Man-stealing pirates of Phoenicia seized us while we wandered on the shores of the Nile, and brought us hither in their ship, by what way we do not know.

At length they put into yonder river for water, and we fled at night.

We are escaped slaves, no more." "Ah!" said Kepher, "those pirates must mourn their loss.

I almost wonder that they did not follow you.

Indeed, I thought that you might be other folk, for, strangely enough, as I slept in the sand last night, a certain spirit from the Under-world visited me in my dreams, and told me to search for one Asti and another lady who was with her--I cannot remember the name of that lady.