The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-05-15

On a taboret at her right was Setl,
the little prince Although he was
nearly sixteen. he looked to be Of even
tenderer years In him the charms OF
the Egyptian countenance had been so
emphasized and its defects so reduced
that his boyish beauty was unequaled
among his countrynen-
! At his feet was 10, playing at dice
with Ta-meri and Nechutes. Ta-meri
was more than usually brilliant, and
Nechutes, flushed with her favor, was
playing splendidly and rejoicing be-
yond reason over his gains.
Opposite this group was another, the
center Of which was Masanath. She
sat in the richest seat IN the house Of
senci. It was ivory tricked with gold,
but, small and young as the fan bear
er's daughter was, there was none in
that assembly who might queen It as
royalty as she from its imperial depths.
By her side was the boon companion
Of Rameses. He was Menes, sur
named ''the Bland" captain Of the roy
a; guard, most amiable soldier and
chiefly remarkable because of all the
princes world be was the only one
that could tell the truth to Rameses,
and tell it without offense.
On the floor between Masanath and
Menes was the son Of Amon-meses, the
Prince Siptah. BE was typical orl-
entail. bronze in hue, lean Of frame.
brilliant Of eye, white Of teeth, intense
in Temperament and fierce in his loves
and hates. Religion comforted him
through his appetites. In bis sight
craft was a virtue, intrigue was pol
tics and love was a fury. His eyes
never left Ta-user for long, and his
every word seemed to be inspired By
some overweening emotion.
Aside from these there We're others IN
the group. Some were sons and daugh-
tiers Of royalty, cousins Of the Phara-
obs sons and Of Ta-user and Siptah;
many were children of the kings min
listers. and all were noble.
Senci and Hotep's older sister, the
Lady Belts, a dark eyed matron OF
thirty, presided in duenna-like guard
ianship over the rout. They sat in
diphros apart from the young reveiers.
Kenkenes was momently expected.
For the past two months he had been
seen every evening wherever there was
high class revel in Memphis. But be
had laughed perfunctorily and lapsed
into preoccupation when none spoke to
him. and his song had a sorry note IN
it, however happy the theme. But
these we're things apparent only to
those that saw deeper than the surface.
where is Kenkenes" Menes de-
rnanded. "Hath he forsworn us?'
81 saw him today" Nechutes ven
tured, without raising his eyes from
the game, ..when we were fowling on
the Nile below the city. he was alone
pulling downstream, just this SIDE OF
Masaarah.'
Hotep frowned and gave over any
hope that Kenkenes would join the
merrymaking that night. But at that
moment Ta-meri, who sat facing the
entrance tc the chamber, poised the
dice box in air and drew In long
breath. The guests followed her eyes.
Kenkenes stood in the doorway, the
curtain thrust aside and 4bove him.
Els roluminous festal robes were deep
II edged with gold, but his arms. bare
to the shoulder, and his strong brown
neck were without their usual trap
pings Of Jewels. The omission seemed
intentional as if the young man had
meant to contrast the ornament OF
young strength and grace with the gilt
ter and magnifcence Of the other
guests. He had succeeded well.
Perhaps to most Of those present the
young mans presence was not unusual,
but Hotep was not blind to a manifest
alteration in his manner. There was
cynicism in the corners Of his mouth
and hint Of hurt or temper was evi-
dent in the tension Of his nostril and
the brilliance Of bis eyes. Hotep had
no need Of :eers and astrologers, for
his perception served him in all tangi-
bic things. he knew something IN
toward had set Kenkenes to thinking
about himself. and, guessing where
the young artist had gone that evening
! be surmisel further how he had been
received.
And, though be was sorry in his
heart for hiS friends unhappiness, be
confessed his admiration for Rachel.
Late cried Hotep, rising.
"Thy pardon. Hotep," kenkenes re-
piled, advancing into the chamber. Il
had an errand Of much importance to
alasaarah. and it was fruitiess. It
shall trouble re 10 more
Hotep lifted his brows as though he
exclaimed to himself and made no an
swer. kenkenes greeted the guests
with a wave OF his hand and did obei-
sance before Eameses.
Thou speakest Of Ma-saarah, my
Kenkenes." tie crown prince COM
mented after the salutation. and it
suggests an inquiry would make Of
thee Dost thou so OF as sculptor, OF
will +bo,, follow 1bv father into the arH