One, whom by his fat figure I took to be Unas, was pursuing the
Israelite. I would have returned to help her, but the dreadful night
overtook me before I could reach her--and as thou knowest,--none moved
thereafter.
"When the darkness lifted, I was off the wharves at On, where my boat had
drifted. I halted only long enough to feed, for I was famished, and with
all haste I returned to the Marsh. None was there. I went to the house
in Memphis, but it was dark and closed. Next I visited the home of Mentu
and asked if Rachel were there, but the old housekeeper had never heard
of such a maiden. But when I asked if the young master had returned, she
asked me where I had been that I had not heard he was dead. And having
said, she shut the door in my face. I think he was within, and she would
not answer me 'aye' or 'nay,' but I know that she told the truth
concerning the Israelite."
Masanath, who had stood, the picture of dismay and apprehension during
the last part of the recital, seized his arm.
"Hast thou had an eye to the master?" she demanded in a fierce whisper.
"Aye," he answered quickly. "I have followed him like a shadow, and this
I know. Nak and Hebset were here when I came, but they went that same
night, each in a different direction, to search further for her.
Pages:
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594