What chanced, Mermes ?" "This, Pharaoh: My son killed Amathel in fair fight, then those black Nubian giants in their fury attacked your guard, but led by Rames the Egyptians, though they were the lesser men, overcame them and slew most of them.

I am an old soldier, but never have I seen a finer fray----" "A finer fray! A finer fray," gasped Pharaoh.

"Why this will mean a war between Kesh and Egypt.

And then?
Did the Council order Rames to be executed, as you must admit he deserved, although you are his father ?" "Not so, O Pharaoh; moreover, I admit nothing, though had he played a coward's part before all the lords of Egypt, gladly would I have slain him with my own hand." "Ah!" said Pharaoh, "there speaks the soldier and the parent.

Well, I understand.