d
hardened his constitution, but they have given stability to his
character. He is thoughtful and prudent, and his advice will always be
valuable, while of his courage I have no more doubt than I have of
yours. When you have once gained your kingdom you will find in
Chebron a wise counselor, one on whom you can lean in all times of
difficulty.

"When we have left the girls behind we will continue our journey
through the land, and gradually put ourselves into communication with
such governors of towns and other persons of influence as we may learn
to be discontented with the present state of things, so that when we
strike our blow the whole country will declare for you at once. As we
travel we will gradually collect a body of determined men for the
surprise of the capital. There must be numbers of my old friends and
comrades still surviving, and there should be no difficulty in
collecting a force capable of capturing the city by a surprise."

Jethro's plans were carried out, and the girls placed under the care
of the wife of a Persian trader in a seaport close to the frontier of
Persia; the others then started upon their journey, still traveling as
Persians. Jethro had little difficulty in discovering the sentiments
of the principal men in the towns through which they passed.
Introducing himself first to them as a Persian trader desirous of
their protection in traveling through the country, he soon disclosed
to them his own individuality.

To many of them he was known either personally or by repute. He
informed them that he had escaped from Egypt with Amuba, but he led
them to believe that his companion was waiting in Persian territory
until he learned from him that the country was ripe for his
appearance; for he thought it best in no case to disclose the fact
that Amuba was with him, lest some of those with whom he communicated
should endeavor to gain rewards from the king by betraying him. His
tidings were everywhere received with joy, and in many cases Jethro
was urged to send at once for Amuba and to show him to the people,
for that all the land would instantly rise on his behalf.

Jethro, however, declared that Amuba would bide his time, for that a
premature disclosure would enable the king to call together a portion
of the army which had formerly fought under his orders, and that with
the assistance of the Egyptians he might be able to form a successful
resistance to a popular rising.

"I intend," he said, "