shirts of mail that had been presented to us, though when we were
clear of the city we took these off because of the heat, also because
that which Bes wore chafed him, being too long for his squat shape.
Our goods together with the bags of gold were laden on sumpter horses
which were led by my six hunter slaves. Four picked soldiers brought
up the rear, mighty men from the King's own bodyguard, and two of the
royal postmen who served us as guides. Also there were cooks and
grooms with spare horses.

Thus we started in state and a great crowd watched us go. Our road ran
by the river which we must cross in barges lower down, so that in a
few minutes we came to that quay whither I had been led on the
previous night to die. Yes, there were the watching guards, and there
floated the hateful double boat, at the prow of which appeared the
tortured face of the eunuch Houman, who rolled his head from side to
side to rid himself of the torment of the flies. He caught sight of us
and began to scream for pity and forgiveness, whereat Bes smiled. The
officers halted our cavalcade and one of them approaching me said,

"It is the King's command, O Lord Shabaka, that you should look upon
this villain who traduced you to the King and afterwards dared to
strike you. If you will, enter the water and blind him, that your face
may be the last thing he sees before he passes into darkness."

I shook my head, but Bes into whose mind some thought had come,
whispered to me,

"I wish to speak with yonder eunuch, so give me leave and fear
nothing. I will do him no hurt, only good, if I find the chance."