"Indeed," thought he, "the Phœnicians are poisonous reptiles. But if Rameses the Great used a lion in war, why should I not use a serpent against the enemies of Egypt?" And the more plastically he pictured to himself the perversity of Kama, the more did he desire her. At times heroic souls seek out danger. He took farewell of Sarah, and suddenly, it is unknown for what reason, he remembered that Sargon had suspected him of taking part in the attack on his person. The prince struck his forehead. "Did that second self of mine," thought he, "arrange the attack on the ambassador? But if he did, who persuaded him? Was it Phœnicians? But if they wished to connect my person with such a vile business? Sarah says, justly, that they are scoundrels against whom I should guard myself always." Straightway anger rose in him, and he determined to settle the question. Since evening was just coming, Rameses, without going home, went to Kama. It concerned him little that he might be recognized; besides, in case of need, he had a sword on his person. There was light in the villa of the priestess, but there was no servant at the entrance. "Thus far," thought he, "Kama has sent away her servants when I was to come. Had she a feeling that I would come to-day, or will she receive a more fortunate lover?" He ascended one story, stood before the chamber of the priestess, and pushed aside the curtain quickly. In the chamber were Kama and Hiram; they were whispering. "Oh, I come at the wrong time!" said Rameses, laughing. "Well, prince, art thou, too, paying court to a woman who cannot be gracious to men unless death be the penalty?" Hiram and the priestess sprang from their seats. "Thou wert forewarned by some good spirit that we were speaking of thee, that is clear," said the Phœnician, bowing. "Are ye preparing some surprise for me?" inquired the heir. "Perhaps. Who can tell?" answered Kama, with a challenging expression. "May those who in future wish to surprise me not expose their own necks to the axe or the halter; if they do, they will surprise themselves more than me." The smile grew cold on Kama's half-open lips; Hiram, now pale, answered humbly,-- "How have we earned the anger of our lord and guardian?" "I would know the truth," said Rameses, sitting down and looking threateningly at Hiram. "I would know who arranged an attack on the Assyrian ambassador, and associated in that villainy a man resembling me as much as my two hands resemble each other?" "Seest, Kama," said the frightened Hiram, "I told thee that intimacy with that ruffian would bring great misfortune-- And here it is! We have not waited long to see it." The priestess fell at the prince's feet. "I will tell all," cried she, groaning; "only cast from thy heart, lord, anger against Phœnicians. Slay me, imprison me, but be not angry at Phœnicians." "Who attacked Sargon?" "Lykon, the Greek, who sings in our temples," said the priestess, still kneeling.