the captives joined, was
heard by Kasana and her companions. They looked toward the
tamarisk-bushes, whence the cry proceeded, and Joshua saw the young widow
turn pale and then point with a hasty gesture to the convicts. She must
undoubtedly have given Siptah some command, for the latter at first
shrugged his shoulders disapprovingly then, after a somewhat lengthy
discussion, half grave, half jesting, he sprang from the chariot and
beckoned to the chief gaoler.

"Have these men," he called from the road so loudly that Kasana could not
fail to hear, "seen the face of the good god, the lord of both worlds?"
And when he received a reluctant answer, he went on arrogantly:

"No matter! At least they beheld mine and that of the fairest of women,
and if they hope for favor on that account they are right. You know who I
am. Let the chains that bind them together be removed." Then, beckoning
to the man, he whispered:

"But keep your eyes open all the wider; I have no liking for the fellow
beside the bush, the ex-chief Hosea. After returning home, report to me
and bring news of this man. The quieter he has become, the deeper my hand
will sink in my purse. Do you understand?"

The warder bowed, thinking: "I'll take care, my prince, and also see that
no one attempts to take the life of any of my moles. The greater the rank
of these gentlemen, the more bloody and strange are their requests! How
many have come to me with similar ones. He releases the poor wretches'
feet, and wants me to burden my soul with a shameful murder. Siptah has
tried the wrong man! Here, Heter, bring the bag of tools and open the
moles' chains."

While the files were grating on the sand-hill by the road and the
prisoners were being released from the fetters on their ancles,--though
for the sake of security each man's arms were bound together,--Pharaoh's
host marched by.

Kasana had commanded Prince Siptah to release from their iron burden the
unfortunates who were being dragged to a life of misery, openly
confessing that she could not bear to see a chief who had so often been a
guest of her house so cruelly humiliated. Bai's wife had supported her
wish, and the prince was obliged to yield.

Joshua knew to whom he and Ephraim owed this favor, and received it with
grateful joy.

Walking had been made easier for him, but his mind was more and more
sorely oppressed with anxious cares.

The army passing yonder would have been enough to destroy down to