ded individuals; but God
himself could scarcely be wroth with those who, content if their bodily
wants were satisfied, had unresistingly borne insults and blows like
cattle. The multitude even now did not realize that they must pass
through the darkness of misery to be worthy of the bright day that
awaited them.

The medicines administered by Miriam seemed to relieve the sufferer, and
filled with fresh confidence, she left the tent to seek her brothers.

There had been little change in the state of affairs in the camp, and
she again beheld scenes from which she recoiled and which made her
regret that the sensitive Milcah was her companion.

Some rascally bondmen who had seized cattle and utensils belonging to
others had been bound to a palmtree, and the ravens that followed the
procession; and had found ample sustenance on the way, now croaked
greedily around the quickly established place of execution.

No one knew who had been judge or executioner of the sentence; but those
who took part in the swift retribution considered it well justified, and
rejoiced in the deed.

With rapid steps and averted head Miriam drew the trembling Milcah on
and gave her to the care of her uncle Naashon to lead home. The latter
had just parted from the man who with him ruled the sons of Judah as a
prince of the tribe--Hur, who at the head of the shepherds had won the
first victory against the Egyptians, and who now led to the maiden with
joyful pride a man and a boy, his son and grandson. Both had been in the
service of the Egyptians, practising the trade of goldsmith and worker
in metals for Pharaoh at Memphis. The former's skill had won him the
name of Uri, which in Egyptian means 'great', and this artificer's son
Bezaleel, Hur's grandson, though scarcely beyond boyhood, was reputed to
surpass his father in the gifts of genius.

Hur gazed with justifiable pride at son and grandson; for though both
had attained much consideration among the Egyptians they had followed
their father's messenger without demur, leaving behind them many who
were dear to their hearts, and the property gained in Memphis, to join
their wandering nation and share its uncertain destiny.

Miriam greeted the new arrivals with the utmost warmth, and the men who,
representing three generations, stood before her, presented a picture on
which the eyes of any well-disposed person could not fail to rest with
pleasure.

The grandfather was approaching his sixtieth ye