It always reminded Kit of Indian pottery down among the Zunis and Mexicans.
"What does the inscription say ?" Kit leaned forward anxiously.
"It merely traces the origin of King Amenotaph to the god Thoth," said the Dean, thoughtfully; "that is, the Egyptian Hermes, or Mercury, as we know him, and it is extremely vague, being a curious mixture of the Coptic and the ancient Aramaic." "But what does it say ?" asked Kit again.
The Dean followed the curious markings on the urn with his finger-tip, bending forward and peering over the rims of his tortoise-shell glasses.
"It says, 'Amenotaph, born of Thoth, shall reign in wisdom.

Kings shall serve at his footstool.

Ra shall shine upon him.

He shall lie in peace, encompassed by Ra.'" "Is that all ?" "That is all," sighed the Dean.

"It seems merely a laudatory sentiment." "Who was Ra ?" asked Kit, curiously, running her hand around the top of the urn.
"The Sun god.