“The Princess brings it to my mind that this is a great matter, one not to be dealt with hastily. It may happen that when the Prince has taken counsel with her, and with his own heart, and perchance has sought the wisdom of the gods, he will change the words which have passed his lips. I command you, Prince, to wait upon me here at this same hour on the third day from this. Meanwhile, I command all present, upon pain of death, to say nothing of what has passed within these walls.” “I hear Pharaoh,” said the Prince, bowing. Meneptah rose to show that the Council was discharged, when the Vizier Nehesi approached him, and asked: “What of the Hebrew prisoners, O Pharaoh, those murderers who were captured in the pass?” “Their guilt is proved. Let them be beaten with rods till they die, and if they have wives or children, let them be seized and sold as slaves.” “Pharaoh’s will be done!” said the Vizier. CHAPTER IX. THE SMITING OF AMON That evening I sat ill at ease in my work-chamber in Seti’s palace, making pretence to write, I who felt that great evils threatened my lord the Prince, and knew not what to do to turn them from him. The door opened, and old Pambasa the chamberlain appeared and addressed me by my new titles, saying that the Hebrew lady Merapi, who had been my nurse in sickness, wished to speak with me. Presently she came and stood before me. “Scribe Ana,” she said, “I have but just seen my uncle Jabez, who has come, or been sent, with a message to me,” and she hesitated. “Why was he sent, Lady? To bring you news of Laban?” “Not so. Laban has fled away and none know where he is, and Jabez has only escaped much trouble as the uncle of a traitress by undertaking this mission.” “What is the mission?” “To pray me, if I would save myself from death and the vengeance of God, to work upon the heart of his Highness, which I know not how to do——” “Yet I think you might find means, Merapi.” “——save through you, his friend and counsellor,” she went on, turning away her face. “Jabez has learned that it is in the mind of Pharaoh utterly to destroy the people of Israel.” “How does he know that, Merapi?” “I cannot say, but I think all the Hebrews know. I knew it myself though none had told me. He has learned also that this cannot be done under the law of Egypt unless the Prince who is heir to the throne and of full age consents. Now I am come to pray you to pray the Prince not to consent.” “Why not pray to the Prince yourself, Merapi——” I began, when from the shadows behind me I heard the voice of Seti, who had entered by the private door bearing some writings in his hand, saying: “And what prayer has the lady Merapi to make to me? Nay, rise and speak, Moon of Israel.” “O Prince,” she pleaded, “my prayer is that you will save the Hebrews from death by the sword, as you alone have the power to do.” At this moment the doors opened and in swept the royal Userti. “What does this woman here?” she asked.