Ameni drew back a step, and Gagabu cried out "Who says so? Who can prove
it? As I grow older I hear more and more frightful things!"

"I know it," said Pentaur decidedly. "But I can, not reveal the name of
him from whom I learned it."

"Then we may believe that you are mistaken, and that some impostor is
fooling you. We will enquire who has devised such a trick, and he shall
be punished! To scorn the voice of the Divinity is a sin, and he who
lends his ear to a lie is far from the truth. Sacred and thrice sacred
is the heart, blind fool, that I purpose to-morrow to show to the people,
and before which you yourself--if not with good will, then by compulsion
--shall fall, prostrate in the dust.

"Go now, and reflect on the words with which you will stir the souls of
the people to-morrow morning; but know one thing--Truth has many forms,
and her aspects are as manifold as those of the Godhead. As the sun does
not travel over a level plain or by a straight path--as the stars follow
a circuitous course, which we compare with the windings of the snake
Mehen,--so the elect, who look out over time and space, and on whom the
conduct of human life devolves, are not only permitted, but commanded, to
follow indirect ways in order to reach the highest aims, ways that you do
not understand, and which you may fancy deviate widely from the path of
truth. You look only at to-day, we look forward to the morrow, and what
we announce as truth you must needs believe. And mark my words: A lie
stains the soul, but doubt eats into it."

Ameni had spoken with strong excitement; when Pentaur had left the room,
and he was alone with Gagabu, he exclaimed: