eeting, and a second glad
greeting soon followed; for old Nun, protected by the tall Egyptian
shields which the sea had washed ashore, had been guided to the
projecting rock in whose shelter strong hands were filing the fetters
from Joshua and his companion, while Ephraim, with several others, bound
the captain.

The unfortunate man had given up all attempt at resistance and submitted
to everything as if utterly crushed. He only asked permission to wipe
his eyes ere his arms were bound behind his back; for tear after
tear was falling on the grey beard of the warder who, outwitted and
overpowered, no longer felt capable of discharging the duties of his
office.

Nun clasped to his heart with passionate fervor the rescued son whom he
had already mourned as lost. Then, releasing him, he stepped back and
never wearied of feasting his eyes on him and hearing him repeat that,
faithful to his God, he had consecrated himself to the service of his
people.

But it was for a brief period only that they gave themselves up to the
bliss of this happy meeting; the battle asserted its rights, and its
direction fell, as a matter of course, to Joshua.

He had learned with grateful joy, yet not wholly untinged with
melancholy, of the fate which had overtaken the brave army among whose
leaders he had long proudly numbered himself, and also heard that
another body of armed shepherds, under the command of Hur, Miriam's
husband, had attacked the turquoise mines of Dophkah, which situated
a little farther toward the south, could be reached in a few hours. If
they conquered, they were to join the young followers of Ephraim before
sunset.

The latter was burning with eagerness to rush upon the Egyptians, but
the more prudent Joshua, who had scanned the foe, though he did not
doubt that they must succumb to the fiery shepherds, who were far
superior to them in numbers, was anxious to shed as little blood as
possible in this conflict, which was waged on his account, so he bade
Ephraim cut a palm from the nearest tree, ordered a shield to be handed
to him and then, waving the branch as an omen of peace, yet cautiously
protecting himself, advanced alone to meet the foe.

The main body were drawn up in front of the mines and, familiar with
the signal which requested negotiations, asked their commander for an
interview.

The latter was ready to grant it, but first desired to know the contents
of a letter which had just been handed to him and