THE CROWNING OF MERAPI Fast as sped our horses, rumour, or rather the truth, carried by those who had gone before us, flew faster.

Oh! that journey was as a dream begotten by the evil gods.

On we galloped through the day and through the night and lo! at every town and village women rushed upon us crying: "Is it true, O travellers, is it true that Pharaoh and his host are perished in the sea ?" Then old Bakenkhonsu would call in answer: "It is true that he who _was_ Pharaoh and his host are perished in the sea.

But lo! here is he who _is_ Pharaoh," and he pointed to the Prince, who took no heed and said nothing, save: "On! On!" Then forward we would plunge again till once more the sound of wailing died into silence.
It was sunset, and at length we drew near to the gates of Memphis.

The Prince turned to me and spoke.
"Heretofore I have not dared to ask," he said, "but tell me, Ana.