ides, do I not know the Phoenicians? They lie prostrate
before thee, but Thou dost not note their deceitful looks; often have I
seen their eyes green with greed and yellow from anger. O lord, guard
thyself from Phoenicians as from venomous serpents."

Ramses looked at Sarah, and involuntarily he compared her sincere love
with the calculations of the Phoenician priestess, her outbursts of
tenderness with the treacherous coldness of Kama.

"Indeed," thought he, "the Phoenicians are poisonous reptiles. But if
Ramses the Great used a lion in war, why should I not use a serpent
against the enemies of Egypt?"

And the more plastically he pictured to himself the perversity of Kama,
the more did he desire her. At times heroic souls seek out danger.

He took farewell of Sarah, and suddenly, it is unknown for what reason,
he remembered that Sargon had suspected him of taking part in the
attack on his person.

The prince struck his forehead.

"Did that second self of mine," thought he, "arrange the attack on the
ambassador? But if he did, who persuaded him? Was it Phoenicians? But
if they wished to connect my person with such a vile business? Sarah
says, justly, that they are scoundrels against whom I should guard
myself always."

Straightway anger rose in him, and he determined to settle the
question. Since evening was just coming, Ramses, without going home,
went to Kama.

It concerned him little that he might be recognized; besides, in case
of need, he had a sword on his person.

There was light in the villa of the priestess, but there was no servant
at the entrance.

"Thus far," thought he, "Kama has sent away her servants when I was to
come. Had she a feeling that I would come today, or will she receive a
more fortunate lover?"

He ascended one story, stood before the chamber of the priestess, and
pushed aside the curtain quickly. In the chamber were Kama and Hiram;
they were whispering.

"Oh, I come at the wrong time!" said Ramses, laughing. "Well, prince,
art thou, too, paying court to a woman who cannot be gracious to men
unless death be the penalty?"

Hiram and the priestess sprang from their seats.

"Thou wert forewarned by some good spirit that we were speaking of
thee, that is clear," said the Phoenician, bowing.

"Are ye preparing some surprise for me?" inquired the heir.

"Perhaps. Who can tell?" answered Kama, with a challenging expression.

"May those who in future wish to surprise me not expo