CHAPTER XLIV
THE WAY TO THE SEA
Kenkenes did not remain long in the apathy of amazement and
helplessness. Consternation possessed him the instant he roused
himself sufficiently to realize and speculate. He had saved the king
and exposed Har-hat, but the accomplishing of this temporary good had
forced the probable commission of a great evil. If death in some form
did not overtake the fan-bearer he could enrich and strengthen himself
from Israel. Then, even if Meneptah's army did not continue to follow
him, he would be enabled to buy mercenaries and return equipped to do
battle with Meneptah, even as he had vowed. The flower of the military
was with him; the Pharaoh was incapable and Egypt demoralized. The
success of the traitor seemed assured. What then of Rachel, of his own
father, of the faithful ministers, of all whom Kenkenes had loved or
befriended? The thought filled him with resolution and vigor.
"If the Lord God of Israel overtake him not," he said, returning to the
king, "then must I! For, in my good intent, it seems that I have
undone thee. Hotep," he continued, taking the scribe's hands, "let my
father know that I died not with the first-born. Also, thou seest the
danger into which the nation hath descended in this hour.
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