Ameni has grown cool, and will stir no further in the matter; the troops on which I counted are perhaps still faithful to me, but much too weak; the Hebrews, who tend their flocks here, and whom I gained over by liberating them from forced labor, have never borne arms.

And you know the people.

They will kiss the feet of the conqueror if they have to wade up to there through the blood of their children.

Besides--as it happens--the hawk which old Hekt keeps as representing me is to-day pining and sick--" "It will be all the prouder and brighter to-morrow if you are a man!" exclaimed Katuti, and her eyes sparkled with scorn.

"You cannot now retreat.