, even in the tomb of the Harpers and the company of the dead, I
took up my abode; and here for eight long years I worked out my penance
and made atonement for my sin. But Atoua, because she loved to be near
the light, abode in the chamber of the Boats--that is, the first chamber
on the right-hand side of the gallery looking toward the Hall of the
Sarcophagus.

And this was the manner of my life. On every second day the old wife,
Atoua, went forth and brought water from the city and such food as is
necessary to keep the life from failing, and also tapers made from fat.
And one hour at the time of sunrise and one hour at the time of sunset
I did go forth also to wander in the valley for my health's sake and to
save my sight from failing in the great darkness of the tomb. But the
other hours of the day and night, except when I climbed the mountain
to watch the course of the stars, I spent in prayer and meditation and
sleep, till the cloud of sin lifted from my heart and once more I drew
near to the Gods, though with Isis, my heavenly Mother, I might speak no
more. And I grew exceedingly wise also, pondering on all those mysteries
to which I held the key. For abstinence and prayer and sorrowful
solitude wore away the grossness of my flesh, and with the eyes of the
Spirit I learned to look deep into the heart of things till the joy of
Wisdom fell like dew upon my soul.

Soon the rumour was wafted about the city that a certain holy man named
Olympus abode in solitude in the tombs of the awful Valley of the Dead;
and hither came people bearing sick that I might cure them. And I gave
my mind to the study of simples, in which Atoua instructed me; and by
lore and the weight of my thought I gained great skill in medicine, and
healed many sick. And thus ever, as time went on, my fame was noised
abroad; for it was said that I was also a magician and that in the
tombs I had commune with the Spirits of the Dead. And this, indeed, I
did--though it is not lawful for me to speak of these matters. Thus,
then, it came to pass that no more need Atoua go forth to seek food and
water, for the people brought it--more than was needful, for I would
receive no fee. Now at first, fearing lest some in the hermit Olympus
might know the lost Harmachis, I would only meet those who came in the
darkness of the tomb. But afterwards, when I learned how it was held
through all the land that Harmachis was certainly no more, I came forth
and sat in the mou