Nowitwasmidnight，andPharaohslept。ButMeriamuntheQueensleptnot。Sherosefromherbed，shewrappedherselfinadarkcloakthathidherface，andtakingalampinherhand，glidedthroughtheemptyhallstillshecametoasecretstairdownwhichshepassed。Therewasagateatthefootofthestair，andaguardsleptbyit。Shepushedhimwithherfoot。
Heawokeandsprangtowardsher，butsheheldasignetbeforehiseyes，anoldringofgreatQueenTaia，whereonaHathorworshippedthesun。Thenhebowedandopenedthegate。Shesweptonthroughmanypassages，deepintothebowelsoftheearth，tillshecametothedoorofalittlechamberwherealightshone。Mentalkedinthechamber，andshelistenedtotheirtalk。Theyspokemuchandlaughedgleefully。
Thensheenteredthedoorwayandlookeduponthem。Theyweresixinnumber，evil-eyedmenofEthiopia，andseatedinacircle。Inthecentreofthecirclelaythewaxenimageofaman，andtheywerecuttingitwithknivesandsearingitwithneedlesofironandpincersmadered-hot，andmanyinstrumentsstrangeanddreadfultolookupon。
Forthesewerethetormentors，andtheyspokeofthosepainsthatto-morrowtheyshouldwreakupontheWanderer，andpractisedthem。
ButMeriamun，wholovedhim，shiveredasshelooked，andmutteredthusbeneathherbreath: