entre, full of slimy water
that looked almost black because of the shadow of the high walls, and
round it ran a narrow stone path. At one spot in this path, however,
where grew some dank-looking trees and bushes, was a slope, also of
stone, and on the slope with its prow resting in the water a little
boat, and in the boat, oars. But of the crocodile there was nothing to
be seen.

"It is asleep somewhere," whispered Tua, "let us go away, I do not like
this stench."

"Stench," answered Rames. "I smell nothing except the lilies on the
water. Let us wake it up, it would be silly to go now. Surely you are
not afraid, O Star."

"Oh, no! I am not afraid," answered Tua proudly. "Only wake it up
quickly, please."

What Rames did not add was that it would be impossible to retreat as the
door had closed behind them, and there was no keyhole on its inner side.

So they walked round the tank, but wherever it might lurk, the sleeping
crocodile refused to wake.

"Let us get into the boat and look for it," suggested Rames. "Perhaps it
is hiding on the island."

So he led her to the stone slope, where to her horror Tua saw the
remains of the crocodile's last meal, a sight that caused her to forget
her doubts and jump into the boat very quickly. Then Rames gave it a
push and sprang in after her, so that they found themselves floating
on the water. Now, standing in the bow, the boy took an oar and paddled
round the island, but still there were no signs of the crocodile.

"I don't believe it is here at all," he said, recovering his courage.

"You might try the pigeon," suggested Tua, who, now that there was less
smell, felt her curiosity returning.

This was a good thought upon which Rames acted at once. Taking the dead
bird from the bag he spread out its wings to make it look as though
it were alive, and threw it into the water, exclaiming, "Arise, O Holy
Crocodile!"

Then with fearful suddenness, whence they knew not, that crocodile
arose. An awful scaly head appeared with dull eyes and countless
flashing fangs, and behind the head cubit upon cubit of monstrous form.
The fangs closed upon the pigeon and everything vanished.

"That was the Holy Crocodile," said Rames abstractedly as he stared at
the boiling waters, "which has lived here during the reigns of eight
Pharaohs, and perhaps longer. Now we have seen it."

"Yes," answered Tua, "and I never want to see it again. Get me away
quick, or I will tell your father."

T