he would follow after the Apura and smite them. And
instantly he sent forth messengers to summon the captains of his host in
the Hall of Assembly.

Thither the captains came, and their plans were made and messengers
hurried forth to the governors of other great cities, bidding them send
troops to join the host of Pharaoh on its march.

Now Pharaoh turned to the Wanderer and said:

"Thou hast not yet answered my message that Rei carried to thee this
morning. Wilt thou take service with me and be a captain in this war?"

The Wanderer little liked the name of service, but his warlike heart was
stirred within him, for he loved the delight of battle. But before he
could answer yea or nay, Meriamun the Queen, who was not minded that he
should leave her, spoke hastily:

"This is my counsel, Meneptah, that the Lord Eperitus should abide here
in Tanis and be the Captain of my Guard while thou art gone to smite the
Apura. For I may not be here unguarded in these troublous times, and if
I know he watches over me, he who is so mighty a man, then I shall walk
safely and sleep in peace."

Now the Wanderer bethought him of his desire to look upon the Hathor,
for to see new things and try new adventures was always his delight. So
he answered that if it were pleasing to Pharaoh and the Queen he would
willingly stay and command the Guard. And Pharaoh said that it should be
so.

IV

THE QUEEN'S CHAMBER

At midday on the morrow Pharaoh and the host of Pharaoh marched in pomp
from Tanis, taking the road that runs across the desert country towards
the Red Sea of Weeds, the way that the Apura had gone. The Wanderer went
with the army for an hour's journey and more, in a chariot driven by
Rei the Priest, for Rei did not march with the host. The number of
the soldiers of Pharaoh amazed the Achaean, accustomed to the levies of
barren isles and scattered tribes. But he said nothing of his wonder
to Rei or any man, lest it should be thought that he came from among a
little people. He even made as if he held the army lightly, and asked
the priest if this was all the strength of Pharaoh! Then Rei told him
that it was but a fourth part, for none of the mercenaries and none of
the soldiers from the Upper Land marched with the King in pursuit of the
Apura.

Then the Wanderer knew that he was come among a greater people than he
had ever encountered yet, on land or sea. So he went with them till the
roads divided, and there he drove his