Then followed a great silence.

Watching the statue of the god, presently I thought that it moved, and as I could see by the stir among them, so did the others.  I thought that its stone eyes rolled, I thought that it lifted the Scourge of Power in its granite hand, though whether these things were done by some spirit or by some priest, or by the magic of Ki, I do not know.  At the least, a great wind began to blow about the temple, stirring our robes and causing the lamps to flicker.  Only the robes of Merapi did not stir.  Yet she saw what I could not see, for suddenly her eyes grew frightened.

“The god is awake,” whispered Bakenkhonsu.  “Now good-bye to your fair Israelite.  See, the Prince trembles, Ki smiles, and the face of Userti glows with triumph.”

As he spoke the blue scarabaeus was snatched from Merapi’s breast as though by a hand.  It fell to the floor as did her wimple, so that now she appeared with her rich hair flowing down her robe.  Then the eyes of the statue seemed to cease to roll, the wind ceased to blow, and again there was silence.

Merapi stooped, lifted the wimple, replaced it on her head, found the scarabaeus clasp, and very quietly, as a woman who was tiring herself might do, made it fast in its place again, a sight at which I heard Userti gasp.

For a long while we waited.  Watching the faces of the congregation, I saw amazement and doubt on those of the priests, rage on that of Ki, and on Seti’s the flicker of a little smile.  Merapi’s eyes were closed as though she were asleep.  At length she opened them, and turning her head towards the Prince said: 

“O high-priest of Amon-Ra, has your god worked his will on me, or must I wait longer before I call upon my God?”

“Do what you will or can, woman, and make an end, for almost it is the moment of dawn when the temple worship opens.”

Then Merapi clasped her hands, and looking upwards, prayed aloud very sweetly and simply, saying: 

“O God of my fathers, trusting in Thee, I, a poor maid of Thy people Israel, have set the life Thou gavest me in Thy Hand.  If, as I believe, Thou art the God of gods, I pray Thee show a sign and a wonder upon this god of the Egyptians, and thereby declare Thine Honour and keep my breath within my breast.  If it pleases Thee not, then let me die, as doubtless for my many sins I deserve to do.  O God of my fathers, I have made my prayer.  Hear it or reject it according to Thy Will.”

So she ended, and listening to her, I felt the tears rising in my eyes, because she was so much alone, and I feared that this god of hers would never come to save her from the torments of the priests.  Seti also turned his head away, and stared down the sanctuary at the sky over the open court where the lights of dawn were gathering.