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178 score of paces there were none of the sleeping figures. In this open space, however, immediately before the central figure, stood about fifty men in the same garments as Thoth, but not masked.

Thoth, accompanied by Daphne, advanced to the front, and as they did so they were saluted by a profound obeisance, in perfect silence.

Thoth took up his position beside the central throne, and placed Daphne on his right hand.

"Are all the fitting preparations made? Have all our ancestors been brought to the light and set upon their thrones?"

A murmur of assent arose.

Then he spoke to the cloaked figures in a low clear voice—

"At length the day of our triumph has arrived, but in the very hour of victory a most