Excepting that he wore a beard and robe, his appearance even had nothing in common with them; and his talar was not like theirs, embroidered with hieroglyphics, tongues, and flames, but of plain white stuff, which gave him the aspect of a learned and priestly sage.
As Alexander, on his way through the temple to fulfill Caesar's commission, went past the Magian, Castor, his supple accomplice, stole up behind a statue, and, when the artist disappeared in the crowd, whispered to his master: "The rascally painter is at liberty!" "Till further notice!" was the reply, and Serapion was about to give his satellite some instructions, when a hand was laid on his shoulder, and Zminis said in a low voice: "I am glad to have found you here.

Accusations are multiplying against you, my friend; and though I have kept my eyes shut till now, that cannot last much longer." "Let us hope you are mistaken," replied the Magian, firmly.

And then he went on in a hurried whisper: "I know what your ambition is, and my support may be of use to you.

But we must not be seen together.

We will meet again in the instrument-room, to the left of the first stairs up to the observatory.