Likewise, he is a
sculptor. Furthermore, the two slaves came home badly abused. Unas
has some proof for his tale--"
"Kenkenes is the soul of fidelity," the high priest retorted warmly.
"He has had unnumbered opportunities to betray the gods and he has ever
been steadfast."
"Nay, I did not impugn him. The similarity merely appealed to me. Let
us get down into the valley and question that villain Atsu. I would
know what became of the girl."
"Mine interests are solely with the ecclesiastical features of the
offense, my Lord," Asar-Mut replied. "I would get back to Memphis."
"Bear us company a little longer, holy Father. The taskmaster may tell
us somewhat of this blaspheming sculptor-giant."
When the last sound of the departing men died away, Mentu turned across
the hill toward the Nile-front of the cliff.
"Nay, I will go back to Memphis first," he said grimly. "Mayhap
Kenkenes hath returned. If Asar-Mut should question him, he would not
evade nor equivocate, so I shall send him away that he may not meet his
uncle. I would not have him lie, but he shall not accomplish his own
undoing."
But days of seeking followed, growing frantic as time went on, and
there was no trace of the lost artist.
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