This I took to be a good omen, since I knew that it was the heart of the holy Tanofir which smiled, and that her eyes were but its mirror.
Already my thirty thousand archers were marshalling, and having made sure that there was ample store of arrows and that all their gourds were filled with water, I set myself at their head while in front of me walked the two veiled guides.

I looked upon them doubtfully, since it seemed dangerous to trust an army to unknown men who for aught I knew, might lead us into the midst of our foes.

Then I remembered that they were vouched for by the holy Tanofir, my own great-uncle whom I trusted above any man on earth, and took heart again.
How had he come into our tent, I wondered, and how, blind as he was, would he get back into Amada with Karema, if he took her?
Well, who could account for the goings or the comings of the holy Tanofir, who was more of a spirit than a man?
Perhaps it was not really he whom we had seen, but what we Egyptians called his _Ka_ or Double which can pass to and fro at will.

Only do _Kas_ eat?
Of this matter I knew only that offerings of food and drink are made to them in tombs.

So leaving the holy Tanofir to guard himself, I turned my mind to our own business, which was to surprise the army of the Great King.
Skirting the swamp we came to rough and higher ground and though I could see little in that darkness, I knew that we were walking up a hill.
Presently we crossed its crest and descending for three bowshots or so, I felt that my feet were on a road.