. The Princess Userti came first and kissed Pharaoh's
hand, but bent no knee. Indeed first she spoke with him a while. We
could not hear what was said, but afterwards learned that she demanded
that he should publicly repeat all the promises which her father
Meneptah had made to her before him, confirming her in her place and
rights. This in the end he did, though it seemed to me unwillingly
enough.

So with many forms and ancient celebrations the ceremony went on, till
all grew weary waiting for that time when Pharaoh should make his speech
to the people. That speech, however, was never made, for presently,
thrusting past us, I saw those two prophets of the Israelites who had
visited Meneptah in this same hall. Men shrank from them, so that they
walked straight up to the throne, nor did even the guards strive to bar
their way. What they said there I could not hear, but I believe that
they demanded that their people should be allowed to go to worship their
god in their own fashion, and that Amenmeses refused as Meneptah had
done.

Then one of them cast down a rod and it turned to a snake which hissed
at Pharaoh, whereon the Kherheb Ki and his company also cast down rods
that turned to snakes, though I could only hear the hissing. After this
a great gloom fell upon the hall, so that men could not see each other's
faces and everyone began to call aloud till the company broke up in
confusion. Bakenkhonsu and I were borne together to the doorway by the
pressure of the people, whence we were glad enough to see the sky again.

Thus ended the crowning of Amenmeses.

CHAPTER XII

THE MESSAGE OF JABEZ

That night there were none who rejoiced in the streets of the city, and
save in the palace and houses of those of the Court, none who feasted. I
walked abroad in the market-place and noted the people going to and fro
gloomily, or talking together in whispers. Presently a man whose face
was hidden in a hood began to speak with me, saying that he had a
message for my master, the Prince Seti. I answered that I took no
messages from veiled strangers, whereon he threw back his hood, and I
saw that it was Jabez, the uncle of Merapi. I asked him whether he had
obeyed the Prince, and borne the body of that prophet back to Goshen and
told the elders of the manner of the man's death.

"Yes," he answered, "nor were the Elders angry with the Prince over this
matter. They said that their messenger had exceeded his authority, sin