essing as well as possible. Hosea had
only requested that, in future, the overseers of the workmen should
not be of Libyan birth, but Hebrews themselves, chosen by the elders of
their tribes with the approval of the Egyptian government.

Pharaoh cast a glance of imploring anxiety at Bai, the second prophet,
and the other councillors; but the former shrugged his shoulders
deprecatingly and, pretending to yield his own opinion to the divine
wisdom of Pharaoh, acceded to Hosea's request.

The divinity on the throne of the world accepted, with a grateful
bend of the head, this concession from a man whose wishes had so often
opposed his own, and after the "repeater" or herald had read aloud all
the separate conditions of the agreement, Hosea was forced to make a
solemn vow to return in any case to Tanis, and report to the Sublime
Porte how his people had received the king's proposals.

But the wary chief, versed in the wiles and tricks with which the
government was but too well supplied, uttered the vow with great
reluctance, and only after he had received a written assurance that,
whatever might be the result of the negotiations, his liberty should not
be restricted in any respect, after he had proved that he had used
his utmost efforts to induce the leader of the Hebrews to accept the
compact.

At last Pharaoh extended his hand for the warrior to kiss, and when the
latter had also pressed his lips to the edge of the queen's garments,
Rui signed to the head-chamberlain, who made obeisance to Pharaoh, and
the sovereign knew that the hour had come when he might retire. He did
so gladly and with a lighter heart; for he believed that he had done his
best to secure his own welfare and that of his people.

A sunny expression flitted across his handsome, worn features, and when
the queen also rose and saw his smile of satisfaction it was reflected
on her face. Pharaoh uttered a sigh of relief as he crossed the
threshold of the audience chamber and, accosting his wife, said:

"If Hosea wins his cause, we shall cross the bridge safely."

"And need not swim through the whirlpool," the queen answered in the
same tone.

"And if the chief succeeds in soothing Mesu, and induces the Hebrews to
stay in the land," Pharaoh added:

"Then you will enrol this Hosea--he looks noble and upright--among the
kindred of the king," Isisnefert interrupted.

But upon this Pharaoh drew up his languid, drooping figure, exclaiming
eagerly:

"