Then, passing into Charmian’s chamber, she glided through the corridor which connected the apartments of Cleopatra’s confidential attendants, and slipped into Iras’s room.  When Alexas entered she was concealed behind one of the hangings which covered the walls of the reception-room.

After the Syrian had retired and Iras had been called away, Anukis returned to Barine and said that the mushrooms had really been poisonous, and of the deadliest species.  They had been cooked, and she must go out to seek an antidote.  Since a precious human life might be at stake, Barine would not wish to keep her.

“Go,” said the latter, kindly.  “But if you are the old obliging Aisopion, you won’t object to going a little farther.”

“And inquiring at the house near the Paneum garden,” added Anukis.  “That was already settled.  Longing is also a poison for a loving heart, and its antidote is good news.”

With these laughing words she left her favourite; but as soon as she was out of doors her black brow became lined with earnest thought, and she stood pondering a long time.  At last she went to the Bruchium to hire a donkey to ride to Kanopus, where she hoped to find Archibius.  It was difficult to reach the nearest stand; for a great crowd had assembled on the quay between the Lochias and the Corner of the Muses, and groups of the common people, sailors, and slaves were constantly flocking hither.  But she at last forced her way to the spot and, while the driver was helping her to mount the animal she had chosen, she asked what had attracted the throng, and he answered: 

“They are tearing down the house of the old Museum fungus, Didymus.”

“How can that be?” cried the startled woman.  “The good old man!”

“Good?” repeated the driver, scornfully.  “He’s a traitor, who has caused all the trouble.  Philostratus, the brother of the great Alexas, a friend of Mark Antony, told us so.  He wanted to prove it, so it must be true.  Hear the shouts, and how the stones are flying!  Yes, yes.  His granddaughter and her lover set an ambush for the King Caesarion.  They would have killed him, but the watch interfered, and now he lies wounded on his couch.  If mighty Isis does not lend her aid, the young prince’s life will soon be over.”

Then, turning to the donkey, he dealt him two severe blows on the right and left haunches, shouting:  “Hi, Grey!  It does one good to hear that royal backs have room for the cudgel too.”

Meanwhile, the Nubian was hesitating whether she should not first turn the donkey to the right and seek Didymus; but Barine was threatened by greater peril, and her life was of more value than the welfare of the aged pair.  This decided the question, and she rode forward.

The donkey and his driver did their best, but they came too late; for in the little palace at Kanopus, Anukis learned from the porter that Archibius had gone to the city with his old friend Timagenes, the historian, who lived in Rome, and seemed to have come to Alexandria as an envoy.