CHAPTER XVIII
The Tale of Philo
Once more it was a night of full moon. As we had done for many days we were sailing before that steady wind along the coast of Libya, having this upon our right hand, and upon our left, at a distance, a line of rocky reef upon which breakers fell continually.
It was a very splendid moon that turned the sea to silver and lit up the palm-grown shore almost as brightly as does the sun. I sat upon the deck near to my cabin and by me stood Philo watching that shore intently.
For what do you seek, Philo? Are you in fear of sunken rocks?
Nay, Child of Isis, yet it is true that I seek a certain rock which by my reckoning should now be insight. Ah!
Then suddenly he ran forward and shouted an order. Men leapt up and sprang to the ropes while the rowers began to get out the sweeps. As they did this the Hapi came round so that her bow pointed to the shore and the great sail sank to the deck. Then the long oars bit into the water and drove us shoreward.
Philo returned.
Look, Lady,
he said. Now that the moon has risen higher you can see well,
and he pointed to a headland in front of us.
Following his outstretched hand with my eyes I
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