g water, and of dipping oars?

Very slowly she opened her eyes, for Tua greatly feared what she might
see. Light flowed upon her, the light of the moon which hung in a clear
sky like some great lamp of gold. By it she saw that, robed all in
white, she lay upon a couch in a pavilion, whereof the silken curtains
were drawn back in front, and tied to gilded posts. At her side, wrapped
in a grey robe, lay another figure, which she knew for Asti. It was
still, so still that she was sure it must be dead, yet she knew that
this was Asti. Perchance Asti dreamed also, and could hear in her
dreams; at least, she would speak to her.

"Asti," she whispered, "Asti, can you hear me?"

The grey figure at her side stirred, and the head turned towards her.
Then the voice of Asti, none other, answered:

"Aye, Lady, I hear and see. 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. Moreover, in front of them was set a table spread
with delicate food.

"Tell me what has chanced, Nurse," she said faintly, "for I am
bewildered, and know not in what world we wander."

"Our own, Queen, I think," answered Asti, "but in charge of those who
are not of it, for surely this is no mortal boat, nor do mortals guide
her to her port. Come, we need food. Let us eat while we may."

So they ate and drank heartily enough, and when they