She had offered him
theories that peremptorily contradicted the accepted idea among
Egyptians, that Moses was inspired by a personal motive of revenge.
The argument put forth by his father began to show sundry weaknesses.
Furthermore Rachel's version gave him a much coveted opportunity to
slip from his shoulders the discomforting blame that had rested there
since he had heard that a miscarried letter might effect a national
disturbance. Much as the practical side of his nature sought to decry
the great Hebrew's motive, a sense of relief possessed him.
"I fear me, Kenkenes, thou durst not boast thyself an embroiler of
nations," he said to himself. "The Hebrew prince is a zealot, and
zealots have no fear for their lives. Truly those Israelites are an
uncommon and a proud people. But, by Besa, is she not beautiful!"
He enlarged on this latter thought at such exhaustive length that he
had traversed the valley and field, found his boat, crossed the Nile
and was at home before he had made an end.
CHAPTER XIII
THE COMING OF THE PHARAOH
On the first day of February, runners, dusty, breathless and excited,
passed the sentries of the Memphian palace of Meneptah with the news
that the Pharaoh was but a day's journey from his capital.
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