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An hour later, whilst they were still talking of Kepher and all the marvels that had befallen them, porters began to arrive, bearing bundles which, when opened, were found to contain silks and broideries in gold and silver thread, and leather richly worked, such as the Arabs make, and alabaster pots of ointments, and brass work from Syria, and copper jars from Cyprus, with many other goods, all very costly, and in number more than enough for a wealthy trader's store.
It was he who had met Tua and Asti in the wilderness and eaten up their food. It was he who had saved them in the palace of the desert king. It was he who but last night had walked the camp of Abi. "I am that Messenger whom men from the beginning have called Kepher," he said. "I am the Dweller in the wilderness whom your fathers knew, and your sons shall know.
"I say that I should be glad to settle myself anywhere out of this desert," said Tua wearily. "Lead us on to the city, Father Kepher, if you know the way." "I know the way, and will guide you thither in payment for that good meal of yours. Now come. Follow me." And taking his long staff he strode away in front of them. "This Kepher goes at a wonderful pace for an old man," said Tua presently.
Can you feel griefs, and the ache of disappointment?" "Do I sit here to answer riddles, Fool?" answered Janees angrily. "Turn the fellow out. I have business." Now guards sprang forward to do the King's bidding, but again Kepher waved his staff, and again they fell back. Certainly it seemed as though there were power in that staff. "Business, King," he said.
They passed the door of the great marble chamber about which they found guards and eunuchs lying dead; they passed down the stairways, and through the tall gates where more soldiers lay dead, and looking behind them, saw that the palace was in flames. They reached the square without, and at the command of Kepher entered into a litter, and were borne by black slaves whither they knew not.
Peace, she is rightly served choose thou a lowlier mistress! "And Pharaoh made no answer, for he feared her with an ever-growing fear. But she, sinking back in her seat of state, played with the gold kepher on her breast, and watched them bear the body forth to the House of Osiris.
I only thought that you were almost blind, Father Kepher, and therefore could not know the difference between a pearl and a pebble." "My feeling still remains to me, Daughter Neferte," he answered with a little smile. Then Tua gave him the basket.
Meanwhile Kepher, whose appetite for one so ancient was sharp indeed, finished the contents of the basket down to the last date, and handed it back to Tua with a bow, saying: "I thank you, Daughter; the Queen of Egypt could not have entertained me more royally," and he peered at her with his horny eyes.
Some god commands that I shall die. So be it, I am glad to die; would that I had not been born to know grief and death. Tell me, O Prophet, what evil power is there which ordains that we must be born and suffer?" Kepher beckoned to Tua and to Asti, and they followed him, leaving Janees ringed round by those stern-faced men. "Farewell, Lady," he called to Tua as she passed.
Now his slow, tortoise-like eyes seemed to catch sight of the glittering throne, and of him who sat upon it, and with long strides he walked to the throne and halted in front of it, again leaning on his staff. "Who is this fellow," asked Janees in an angry voice, "who stands here and makes no obeisance to the King?" "Are you a king?" asked Kepher. "I am very blind.
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