Hear and praise the dispensations of the Most High! An hour ago I received the news that a new Apis, with all the sacred marks upon him, has been found in the herds of Ani at Hermonthis." Fresh excitement was shown by the listening conclave.

Ameni let their astonishment express itself freely, but at last he exclaimed: "And now to settle the last question.

The priest Pentaur, who is now present, has been appointed speaker at the festival to-morrow.

He has erred greatly, yet I think we need not judge him till after the holy day, and, in consideration of his former innocence, need not deprive him of the honorable office.

Do you share my wishes?
Is there no dissentient voice?
Then come forward, you, the youngest of us all, who are so highly trusted by this holy assembly." Pentaur rose and placed himself opposite to Ameni, in order to give, as he was required to do, a broad outline of the speech he proposed to deliver next day to the nobles and the people.
The whole assembly, even his opponents, listened to him with approbation.
Ameni, too, praised him, but added: "I miss only one thing on which you must dwell at greater length, and treat with warmer feeling--I mean the miracle which has stirred our souls to-day.