"Did you not know that?"

"I did not expect it."

At the same instant the wall seemed to open, and they saw a mass of
Nile mud in which crocodiles and snakes twined round each other,
while a hippopotamus trampled threateningly with its forefeet.

Amram was alarmed, but Phater took out an amulet in the shape of a
scarabaeus, and, holding it as a shield in front of him, he passed
through the terrible shapes, which dissolved like smoke, while Amram
followed him.

"The magician only cheats our eyes," said Phater, and as he waved
his hand the whole appearance vanished.

Now they stood again in the first hall, and, pointing to the
Nilometer, Amram said, "Famine!"

"There is no doubt of that. Therefore all superfluous mouths should
be stopped."

"What!"

Phater saw that he had made a slip of the tongue.

"I mean," he said, "Pharaoh must consider how to get corn."

"He would find a Joseph useful just now."