gh his veins.
His head and the wound began to ache, and he sometimes felt a slight
chill. He knew that the fever was increasing, as it had done once before
when he nearly lost his life in the red disease; but he was ashamed to
own it and battled bravely against his pain.

When the sun was nearing the horizon Hornecht entered the garden. He had
already seen Hosea, and though heartily glad to greet his old friend once
more, it had vexed him that the soldier's first enquiry was for his
daughter. He did not withhold this from the young widow, but his flashing
eyes betrayed the displeasure with which he delivered the Hebrew's
message. Then, turning to Ephraim, he told him that Hosea and his men
would encamp outside of the city, pitching their tents, on account of the
pestilence, between Tanis and the sea. They would soon march by. His
uncle sent Ephraim word that he must seek him in his tent.

When he noticed that the youth was aiding his daughter to weave the
garlands, he smiled, and said:

"Only this morning this young fellow declared his intention of remaining
free and a ruler all his life. Now he has taken service with you, Kasana.
You need not blush, young friend. If either your mistress or your uncle
can persuade you to join us and embrace the noblest trade--that of the
soldier--so much the better for you. Look at me! I've wielded the bow
more than forty years and still rejoice in my profession. I must obey, it
is true, but it is also my privilege to command, and the thousands who
obey me are not sheep and cattle, but brave men. Consider the matter
again. He would make a splendid leader of the archers. What say you,
Kasana?"

"Certainly," replied the young widow. And she was about to say more, but
the regular tramp of approaching troops was heard on the other side of
the garden-wall. A slight flush crimsoned Kasana's cheeks, her eyes
sparkled with a light that startled Ephraim and, regardless of her father
or her guest, she darted past the pond, across paths and flower-beds, to
a grassy bank beside the wall, whence she gazed eagerly toward the road
and the armed host which soon marched by.

Hosea, in full armor, headed his men. As he passed Hornecht's garden he
turned his grave head, and seeing Kasana lowered his battle-axe in
friendly salutation.

Ephraim had followed the captain of the archers, who pointed out the
youth's uncle, saying: "Shining armor would become you also, and when
drums are beating, pipes sq