was not a haughty prelate, but a very humble and pious minister.  His superior, the patriarch, had entrusted him with an important mission to Amru or his lieutenant, and yet he could let the Vekeel wait in vain, and not even send him a message of explanation; in the afternoon, however, his old housekeeper dispatched the acolyte who was attached to his person to seek Philippus.  Her master, a hale and vigorous man, had gone to bed by broad day-light a few hours after his return home, and had not again left it.  He was hot and thirsty, and did not seem fully conscious of where he was or of what was happening.

Plotinus had always maintained that prayer was the Christian’s best medicine; still, as his poor body had become alarmingly heated the old woman ventured to send for the physician; but the messenger came back saying that Philippus was absent on a journey.  This was in fact the case:  He had quitted Memphis in obedience to a letter from Haschim.  The merchant’s unfortunate son was not getting better.  There seemed to be an injury to some internal organ, which threatened his life.  The anxious father besought the leech, in whom he had the greatest confidence, to hasten to Djidda, there to examine the sufferer and undertake the case.  At the same time he desired that Rustem should join him as soon as his health would permit.

This letter—­which ended with greetings to Paula, for whose father he was making diligent search—­agitated Philippus greatly.  How could he leave Memphis at a time of such famine and sickness?—­And Dame Joanna and her daughter!

On the other hand he was much drawn to get away on Paula’s account—­away, far away; and then how gladly would he do his best to save that fine old man’s son.  In spite of all this he would have remained, but that his old friend, quite unexpectedly, took Haschim’s side of the question and implored him to make the journey.  He would make it his business and his pleasure to take charge of the women in Rufinus’ house; Philip’s assistant could fill his place at the bedside of many of the sick, and the rest could die without him.  Had not he himself said that there was no remedy for the disease?  Again, Philip had said not long since that there could be no peace for him within reach of Paula:  here was a favorable opportunity for escape without attracting remark, and at the same time for doing a work of the truest charity.

So Philippus had yielded, and had started on his journey with very mixed feelings.

Horapollo did not devote any particular attention to his personal comfort; but in one respect he took especial care of himself.  He had great difficulty in walking and, as he loved to breathe the fresh air at sundown, and sometimes to study the stars at a late hour, he kept an ass of the best and finest breed.  He did not hesitate to pay a high price for such a beast if it really answered his requirements; that is to say if it were strong, surefooted, gentle, and light-colored.  His father and grandfather, priests of Isis, had always ridden white asses, and so he would do the same.