"I see."
There was silence between them. It was almost dark now.
Then Hori said quietly: "You believe, do you not, that Nofret did not die by accident? You think she was thrown down?"
Renisenb felt a passionate repugnance at hearing her belief put into words.
"No, no, don't say it."
"But I think, Renisenb, we had better say it - since it is in your head. You do think so?"
"I - yes!"
Hori bent his head thoughtfully. He went on:
"And you think it was Sobek who did it?"
"Who else could it have been? You remember him with the snake? And you remember what he said - that day - the day of her death - before he went out of the great hall?"
"I remember what he said, yes. But it is not always the people who say most who do most!"
"But don't you believe she was killed?"
"Yes, Renisenb, I do... But it is, after all, only an opinion. I have no proof. I do not think there ever can be proof. That is why I have encouraged Imhotep to accept the verdict of accident. Someone pushed Nofret - we shall never know who it was."
"You mean you don't think it was Sobek?"
"I do not think so. But as I say, we can never know - so it is best not to think about it."
"But - if it was not Sobek - who do you think it was?"
Hori shook his head.
"If I have an idea - it may be the wrong idea. So it is better not to say..."
"But then - we shall never know!"
There was dismay in Renisenb's voice.
"Perhaps -" Hori hesitated - "perhaps that may be the best thing."
"Not to know?"
"Not to know."
Renisenb shivered.
"But then - oh, Hori, I am afraid!"
Chapter 11
FIRST MONTH OF SUMMER, 11TH DAY
The final ceremonies had been completed and the incantations duly spoken. Montu, a Divine Father of the Temple of Hathor, took the broom of heden grass and carefully swept out the chamber whilst he recited the charm to remove the footprints of all evil spirits before the door was sealed up for ever.
Then the Tomb was sealed and all that remained of the embalmers' work-pots full of natron salt and rags that had been in contact with the body, were placed in a little chamber near by, and that too was sealed.
Imhotep squared his shoulders and took a deep breath, relaxing his devout funeral expression. Everything had been done in a befitting manner. Nofret had been buried with all the prescribed rites and with no sparing of expense (somewhat undue expense, in Imhotep's opinion).
Imhotep exchanged courtesies with the priests who, their sacred office now finished, re-assumed their men-of-the-world manner. Everyone descended to the house, where suitable refreshments were waiting. Imhotep discussed with the principal Divine Father the recent political changes. Thebes was rapidly becoming a very powerful city. It was possible that Egypt might once more be united under one ruler before very long. The Golden Age of the Pyramid builders might return.
Montu spoke with reverence and approval of the King Neb-hepet-Re. A first-class soldier and a man of piety also. The corrupt and cowardly north could hardly stand against him. A unified Egypt - that was what was needed. And it would mean, undoubtedly, great things for Thebes...
The men walked together, discussing the future.
Renisenb looked back at the cliff and the sealed tomb chamber.
"So that is the end," she murmured. A feeling of relief swept over her. She had feared she hardly knew what! Some last-minute outburst or accusation? But everything had gone with commendable smoothness. Nofret was duly buried with all the rites of religion.
It was the end.
zhaiyuedu.com said below her breath: "I hope so; I'm sure I hope so, Renisenb."
Renisenb turned on her.
"What do you mean, zhaiyuedu.com?"
"zhaiyuedu.com avoided her eyes.
"I just said I hoped it was the end. Sometimes what you think is an end is only a beginning. And that wouldn't do at all."
Renisenb said angrily:
"What are you talking about, zhaiyuedu.com? What are you hinting at?"
"I'm sure I never hint, Renisenb. I wouldn't do such a thing. Nofret's buried and everyone is satisfied. So everything is as it should be."
Renisenb demanded: "Did my father ask you what you thought about Nofret's death?"
"Yes, indeed, Renisenb. Most particular, he was, that I should tell him exactly what I thought about it all."
"And what did you tell him?"
"Well, of course I said it was an accident. What else could it have been? You don't think for a minute, I said, that anyone in your family would harm the girl, do you? They wouldn't dare, I said. They have far too much respect for you. Grumble they might, but nothing more, I said. You can take it from me, I said, that there's been nothing of that kind!"
zhaiyuedu.com nodded her head and chuckled.
"And my father believed you?"
