In fact, both priests went to the heir next morning with very serious faces, and asked for a confidential talk with him. "What has happened?" inquired the prince. "Has his worthiness Sargon gone on some new night embassy?" "Alas! the question for us is not of Sargon," answered Mefres. "But reports are current among people that thou, most worthy lord, art maintaining relations continually with unbelieving Phœnicians." From these words the prince divined why the two prophets had made the visit, and the blood boiled in him. But he saw at once that this was the beginning of a play between the priests and him, and, as became the son of a pharaoh, he mastered himself in one instant. His face assumed an expression of innocent curiosity. "The Phœnicians are dangerous, born enemies of Egypt," said Mefres. The heir smiled. "Holy fathers, if ye would lend me money, and if ye had beautiful maidens in your temples, I should see you oftener. But as things are, I must be friendly with Phœnicians." "Men say, Erpatr, that thou dost visit that Phœnician woman during night hours." "I must till the girl gains wit and moves to my house. But have no fear, I go with a sword; and if any man should bar the way to me--" "But through that Phœnician woman thou hast conceived repulsion for King Assar's envoy." "Not through her by any means, but because Sargon smells of tallow. But whither does this lead? Ye, holy fathers, are not overseers of my women; I think that the worthy Sargon has not committed his to you. What is your desire?" Mefres was so confused that blushes appeared on his shaven forehead. "It is true, worthiness," answered he, "thy love affairs and the methods therein do not pertain to us. But there is a worse thing;--people are astonished that the cunning Hiram lent thee a hundred talents with such readiness, even without a pledge." The prince's lips quivered, but again he answered quietly,-- "It is no fault of mine that Hiram has more trust in my words than have rich Egyptians! He knows that I would rather yield the arms which I inherit from my grandfather than fail to pay the money due him. It seems to me that he must be at rest concerning interest, since he has not mentioned it. I do not think of hiding from you, holy fathers, that the Phœnicians are more dextrous than Egyptians. Our wealthy men would make sour faces before lending me one hundred talents; they would groan, make me wait a month, and at last demand immense pledges and a high rate of interest. But Phœnicians know the hearts of princes better; they give us money even without a judge or witnesses." The high priest was so irritated by this quiet banter that he pressed his lips together and was silent. Mentezufis rescued him by asking quickly,-- "What wouldst thou say, worthiness, were we to make a treaty with Assyria, yielding northern Asia and Phœnicia?"