eliver his message to Hosea. The only doubt is
whether he is in the city."

"No," the soldier answered, "but he is expected with thousands of his
men at the armory to-day."

"Then may the Hathors, who are partial to love messengers, bring these
two together to-morrow at latest," said the priest.

But the lad indignantly retorted: "I am the bearer of no love message."

The prophet, pleased with the bold rejoinder, answered pleasantly: "I
had forgotten that I was accosting a young shepherd-prince." Then he
added in graver tones: "When you have found Hosea, greet him from me and
tell him that Bai, the second prophet of Amon sought to discharge a part
of the debt of gratitude he owed for his release from the hands of the
Libyans by extending his protection to you, his nephew. Perhaps, my
brave boy, you do not know that you have escaped as if by a miracle a
double peril; the savage populace would no more have spared your life
than would the stifling dust of the falling houses. Remember this, and
tell Hosea also from me, Bai, that I am sure when he beholds the woe
wrought by the magic arts of one of your race on the house of Pharaoh,
to which he vowed fealty, and with it on this city and the whole
country, he will tear himself with abhorrence from his kindred. They
have fled like cowards, after dealing the sorest blows, robbing of
their dearest possessions those among whom they dwelt in peace, whose
protection they enjoyed, and who for long years have given them work and
ample food. All this they have done and, if I know him aright, he will
turn his back upon men who have committed such crimes. Tell him also
that this has been voluntarily done by the Hebrew officers and men under
the command of the Syrian Aarsu. This very morning--Hosea will have
heard the news from other sources--they offered sacrifices not only to
Baal and Seth, their own gods, whom so many of you were ready to serve
ere the accursed sorcerer, Mesu, seduced you, but also to Father Amon
and the sacred nine of our eternal deities. If he will do the same, we
will rise hand in hand to the highest place, of that he may be sure--and
well he merits it. The obligation still due him I shall gratefully
discharge in other ways, which must for the present remain secret. But
you may tell your uncle now from me that I shall find means to protect
Nun, his noble father, when the vengeance of the gods and of Pharaoh
falls upon the rest of your race. Already--tell him thi