Joseph had gone with the boy to the place where the boats land, in order to offer his baskets for sale.

There was a stir among the people: soldiers in brilliant uniforms and carrying long spears marched along; then came two heralds blowing their horns as if they would split the air with their sharp tones; and behind came six black slaves drawing a golden chariot in which sat Pharaoh.

He was a pale man with piercing eyes, dressed in costly robes, a sparkling coronet on his black, twisted hair.

The people shouted joyfully, but he heeded them not; he leaned back wearily on his cushions.

But all at once he lifted his head a little; a boy in the crowd, the stranger basket-maker's little son, attracted his attention.