-morrow at latest," said the priest. But the lad indignantly retorted: "I am the bearer of no love message."