They did not understand the language; but their simple, kindly character and their readiness to be of use told in their favour.

In that treeless land carpentry was at a discount.

They built themselves a hut out of reeds and mud on the bank of the Nile near the royal city of Memphis, but in such a building the carpenter's skill did not shine.

Still it was better than the dwellings of other poor people by the riverside.

Joseph thought of fishing for a livelihood; but the fish-basket that he wove was so successful that the neighbours supplied him with food so that he might make such baskets for them.