Warren sheaf., 1906-02-22

BobbS-Nerrll Cor .yarly II
ther overlook him and threw him into
prison in Tape. What more?"
"The Israelite is gone, and nv ia
ther's servants are still seeking fol
her, and would not have her taken"
Ihou art a queen. What is she, G
slave to thee?"
"A sister, my comforter, my one
friend"
Thou canst find sisters and comfort
ers and friends among highborn WON
en- OF Egypt. I had laid Kenkenes' fol
" concerning this Israelite to the
moonshine genius in him. But the
slave Is sorceress, for the madness
touches whosoever looks upon her."
1T is her goodness and her grace
that win, Rameses. If that be sorcery
let 1t prevail the world over. Give hel
freedom and save her spotlessness."
"Har-hat shall not take her, 1 prom
1se thee. shall send her back to he,
place In the brick fields"
Masanath recoiled in horror ''To the
brick tieldsv' she cried. :.Rachel to the
brick tieldsv'
II have said. Her Israelitish spot
lessness will be secure there, and the
reduction Of her charms will be the
saving Of Kenkenes."
"Turn not away, my lord" she
begged. See what havoc l have
wrought for Rachel when I sought to
help her. and behold the honesty of
thy boast of love for me-my first boon
and thou dost deny it."
He laughed, and, slipping an arm
about her, pressed her to him.
''First am a king-next lover" he
said. Thy prayer seeketh to come be-
tween me and my rule over the Israel
ftes. Ask for something which hath
naught to do with my scepter."
Crushed and stunned with despair
and horror, Masanath made her way ts
her apartments in a mist Of tears.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE FIRSTBORN.
T the door of her apartments
Masanath was met by the
HA faithful Mari, who drew her
- within and showed her tri-
umphantly that the usurping ladies in
waiting had departed The unhappy
girl was grateful for the change. The
relief for her sorrow was it's express
sion, and she dreaded the restraint put
upon her by the presence Of discerning
and unfamiliar eyes.
All desire for sleep had left her. Mari,
weary and heavy headed, begged her
to retire, but she would not, so at last
the waiting women, at her mistress
command, lay down and slept.
The night wore on to it's noon, and
Masanath was becoming drowsy in
spite Of her determination to keep a
sleepless vigil until dawn, when she
was aroused by commotion in the
vicinity Of the palace. There were in
door cries and shouts ior help and
frantic knocks upon doors without.
Masanath passed into the outer room
to the window that looked upon the
city.
Every house had light, which flick
cred and appeared at this window and
that, and the streets were full of flying
messengers, who cried out as they ran.
Now and then chariot, drawn at full
speed, dashed past, and by the futter-
ing robes Of the occupants Masanath
guessed them to be physicians. All
Tanis was in uproar, and it's alarm
possessed her at once
awake, awake, Narir' Masanath
cried, shaking the sleeping woman
"Something has befallen the city. 1t
is in the palace and everywhere"
Meanwhile chorus Of screams smote
upon her ears, and the wild outcry of
men filled the great palace with terri.
flying clamor.
Masanath, shaking with dread, wrune
her hands and wept. Mari, stupid with
fear, sat up and listened.
Presently some one came running
and beat, with frenzied hands, upon the
door.
"Open! Open! In the name Of Osi.
ris!' cried voice which, though II
quaked with CONSERVATION, Masanath
recognized as her fathers.
She flew to the door and wrenched
it open. Har-hat, half dressed; stood
before it.
=. Father, what manner of sending is
this ?" she cried 'f3' y -
"Death!' he painted. "Come with
me" He caught her arm and ran,
dragging her after him down the cor.
ridor, half lighted, but murmurous
with sound. T.. ~
"What is it, father?" she begged as
he hurried her on.
''The gods only know. Rameses hath
been smitten and Is dying or even now
Is dead!' -,.s....o
'Ramesesv' she breathed in terri
fed whisper. ''Rameses! And an hour
ago talked with him-so strong, 50
resolute, so full Of life. o holy Isis"
1T is a pestilence sent by Moses,
The whole city is afflicted. Ptah
nhfo1d ,,o -, S5f .s-E :s..z .oyr4