The family of the poor carpenter from Nazareth stood on the soil of ancient Egypt.

How had they crossed the sea?
Joseph thought in a fishing boat, but it had all happened as in a dream.

He opened his eyes, and sought the mountains of Nazareth, and saw the dark grove of palm-trees with their bare trunks and sword-shaped leaves, and he saw the gate flanked by enormous stone figures which, lying on their bellies, stretched out two paws in front of them and lifted huge human heads high in the air.

He saw the triangular form of the pyramids rise against the yellow background.

Strange odours filled the air, as well as shrill noises made by fantastic figures, and every sound struck hard and sharp on the ear.