onent hastening forward from the east.

On the right yawned a broad ravine, along the middle of which the Greek
regiment was dragging military engines. Not far from the road the
ravine was lost in another and a broader one which began in the depth
of the desert.

At this point something uncommon was happening. The Greeks stood
unoccupied not far from the junction of the two ravines; but at the
juncture itself, and between the highway and the staff of Ramses,
marched out four dense lines of some other army, like four fences,
bristling with glittering darts.

In spite of the steep road the prince rushed down at full speed to his
division, to the place where the minister of war stood surrounded by
officers.

"What is happening?" called he, threateningly. "Why sound an alarm
instead of marching?"

"We are cut off," said Herhor.

"By whom?"

"Our division by three regiments of Nitager, who has marched out of the
desert."

"Then the enemy is there, near the highway?"

"Yes, the invincible Nitager himself."

It seemed in that moment that the heir to the throne had gone mad. His
lips were contorted, his eyes were starting out of their sockets. He
drew his sword, rushed to the Greeks, and cried,

"Follow me against those who bar the road to us."

"O heir, live forever!" cried Patrokles, who drew his sword also.
"Forward, descendants of Achilles!" said he, turning to his men. "We
will teach those Egyptian cowkeepers not to stop us!"

Trumpets sounded the attack. Four short but erect Greek columns rushed
forward, a cloud of dust rose, and a shout in honor of Ramses.

After a couple of minutes the Greeks found themselves in the presence
of the Egyptian regiments, and hesitated.

"Forward!" cried the heir, rushing on, sword in hand.

The Greeks lowered their spears. On the opposing side there was a
movement, a murmur flew along the ranks, and spears also were lowered.

"Who are ye, madmen?" asked a mighty voice.

"The heir to the throne!" shouted Patrokles.

A moment of silence.

"Open ranks!" commanded the same voice, mighty as before.

The regiments of the eastern army opened slowly, like heavy folding-
doors, and the Greek division passed between them.

Then a gray-haired warrior in golden helmet and armor approached Prince
Ramses and said with a low obeisance,

"Erpatr, [Heir] Thou hast conquered. Only a great warrior could free
himself from difficulty in that way."

"Thou art Nitager, the bravest