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188 a short time I and my true sons will be as strong as thou, and then thy doom will be swift and terrible."

A hoarse murmur of approval arose from the parched throats of the motionless figures.

Then the king spoke to his latest descendants—

"Are ye all traitors, weaklings? Seize them both, and tear them limb from limb. Ha! I feel my strength," and he half rose from his seat.

Urged by him, they began to advance, but Thoth eyed them with scorn, and, accustomed to obedience from their childhood, they paused.

The monarch hissed with rage, and cried, "Advance! seize them!"

Again Thoth said, "Revered king, listen to the voice of reason." He was answered by a louder cry than before, as the multitude of