He arose and
faced Jambres with kindling eyes. The sorcerer went on with increasing
excitement.
"Better that his slaves depart increased, enriched threefold by Egypt,
better that never again one stone be laid upon another, nor monument
bear the king's name, than that Meneptah should leave the precincts of
shelter! For his enemy would lead him outside the pale of protection,
and there put him to death, and wear his crown after him!"
During this impetuous augury, the young man naturally searched after
the identity of the offender. Not Ta-user, nor Siptah, nor Amon-meses,
for the sorry tale of Seti and the outlawing of the trio had reached
him at Pa-Ramesu. Furthermore, they had never had a place in the
affections of the king. There was a new conspirator! At this point
the blood heated and went charging through the young man's veins.
"If the king's enemy be mine enemy," he declared passionately, "thou
hast this hour commissioned and armed that enemy's dearest foe! Name
him."
The priest shook his head. His excitement had not carried him beyond
the limits of caution.
"Save for my mystic knowledge, I have no proof against him, and if I
balk him not and offend him, he hath a heavy and a vengeful hand.
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