ashes of distant lightning frequently brightened the
horizon. Even now the moisture of heaven seemed to avoid this rainless
region and in all directions fires were burning, which the soldiers
surrounded in double rows, like a living shield, to keep the storm from
scattering the fuel.

The sentries had a hard duty; for the atmosphere was sultry, in spite of
the north wind, which still blew violently, driving fresh clouds of sand
into their faces.

Only two sentinels were pacing watchfully to and fro at the most
northern gate of the camp, but they were enough; for, on account of the
storm, no one had appeared for a long time to demand entrance or egress.
At last, three hours after sunset, a slender figure, scarcely beyond
boyhood, approached the guards with a firm step and, showing a
messenger's pass, asked the way to Prince Siptah's tent.

He seemed to have had a toilsome journey; for his thick black locks
were tangled and his feet were covered with dust and dried clay. Yet
he excited no suspicion; for his bearing was that of a self-reliant
freeman, his messenger's pass was perfectly correct, and the letter
he produced was really directed to Prince Siptah; a scribe of the corn
storehouses, who was sitting at the nearest fire with other officials
and subordinate officers, examined it.

As the youth's appearance pleased most of those present, and he came
from Tanis and perhaps brought news, a seat at the fire and a share in
the meal were offered; but he was in haste.

Declining the invitation with thanks, he answered the questions curtly
and hurriedly and begged the resting soldiers for a guide. One was
placed at his disposal without delay. But he was soon to learn that it
would not be an easy matter to reach a member of the royal family; for
the tents of Pharaoh, his relatives, and dignitaries stood in a
special spot in the heart of the camp, hedged in by the shields of the
heavily-armed troops.

When he entered he was challenged again and again, and his messenger's
pass and the prince's letter were frequently inspected. The guide, too,
was sent back, and his place was filled by an aristocratic lord, called
I the 'eye and ear of the king,' who busied himself with the seal of the
letter. But the messenger resolutely demanded it, and as soon as it was
again in his hand, and two tents standing side by side rocking in the
tempest had been pointed out to him, one as Prince Siptah's, the other
as the shelter of Masana, t