"Because otherwise we should drown," answered the fisherman simply.

"Yes, certainly, and that we cannot. The Nile, then, has a Lord who
controls the water-level; and He who has measured out the starry
vault, and laid the foundations of the earth, has set up a wall for
the waters, and this wall, which we cannot see, is fifteen yards
high. For during the great flood in the land of our fathers, Ur of
the Chaldees, the water rose fifteen yards--no more, no less. Yes,
Nepht, I say 'we,' for you are of our people, though you speak
another tongue, and honour strange gods. I wish you a good morning,
Nepht, a very good morning."

He left the abashed fisherman, went on, and entered the outskirts of
the city, where began the rows of citizens' houses built of
Nile-bricks and wood. He saw the merchant and money-changer Eleazar
taking down his window-shutters while his assistant sprinkled water
on the ground before the shop. Amram greeted him, "A fine morning,
cousin Eleazar."

"I cannot say," answered the tradesman sulkily. "The Nile has
remained stationary, and begins to sink. The times are bad."

"Bad times are followed by good times, as our father Abraham knew;
and when Joseph, Jacob's son, foresaw the seven lean years he
counselled Pharaoh to store up corn in the granaries...."

"May be, but that is a forgotten tale now."

"Yes, and have you also forgotten the promise which the Lord gave to
his friend Abraham?"