f
Egypt. Before I speak of them, let the Scribe Ana, who was the chariot
companion of his Highness when the Hebrews attacked him, stand forward
and tell me all that passed."

So I advanced, and with bowed head repeated that tale, only leaving
out so far as was possible any mention of myself. When I had finished,
Pharaoh said:

"He who speaks but half the truth is sometimes more mischievous than a
liar. Did you then sit in the chariot, Scribe, doing nothing while the
Prince battled for his life? Or did you run away? Speak, Seti, and say
what part this man played for good or ill."

Then the Prince told of my share in the fight, with words that brought
the blood to my brow. He told also how that it was I who, taking the
risk of his wrath, had ordered the guard of twenty men to follow us
unseen, had disguised two seasoned soldiers as chariot runners, and had
thought to send back the driver to summon help at the commencement of
the fray; how I had been hurt also, and was but lately recovered. When
he had finished, Pharaoh said:

"That this story is true I know from others. Scribe, you have done
well. But for you to-day his Highness would lie upon the table of the
embalmers, as indeed for his folly he deserves to do, and Egypt would
mourn from Thebes to the mouths of Nile. Come hither."

I came with trembling steps, and knelt before his Majesty. Around his
neck hung a beauteous chain of wrought gold. He took it, and cast it
over my head, saying:

"Because you have shown yourself both brave and wise, with this gold I
give you the title of Councillor and King's Companion, and the right
to inscribe the same upon your funeral stele. Let it be noted. Retire,
Scribe Ana, Councillor and King's Companion."

So I withdrew confused, and as I passed Seti, he whispered in my ear:

"I pray you, my lord, do not cease to be Prince's Companion, because you
have become that of the King."

Then Pharaoh ordered that the Captain of the guard should be advanced
in rank, and that gifts should be given to each of the soldiers, and
provision be made for the children of those who had been killed, with
double allowance to the families of the two men whom I had disguised as
runners.

This done, once more Pharaoh spoke, slowly and with much meaning, having
first ordered that all attendants and guards should leave the chamber. I
was about to go also, but old Bakenkhonsu caught me by the robe, saying
that in my new rank of Councillor I had th