ke some
further talk with that old Israelite. It is interesting to learn about
the religion that his forefathers believed in, and in which it seems
that he and his grandchild are now the last who have faith."

"It will suit me very well to have a quiet day, Chebron; for in any
case I do not think I could have accompanied you. My ribs are sore
from the whack the crocodile gave me with his tail, and I doubt
whether I shall be able to walk to-morrow."

Indeed, the next morning Amuba was so stiff and sore that he was
unable to rise from his couch.

Soon after breakfast the messenger returned, bringing a letter from
Ameres. It was as follows:

"It seems to me, Chebron, that Mysa has no occasion for further
attendants; but as your story of this old Israelite and his
daughter interests me, and the girl is of Mysa's age and might
be a pleasant companion for her, I have no objection to her
entering our household. I should have liked to talk with the
old man himself, and to have heard from him more about the
religion that Joseph and his people brought to Egypt. It is
recorded in some of the scrolls that these people were
monotheists; but although I have many times questioned
Israelites, all have professed to be acquainted with no
religion but that of Egypt. If you have further opportunity
find out as much as you can from this old man upon the subject.

"Assure him from me that his daughter shall be kindly treated
in my household, and that no attempt whatever will be made to
turn her from the religion she professes. As to your adventure
with the crocodile, I do not think that your conscience need
trouble you. It would certainly be unfortunate to meet in Upper
Egypt a crocodile carrying off a peasant, and I am not called
upon to give an opinion as to what would be the proper course
to pursue under the circumstances; but as you are at present in
a district where the crocodile, instead of being respected, is
held in detestation, and as the people with you would probably
have overtaken and slain him even without your intervention, I
do not think that you need trouble yourself about the knock
that you gave him across his snout. Had I found myself in the
position you did I should probably have taken the same course.
With respect to the girl, you had best give them instructions
that when the o