But say, where are we now ?" "In the Under-world, I think, Asti.

Oh! that fire was death, and now we journey to the Place of Souls." "If so, Lady, it is strange that we should still have eyes and flesh and voices as mortal women have.

Let us sit up and look." So they sat up, their arms about each other, and peered through the open curtains.

Behold! they were on a ship more beautiful than any they had ever seen, for it seemed to be covered with gold and silver, while sweet odours floated from its hold.

Their pavilion was set in the centre of the ship and looking aft, they perceived lines of white-clad rowers seated at their oars in the shadow of the bulwarks, and on the high stern--also robed in white--a tall steersman whose face was veiled, behind whom in the dim glimpses of the moon, they caught sight of a wide and silvery river, and on its distant banks palms and temple towers.
"It is the Boat of Ra," murmured Tua, "which bears us down the River of Death to the Kingdom behind the Sun." Then she sank back upon her cushions, and once more fell into swoon or sleep.
Tua woke again, and lo! the sun was shining brightly, and at her side sat Asti watching her.