"And it was Pinem," said Ameni, "that opened the body of Rui! Now I
know who has dimmed Pentaur's faith. It was that inquisitive stutterer,
and he shall be made to repent of it. For the present let us think of
to-morrow's feast, but the day after I will examine that nice couple, and
will act with iron severity."

"First let us examine the naturalist in private," said Gagabu. "He is an
ornament to the temple, for he has investigated many matters, and his
dexterity is wonderful."

"All that may be considered Ameni said, interrupting the old enough to
think of at present."

"And even more to consider later," retorted Gagabu. "We have entered on
a dangerous path. You know very well I am still hot-headed, though I am
old in years, and alas! timidity was never my weakness; but Rameses is a
powerful man, and duty compels me to ask you: Is it mere hatred for the
king that has led you to take these hasty and imprudent steps?"

"I have no hatred for Rameses," answered Ameni gravely. "If he did not
wear the crown I could love him; I know him too, as well as if I were his
brother, and value all that is great in him; nay I will admit that he is
disfigured by no littleness. If I did not know how strong the enemy is,
we might try to overthrow him with smaller means. You know as well as
I do that he is our enemy. Not yours, nor mine, nor the enemy of the
Gods; but the enemy of the old and reverend ordinances by which this
people and this country must be governed, and above all of those who are
required to protect the wisdom of the fathers, and to point out the right
way to the sovereign--I mean the priesthood, whom it is my duty to lead,