"The ire of Jambres was kindled against the plotters, and he called an
assembly of the priests within short distances from the village of
image-makers and laid his discoveries before them. They pledged
themselves to proceed to Pithom last night, which was the night they
came together in council, and take the traitors. But one among their
number, a young priest who knew the woman, played them false, entered
the city before his fellows and warned the plotters. They had fled,
with the priests in pursuit.
"My son, the man was Siptah, son of Amon-meses; the woman, the Princess
Ta-user."
The prince's face took on an insane beauty. In each cheek was a
scarlet stain--his lips smiled without parting and his eyes glittered.
He did not question the Hebrew's story. Something within him
corroborated every word. He sprang to his feet and with an unnatural
laugh flung his hand above his head.
"Now, by Horus," he cried, "I must get back to Tanis. I would ask the
pardon of Rameses!"
Aaron arose and laid detaining hands upon him.
"I did not tell thee this, that I might be a bearer of evil tidings. I
came forth to meet thee, that thou mayest save thyself. Far be it from
me to bring misfortune upon Israel's one friend in Egypt's high places.
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