"Behold the sign and the wonder!" "Witch!" screamed the head-priest Roi, and fled away, followed by his fellows.
"Sorceress!" hissed Userti, and fled also, as did all the others, save the Prince, Bakenkhonsu, I Ana, and Ki the Magician.
We stood amazed, and while we did so, Ki turned to Merapi and spoke.
His face was terrible with fear and fury, and his eyes shone like lamps.
Although he did but whisper, I who was nearest to them heard all that was said, which the others could not do.
"Your magic is good, Israelite," he muttered, "so good that it has overcome mine here in the temple where I serve." "I have no magic," she answered very low.

"I obeyed a command, no more." He laughed bitterly, and asked: "Should two of a trade waste time on foolishness?
Listen now.

Teach me your secrets, and I will teach you mine, and together we will drive Egypt like a chariot." "I have no secrets, I have only faith," said Merapi again.
"Woman," he went on, "woman or devil, will you take me for friend or foe?
Here I have been shamed, since it was to me and not to their gods that the priests trusted to destroy you.

Yet I can still forgive.

Choose now, knowing that as my friendship will lead you to rule, to life and splendour, so my hate will drive you to shame and death." "You are beside yourself, and know not what you say.