Page:Book of the Dead.djvu/37

Rh — Egyptians, in pursuing our journey in search of the missing parts of the great Rameses, we must travel with all speed to the great and flourishing Oasis of Karnak, where we can secure plenty of fresh water and fruits, and can supply ourselves with provisions for our long journey through the stormy deserts and dreary waste places which we shall have to cross before arriving at our journey's end. In order to hasten our progress, the Council of Amenti have directed the Queen of Punt to place at our disposal her sacred Horned Donkey, which is swift and sure of foot. I will mount first and lead the way, after which the holy beast will return and bear each of you in turn to the place where I await you.

— We have arrived at the Oasis of Karnak. Ah, there is a Colonel in the King's Bodyguard. Colonel, we Egyptians have been commanded to go in search of the missing parts of the great Rameses. Have you seen any strangers pass this way?

— I saw several yesterda3% who carried with them a coffer or box, and who journeyed toward the Oasis of Bunk.

— Just the place we want to go! Egyptians, take these baskets of food and water vessels and let us journey across the Desert of Darfur to the Oasis of Bunk.

SCENE 2.

The Desert of Darfur.

—Rek-Mara and Candidates.