But the fan-bearer did not doubt the
earnestness in the quiet demand.
"Hast thou come to trouble the king with thy petty loves, during this,
the hour of war?"
"Answer!"
"She escaped me," the fan-bearer answered.
"A lie will not save thee; the truth may plead for thee before Osiris.
Hast thou spoken truly?"
"I have said, as Osiris hears me. Have done; I have no more time for
thee!"
"Stand thou there! I have not done with thee."
The thin nostril of the fan-bearer expanded and quivered wrathfully.
"Have a care, thou insolent!" he exclaimed.
Kenkenes did not seem to hear him. He had turned toward Meneptah.
"I have dared over-far, my King," he said, "because of my love for
Egypt and my concern for thee. Bear with me further, I pray thee."
Meneptah bent his head in assent.
"Suffer mine inquiry, O Son of Ptah. Wilt thou tell me upon whose
persuasion thou hast gathered thine army and set forth to pursue
Israel?"
"Upon the persuasion of Har-hat, my minister."
"Yet this question further, my King. Wherefore would he have thee
overtake these people?"
"Since it was foolish to let them go, being my slaves, my builders and
very needful to Egypt. But most particularly to execute vengeance upon
them for the death of my Rameses, and for the first-born of Egypt.
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