"Yes, I remember," said Tua. "But then why is not Mermes King of Kesh?"

"Because the people of the city of Napata raised up another house to
rule over them, of whom Amathel is the heir."

"A usurping heir, surely, my father, if there be anything in blood."

"Say not that, Tua," replied Pharaoh sharply, "for then Mermes should be
Pharaoh in our place also."

Tua made no reply, only as they took their seats in the golden chairs at
the head of the hall, she asked carelessly:

"Is this Prince of Kesh also a suitor for my hand, O Pharaoh?"

"What else should he be, my daughter? Did you not know it? Be gracious
to him now, since it is decreed that you shall take him as a husband.
Hush! answer not. He comes."

As he spoke a sound of wild music arose, and at the far end of the great
hall appeared a band of players gorgeously attired, who blew horns made
from small tusks of the elephant, clashed brazen cymbals and beat gilded
drums. These advanced a little way up the hall and stood there playing,
while after them marched a bodyguard of twenty gigantic Nubian soldiers
who carried broad-bladed spears with shields of hippopotamus hide
curiously worked, and were clothed in tunics and caps of leopard-skin.

Next appeared the Prince of Kesh himself, a short, stout,
broad-shouldered young man, thick-featured, heavy-faced, and having