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Seti would have admitted as many as the place would hold, but Ki bade him not, saying, that if he did so the darkness would flow in with them. Only Merapi did admit some of the Israelitish women who were married to Egyptians in the city, though for her pains they only cursed her as a witch.
"Thirdly," I went on as though I had heard neither of them, "if this girl were what she declares, she would not be wandering alone in the desert at night, seeing that I have heard among the Arabs that Merapi, daughter of Nathan the Levite, is a lady of no mean blood among the Hebrews and that her family has wealth. Still, however much she lies, we can see for ourselves that she is beautiful."
Merapi turned as though to fly, but at that moment Ki saw us, although he still seemed to gaze upwards. "Greeting, O Moon of Israel," he said bowing. "Greeting, O Conqueror of Ki!" She bowed back, and stood still, as a little bird stands when it sees a snake. There was a long silence, which he broke by asking: "Why seek that from Ana which Ki himself is eager to give?
"It is that this woman should be returned to her people. Jabez, her uncle, will lead her away." "And you know my answer, Israelite," answered Seti. "It is that I have no power over the coming or the going of the lady Merapi, or at least wish to claim none. Address yourself to her." "What is it you wish with me, Priest?" asked Merapi quickly.
We stood amazed, and while we did so, Ki turned to Merapi and spoke. His face was terrible with fear and fury, and his eyes shone like lamps. Although he did but whisper, I who was nearest to them heard all that was said, which the others could not do. "Your magic is good, Israelite," he muttered, "so good that it has overcome mine here in the temple where I serve."
"I shall learn the high-priest's mind and think what the high-priest thinks," I answered darkly, though in my heart I was terribly afraid for Merapi, and, to speak truth, for myself also, because of the doubts which arose in me and would not be quenched.
"That is for the Prince to judge," said Ki, "though I do not see how it can harm the lady Merapi to pray for us in the open square of Memphis." "Let her go," said Bakenkhonsu, "lest presently we should all go further than we would." "I do not wish to go," cried Merapi, "not knowing for whom I am to pray or how." "Be it as you will, Lady," said Seti in his grave and gentle voice.
In the end, however, she gave him an offering, of all that she had I think, though whether this went to the temple of the Hebrews or into his own pouch I know not. At least it seemed to soften him, for he kissed her on the brow tenderly enough and departed with the air of a happy merchant who has sold his wares. But of all that passed between them Merapi would tell me nothing.
"Always a very dangerous thing to do," reflected Jabez aloud, "since the priest is apt to take the law into his own hands before the cause can be pleaded elsewhere. Still, who am I that I should set up my reasonings against one who can grind Amon to powder in his own sanctuary, and who therefore may have warrant for all she thinks and does?" Merapi stamped her foot.
If she is able to prove it, then I think that what I said to Pharaoh to-day I shall repeat three days hence. If she is not able to prove it, then I shall consider very earnestly of the matter. Answer now, Moon of Israel, remembering that many thousands of lives may hang on what you say." "O your Highness," began Merapi. Then she paused, clasped her hands and looked upwards.
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