"I have wisdom, your Majesties, and I will answer," he said. "The time
draws on when, in the land of Death which is Life, the land that we
call Amenti, it will be given to us to lay our wrongs as to this matter
before Those who judge, knowing that they will be avenged. On this night
of the year also, when we resume the shapes we were, we have certain
powers of vengeance, or rather of executing justice. But our time is
short, and there is much to say and do before the sun-god Ra arises
and we depart each to his place. Therefore it seems best that we should
leave these wicked ones in their wickedness till we meet them face to
face beyond the world."
Smith, who had been following the words of Khaemuas with the closest
attention and considerable anxiety, breathed again, thanking Heaven
that the engagements of these departed monarchs were so numerous and
pressing. Still, as a matter of precaution, he drew the cigar-box which
contained Ma-Mee's hand from his pocket, and pushed it as far away from
him as he could. It was a most unlucky act. Perhaps the cigar-box grated
on the floor, or perhaps the fact of his touching the relic put him into
psychic communication with all these spirits. At any rate, he became
aware that the eyes of that dreadful magician were fixed upon him, and
that a bone had a better chance of escaping the search of a Rontgen ray
than he of hiding himself from their baleful glare.
Pages:
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74