The guide was leading the animal quickly, for during this sunless day he had lost his bearings, but said nothing about it, in order not to make his wife anxious.

His eyes sought the right road.

They ought to reach the oasis of Descheme that day.

Now he saw two men standing on blocks of stone which reached up into the sky.
"Praised be God!" said Joseph of Nazareth, "these men will put me right." Before he had time to frame his question, they quickly descended.

One seized the ass's bridle, the other grasped Joseph's arm, and said: "Give us what you have with you." The pale woman on the ass sent an imploring glance to Heaven.