his own body he should die himself, which thing came to pass. As they
have frightened many another man also."

"Well, Bes, when yonder king told me that I must die, fear filled me
who did not wish to die thus, and after the fear came a blackness in
my mind. Then of a sudden in that blackness I saw a picture of
Tanofir, my great uncle, seated in a sepulchre looking towards the
East. Moreover I heard him speak, and to me, saying, 'Shabaka, my
foster-son, fear nothing. You are in great danger but it will pass.
Speak to the great King all that rises in your heart, for the gods of
Vengeance make use of your tongue and whatever you prophesy to him
shall be fulfilled.' So I spoke the words you heard and I feared
nothing."

"Is it so, Master? Then I think that the holy Tanofir must have
entered my heart also. Know that I was minded to leap upon that king
and break his neck, so that all three of us might end together. But of
a sudden something seemed to tell me to leave him alone and let things
go as they are fated. But how can the holy Tanofir who grows blind
with age, see so far?"

"I do not know, Bes, save that he is not as are other men, for in him
is gathered all the ancient wisdom of Egypt. Moreover he lives with
the gods while still upon earth, and like the gods can send his /Ka/,
as we Egyptians call the spirit, or invisible self which companions
all from the cradle to the grave and afterwards, whither he will. So
doubtless to-day he sent it hither to me whom he loves more than
anything on earth. Also I remember that before I entered on this
journey he told me that I should return safe and sound. Therefore,
Bes, I say I fear nothing."