river being present, perhaps they did not. Nor in truth did I listen
who was engaged in thought as to the hard lot of these poor Hebrews, who
must collect this dirty stuff and bear it so far, made heavy as it was
by the clay that clung about the roots.

Even now, as it chanced, we did not reach Goshen without further
trouble. Just as we had crossed the bridge over the canal I, toiling
behind, saw in the clear moonlight a young man running towards us. He
was a Hebrew, tall, well-made and very handsome in his fashion. His eyes
were dark and fierce, his nose was hooked, his teeth where regular and
white, and his long, black hair hung down in a mass upon his shoulders.
He held a wooden staff in his hand and a naked knife was girded about
his middle. Seeing the chariot he halted and peered at it, then asked in
Hebrew if those who travelled had seen aught of a young Israelitish lady
who was lost.

"If you seek me, Laban, I am here," replied Merapi, speaking from the
shadow of the cloak.

"What do you there alone with an Egyptian, Merapi?" he said fiercely.

What followed I do not know for they spoke so quickly in their
unfamiliar tongue that I could not understand them. At length Merapi
turned to the Prince, saying:

"Lord, this is Laban my affianced, who commands me to descend from the
chariot and accompany him as best I can."

"And I, Lady, command you to stay in it. Laban your affianced can
accompany us."

Now at this Laban grew angry, as I could see he was prone to do, and
stretched out his hand as though to push Seti aside and seize Merapi.

"Have a care, man,' said the Prince, while I, throwing down the straw,
drew my sword and sprang between them, crying:

"Slave, would you lay hands upon the Prince of Egypt?"

"Prince of Egypt!" he said, drawing back astonished, then added
sullenly, "Well what does the Prince of Egypt with my affianced?"

"He helps her who is hurt to her home, having found her helpless in the
desert with this accursed straw," I answered.

"Forward, driver," said the Prince, and Merapi added, "Peace, Laban, and
bear the straw which his Highness's companion has carried such a weary
way."

He hesitated a moment, then snatched up the bundle and set it on his
head.

As we walked side by side, his evil temper seemed to get the better
of him. Without ceasing, he grumbled because Merapi was alone in the
chariot with an Egyptian. At length I could bear it no longer.

"Be silent, fellow," I s