Harps sounded, and ladies entered in rich, muslin robes with open bosoms; precious stones were glittering upon their persons. Four of the most beautiful surrounded Rameses; the others sat near the dignitaries of his retinue. In the air was the fragrance of roses, lilies of the valley, and violets; the prince felt the throbbing of his temples. Slaves, male and female, in white, rose-colored, and blue tunics, brought in cakes, roasted birds, and game, fish, wine, fruits, also garlands of flowers with which the guests crowned themselves. The immense butterfly moved its wings more and more quickly, and in the unoccupied part of the court was a spectacle. In turn appeared dancers, gymnasts, buffoons, performers of tricks, swordsmen; when any one gave an unusual proof of dexterity, the spectators threw to him gold rings or flowers from their garlands. The feast lasted some hours, interspersed with shouts of guests wishing happiness to the prince, and to the nomarch and his family. Rameses, who was in a reclining position on a couch covered with a lion's skin which had golden claws, was served by four ladies. One fanned him; another changed the garland on his head; the other two offered food to him. Toward the end of the feast the one with whom the prince talked with most willingness brought a goblet of wine. Rameses drank half, and gave the remainder to the woman; when she had drunk that half, he kissed her lips. Slaves quenched the torches then quickly, the butterfly ceased to move its wings, there was night in the court, and silence interrupted by the nervous laughter of women. All on a sudden the quick tramping of people was heard and a terrible shouting. "Let me in!" cried a hoarse voice. "Where is the heir? Where is the viceroy?" There was a dreadful disturbance in the hall. Women were terrified; men called out,-- "What is it?--An attack on the heir! Hei, guards!" The sound of broken dishes was heard, and the rattle of chairs. "Where is the heir?" bellowed the stranger. "Guards! Defend the life of the heir!" shouted men in the courtyard. "Light the torches!" called the youthful voice of the heir. "Who is looking for me? Here I am!" Torches were brought. In the hall were piles of overturned and broken furniture behind which guests were in hiding. On the platform the prince tore away from the women, who screamed while they held to his legs and arms firmly. Near the prince was Tutmosis, his wig torn, a bronze pitcher in his hand with which he was ready to open the head of any one who dared to go nearer the viceroy. At the door of the hall appeared warriors with swords drawn for action. "What is this? Who is here?" cried the terrified nomarch. At last they beheld the author of the disturbance, a gigantic man, naked, and mud-covered. He had bloody stripes on his shoulders; he was kneeling on the steps of the platform and stretching his hands toward Rameses. "This is the murderer," shouted the nomarch. "Seize him!"