Mermes, call
my guards, and arrest this man and hold him safe. At Thebes, whither we
depart to-morrow, he shall be judged according to our law."
Now Mermes blew a shrill call on the silver whistle that hung about his
neck, and, springing forward, seized the Prince by the arm. Abi drew his
sword to cut him down, and at the sight of the blade, all who were
with him rushed to the door to escape, sweeping before them certain of
Pharaoh's ladies, among them the waiting-woman, Merytra. But before ever
they could pass it, the guards who had heard the signal of Mermes, ran
in with lifted spears, driving them back again. Leaping upon Abi, they
tore the sword from his hand, and threw him to the ground, huddling the
rest together like frightened sheep.
"Bind this traitor and keep him safe, for to-morrow he accompanies us to
Thebes," said Pharaoh.
"What of his sons, and those with him, your Majesty?" asked the officer
of the guard.
"Let them go," answered Pharaoh wearily, "for they have not sinned
against us.
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