Many times afterward, on
my way hither, I heard it from the lips of men whom I passed, so I am
not deceived.
"Seven days agone, under an evil star, a veiled woman came to the
temple of Bast, in the village of image-makers, and made offerings to
the idol. She remained in the shrine, praying, for a time without
reason, as though she pretended to worship, until a certain space
should elapse. At the end of the hour in which she came, another
woman, closely covered, her mouth hidden, entered and knelt near her.
In a little they arose and went forth together, and Jambres, who is
priest at the little temple, grown suspicious by reason of their
behavior, looked after them. The wind swayed the garments of the
second stranger, and showed the foot and ankle of a man. Filled with
wonderment, Jambres laid aside his priest's robes and garbing himself
like a wayfarer, followed. They left the village, going east where the
road leadeth along the canal, which is hidden by the sprouts of young
trees. Farther up the way were servitors who waited for the man and
woman, but the two stepped out of ear-shot, and sat by the road to talk.
"Jambres, hidden in the fringe of bushes behind, heard them.
"They laid a snare.
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