them, so they had kept too far northward and wandered near
the fortress of Thabne. Hosea had met them a mile from this spot and
advised them to turn back, that they might not bring their misfortune
upon their fugitive brethren.

During this conversation, a body of Egyptian soldiers had marched from
the fortress toward the lepers to drive them from the road; but their
commander, who knew Hosea, used no violence, and both men persuaded
the leaders of the lepers to accept the proposal to be guided to the
peninsula of Sinai, where in the midst of the mountains, not far from
the mines, a colony of lepers had settled. They had agreed to this plan
because Hosea promised them that, if the tribes went eastward, they
would meet them and receive everyone who was healed; but if the Hebrews
remained in Egypt, nevertheless the pure air of the desert would bring
health to many a sufferer, and every one who recovered would be free to
return home.

These negotiations had consumed much time, and the first delay was
followed by many others; for as Hosea had been in such close contact
with the lepers, he was obliged to ride to Thabne, there with the
commander of the garrison, who had stood by his side, to be sprinkled
with bird's blood, put on new garments, and submit to certain ceremonies
which he himself considered necessary and which could be performed
only in the bright sunlight. His servant had been kept in the fortress
because the kind-hearted man had shaken hands with a relative whom he
met among the hapless wretches.

The cause of the delay had been both sorrowful and repulsive, and not
until after Hosea had left Thabne in the afternoon and proceeded on his
way to Succoth, did hope and joy again revive at the thought of seeing
Miriam once more and bringing to his people a message that promised so
much good.

His heart had never throbbed faster or with more joyous anticipation
than on the nocturnal ride which led him to his father and the woman he
loved, and on reaching his goal, instead of the utmost happiness, he now
found only bitter disappointment.

He had reluctantly described in brief, disconnected sentences his
meeting with the lepers, though he believed he had done his best for the
welfare of these unfortunates. All of his warrior comrades had uttered
a word of praise; but when he paused she whose approval he valued above
aught else, pointed to a portion of the camp and said sadly: "They are
of our blood, and our God