boat up to the landing-place.

The captain of the watch passed at the same moment, and shouting out,
"This is the last boat that can put off before the passage of the God!"

Bent-Anat descended the steps as quickly as Nefert's exhausted state
permitted. The landing-place was now only dimly lighted by dull
lanterns, though, when the God embarked, it would be as light as day with
cressets and torches. Before she could reach the bottom step, with
Nefert still clinging heavily to her arm, a hard hand was laid on her
shoulder, and the rough voice of Paaker exclaimed:

"Stand back, you rabble! We are going first." The captain of the watch
did not stop him, for he knew the chief pioneer and his overbearing ways.
Paaker put his finger to his lips, and gave a shrill whistle that sounded
like a yell in the silence.

The stroke of oars responded to the call, and Paaker called out to his
boatmen:

"Bring the boat up here! these people can wait!" The pioneer's boat was
larger and better manned than that of the princess.

"Jump into the boat!" cried Rameri.

Bent-Anat went forward without speaking, for she did not wish to make
herself known again for the sake of the people, and for Nefert's; but
Paaker put himself in her way.

"Did I not tell you that you common people must wait till we are gone.