Ru led him round the corner of the second pyramid and there, seated on the sand and playing pipes that made a wild music, were three men, the Captain of the Pyramids and two of his sons.
“Here are those who can answer your question, Lord,” he said, then turning to the men added, “This lord, who is an envoy and a guest, desires to know whether the pyramids can be climbed.”
“We awaited you,” said the Captain gravely, “as we have been commanded to do. Is it now your pleasure to see this feat performed?”
“It is,” answered Khian. “Moreover, the climber will not lack a present, though I who am a scaler of mountains hold the thing to be impossible.”
“Be pleased to stand back a little way and watch,” said the Captain.
Then he and his two sons threw off their long robes and clothed only in a linen garment about their middles, ran to that pyramid which was in front of them and separated. One son disappeared to the north and the other to the south, while the father began to spring up the eastern face as a goat springs up a precipice. Up he went, high and higher yet, while Khian watched amazed, till at last he saw him gain the very crest. Lo! as he did so there appeared with him the two sons who, unseen, had travelled thither by other roads. Moreover, presently there appeared a fourth figure clad in white.
“Who is the fourth?” exclaimed Khian. “But three started to climb, and now, behold! there are four.”
Ru stared at the top of the pyramid, then answered stupidly:
“Surely staring at those polished stones has dazed you, Lord. I see but three, doubtless the Captain and his two sons.”
Khian looked again and said: