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CHAPTER FIVE
FOURTH MONTH OF INUNDATION 5 TH DAY
Imhotep breathed a sigh of satisfaction as he finished his ceremonial du-
ties as Mortuary Priest. The ritual had been observed with meticulous de-
tail–for Imhotep was in every respect a most conscientious man. He had
poured the libations, burnt incense, and offered the customary offerings
of food and drink.
Now, in the cool shade of the adjacent rock chamber where Hori was
waiting for him, Imhotep became once more the land-owner and the man
of affairs. Together the two men discussed business matters, prevailing
prices, and the profits resulting from crops, cattle, and timber.
After half an hour or so, Imhotep nodded his head with satisfaction.
‘You have an excellent head for business, Hori,’ he said.
The other smiled.
‘I should have, Imhotep. I have been your man of affairs for many years
now.’
‘And a most faithful one. Now, I have a matter to discuss with you. It
concerns Ipy. He complains that his position is subordinate.’
‘He is still very young.’
‘But he shows great ability. He feels that his brothers are not always fair
to him. Sobek, it seems, is rough and over-bearing–and Yahmose’s con-
tinual caution and timidity irk him. Ipy is high-spirited. He does not like
taking orders. Moreover he says that it is only I, his father, who have the
right to command.’
‘That is true,’ said Hori. ‘And it has struck me, Imhotep, that that is a
weakness here on the estate. May I speak freely?’
‘Certainly, my good Hori. Your words are always thoughtful and well
considered.’
‘Then I say this. When you are away, Imhotep, there should be someone
here who has real authority.’
‘I trust my affairs to you and to Yahmose–’
‘I know that we act for you in your absence–but that is not enough. Why
not appoint one of your sons as a partner–associate him with you by a
legal deed of settlement?’
Imhotep paced up and down frowning.
‘Which of my sons do you suggest? Sobek has an authoritative manner–
but he is insubordinate–I could not trust him. His disposition is not good.’
‘I was thinking of Yahmose. He is your eldest son. He has a gentle and
affectionate disposition. He is devoted to you.’
‘Yes, he has a good disposition–but he is too timid–too yielding. He gives
in to everybody. Now if Ipy were only a little older–’
Hori said quickly:
‘It is dangerous to give power to too young a man.’
‘True–true–well, Hori, I will think of what you have said. Yahmose is
certainly a good son…an obedient son…’
Hori said gently but urgently:
‘You would, I think, be wise.’
Imhotep looked at him curiously.
‘What is in your mind, Hori?’
Hori said slowly:
‘I said just now that it is dangerous to give a man power when he is too
young. But it is also dangerous to give it to him too late.’
‘You mean that he has become too used to obeying orders and not to giv-
ing them. Well, perhaps there is something in that.’
Imhotep sighed.
‘It is a difficult task to rule a family! The women in particular are hard
to manage. Satipy has an ungovernable temper, Kait is often sulky. But I
have made it clear to them that Nofret is to be treated in a proper fashion.
I think I may say that–’
He broke off. A slave was coming panting up the narrow pathway.
‘What is this?’
‘Master–a barge is here. A scribe called Kameni has come with a mes-
sage from Memphis.’
Imhotep got up fussily.
‘More trouble,’ he exclaimed. ‘As sure as Ra sails the Heavens this will
be more trouble! Unless I am on hand to attend to things everything goes
wrong.’
He went stamping down the path and Hori sat quite still looking after
him.
There was a troubled expression on his face.
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