He lay lost in thought. And suddenly he struck the gong and summoned Tarrar, who entered nimbly and respectfully:
“Find Caleb and bring him here to me.”
The little slave returned in a short time and ushered in Caleb, who approached with graceful salaams. Tarrar left his master alone with the Sabæan.
“Caleb,” said Lucius, “sit down and listen. I need your advice.”
“Your faithful servant is listening, my lord,” said Caleb, sitting down on a chair.
“Caleb,” continued Lucius, “I have not come to Egypt merely to see the things of interest which this country supplies. I have another object. There are mysterious oracles in Egypt; there are prophets and sibyls, so I am told, living in the desert. I want to know something. I want to know where some one is, one who is dear to me and far away. I want to consult the oracles and the prophets and sibyls. You must conduct me, without saying a word to my uncle or my tutor, because they do not approve of the attempts which I wish to make to find this person whom I love. Be my guide, Caleb, and I will reward you.”
“I will be your guide, my lord,” replied Caleb, “and this very night I will conduct you....”
“Where?”
“To the sibyl of Rhacotis, an old sorceress who knows everything.”
“We will go by ourselves, in secret.”