But a peppery man is
seldom sulky, and Kenkenes was fully prepared for the mildness in his
father's voice when he spoke again.
"Thou shouldst see the pretense in his demand, Kenkenes. He must have
provocation to urge him to rebellion, and he knows full well that
Meneptah will not grant that petition."
"But hath he not provocation--thou hast but a moment ago told--"
"But that was only an offense against him. The whole people would not
go into revolt because some one had conspired against one of their
number. Therefore he telleth Israel that its God would have Israel
make a pilgrimage, promising curses upon the people if they obey not.
Then he putteth the appeal to the Pharaoh and the Pharaoh denieth it.
Wherefore the whole people is enraged and hath rallied to the
conspirator's cause. Seest thou, my son?"
"It is strategy worthy the Incomparable Pharaoh--"
"It is Hebrew craft!"
"Perhaps thou art right. But what personal grudge hath Mesu against
Egypt or the priesthood or Meneptah?"
"It is said that he was wanted out of the way, and by an unfortunate
sum of accidents, the miscarriage of a priest's letter and a fight
between a messenger and Bedouins in front of a Hebrew tent, gave the
information into the hands of Mesu himself.
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