“Little beyond what he had already said to you, that great troubles were about to fall on Egypt.  He added that he was sent to save me and mine from these troubles because I had been a friend to the Hebrews in so far as that was possible.  Then he walked through this house and all round its gardens, as he went reciting something that was written on a roll, of which I could not understand the meaning, and now and again prostrating himself to pray to his god.  Thus, where the canal enters the garden and where it leaves the garden he stayed to pray, as he did at the well whence drinking water is drawn.  Moreover, led by Merapi, he visited all my cornlands and those where my cattle are herded, reciting and praying until the servants thought that he was mad.  After this he returned with her and, as it chanced, I overheard their parting.  She said to him: 

“’The house you have blessed and it is safe; the fields you have blessed and they are safe; will you not bless me also, O my Uncle, and any that are born of me?’

“He answered, shaking his head, ’I have no command, my Niece, either to bless or to curse you, as did that fool whom the Prince slew.  You have chosen your own path apart from your people.  It may be well, or it may be ill, or perhaps both, and henceforth you must walk it alone to wherever it may lead.  Farewell, for perhaps we shall meet no more.’

“Thus speaking they passed out of earshot, but I could see that still she pleaded and still he shook his head.  In the end, however, she gave him an offering, of all that she had I think, though whether this went to the temple of the Hebrews or into his own pouch I know not.  At least it seemed to soften him, for he kissed her on the brow tenderly enough and departed with the air of a happy merchant who has sold his wares.  But of all that passed between them Merapi would tell me nothing.  Nor did I tell her of what I had overheard.”

“And then?”

“And then, Ana, came the story of the Hebrew prophet who made the water into blood, and of Ki and his disciples who did likewise.  The latter I did not believe, because I said it would be more reasonable had Ki turned the blood back into water, instead of making more blood of which there was enough already.”

“I think that magicians have no reason.”

“Or can do mischief only, Ana.  At any rate after the story came the blood itself and stayed with us seven whole days, leaving much sickness behind it because of the stench of the rotting fish.  Now for the marvel—­here about my house there was no blood, though above and below the canal was full of it.  The water remained as it has always been and the fish swam in it as they have always done; also that of the well kept sweet and pure.  When this came to be known thousands crowded to the place, clamouring for water; that is until they found that outside the gates it grew red in their vessels, after which, although some still came, they drank the water where they stood, which they must do quickly.”