Within was the Pharaoh, shrinking by the side of his messenger.
The messenger, taller, more powerful, it seemed, by the heightening and
strengthening force of righteous wrath, faced the mightiest man in the
kingdom. Har-hat, though a little surprised and puzzled, was none the
less complacent, confident, nonchalant. Near the fan-bearer, but
behind him, were the ministers, astonished and puzzled. But since the
past days had been so filled with momentous events, they were ready to
expect a crisis at the slightest incident.
The fan-bearer did not look at the king. It was Kenkenes who
interested him.
The young man's frame did not show a tremor, nor his face any
excitement. There was an intense quiescence in his whole presence.
Hotep, who knew the provocation of his friend and interpreted the
menace in his manner, walked swiftly over to Kenkenes, as if to caution
or prevent. But the young sculptor undid the small hands of the king,
clinging to his arm, and gave them to Hotep, halting, by that act, all
interference from the scribe. Then he crossed the little space between
him and the fan-bearer.
"What hast thou done with the Israelite?" he asked in a tone so low
that none but Har-hat heard him.
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