Well, preceded by the eunuch and followed by the dwarf, I crawled
though the sand in which grew some thorny plants that pricked my knees
and fingers, towards the person of the Monarch of the World. He had
descended from his chariot by help of a footstool, and was engaged in
drinking from a golden cup, while his attendants stood around in
various attitudes of adoration, he who had handed him the cup being
upon his knees. Presently he looked up and saw us.

"Who are these?" he asked in a high voice that yet was not unmusical,
"and why do you bring them into my presence?"

"May it please the King," answered our guide, knocking his head upon
the ground in a very agony of humiliation, "may it please the
King----"

"It would please me better, dog, if you answered my question. Who are
they?"

"May it please the King, this is the Egyptian hunter and noble,
Shabaka."

"I hear," said his Majesty with a gleam of interest in his tired eyes,
"and what does this Egyptian here?"

"May it please the King, the King bade me bring him to the presence,
but now when the chariots halted."

"I forgot; you are forgiven. But who is that with him? Is it a man or
an ape?"