come into the room where she was. She declared that
his noise was too much for her, that his talk made her head ache, and
that his fidgeting about was too much to be borne. Nor since that time
had he been much more with her. It was his father who had seen to his
welfare and that of Mysa, who would put aside his grave studies to
walk and talk with them, who was always indulgent, always anxious to
give them pleasure. He therefore thoroughly entered into Mysa's
feelings, but saw no possible alternative for her.

"But where could you go, Mysa?" Jethro asked. "Where could you be
placed? Wherever you were your mother in time would be sure to hear of
it and would reclaim you."

"I shall go with Chebron, and you, and Amuba," Mysa said positively.

"Impossible!" Jethro replied. "We are going upon a tremendous journey,
full of danger and fatigue. We are going among unknown and savage
peoples; the chances are a hundred to one against our ever arriving at
the end of our journey. If this is so to myself and to young men like
Chebron and Amuba--for they are now past eighteen, and will speedily
be men--what chance would there be of success with you with us?"

"I can walk as well as Chebron," Mysa said. "You know that, Chebron.
And I suppose I could suffer hardship just as well. At any rate, I
would rather suffer anything and be with him and all of you than stop
here. The people have murdered my father. My mother would sell me to
the highest bidder. If the chances are so great that you will never
get through your journey in safety, my being with you cannot make them
so much greater. I have only Chebron in the world, and I will go where
he goes and die where he dies. The gods can protect me just as well on
a journey as here. Have they not protected you now, and Chebron too,
by what he says? You will take me with you, dear Jethro, won't you?"
she urged pleadingly. "You say my father wished you to watch over me;
do not forsake me now. Ruth will come with us too--will you not,
Ruth?--I am sure she will not be more afraid of the journey than I
am."

"I will assuredly go if you go, Mysa. The God of Israel can take us
safely through all dangers if it be his will."

Jethro was silent. Such an addition to his charge would assuredly add
immensely to the difficulties of the journey; but on the other hand he
remembered the anxiety of Ameres about Mysa, and he asked himself what
his late master would have wished had he known how matters stoo