ere was a mysterious charm in this cruel excitement and she felt as
if she were deprived of something desirable when many a fire was
extinguished, the soldiers went to sleep, and conversation ceased.

She now turned for the last time toward the road leading from Tanis; but
nothing was stirring there save the sentries pacing to and fro.

She had not yet doubted Hosea's coming; for the summons she had sent to
him in the name of the Lord had undoubtedly reached him; but now that
the stars showed her it was past midnight, the thought came vividly
before her mind of the many years he had spent among the Egyptians, and
that he might perhaps deem it unworthy of a man to obey the call of a
woman, even if she uplifted her voice in the name of the Most High. She
had experienced humiliations enough that day, why should not this be
decreed also?

CHAPTER XIV

Deeply disturbed and tortured by such thoughts, Miriam walked toward
Amminadab's house to seek repose; but just as she was in the act of
crossing the threshold, she paused and again listened for sounds coming
from the north.

Hosea must arrive from that direction.

But she heard nothing save the footsteps of a sentinel and the voice of
Hur, who was patrolling the camp with a body of armed men.

He, too, had been unable to stay in the house.

The night was mild and starry, the time seemed just suited for dreams
under the sycamore. Her bench beneath the venerable tree was empty, and
with drooping head she approached the beloved resting-place, which she
must leave forever on the morrow.

But ere she had reached the spot so close at hand, she paused with
her figure drawn up to its full height and her hand pressed upon her
throbbing bosom. This time she was not mistaken, the beat of hoofs
echoed on the air, and it came from the north.

Were Pharaoh's chariots approaching to attack the camp? Should she shout
to wake the warriors? Or could it be he whom she so longingly expected?
Yes, yes, yes! It was the tramp of a single steed, and must be a new
arrival; for there were loud voices in the tents, the dogs barked, and
shouts, questions, and answers came nearer and nearer with the rider.

It was Hosea, she felt sure. His riding alone through the night,
released from the bonds that united him to Pharaoh and his comrades
in arms, was a sign of his obedience! Love had steeled his will
and quickened the pace of his steed, and the gratitude of answering
affection, the rew