But she
checked him with a cry. "Look!"
His eyes followed her outstretched arm. At regular intervals along the
Nile, the distant figures of men were seen posted. Escape was cut off.
He mounted to the top of the cliff and led Rachel out of view from the
river. The second man retreated, and raged from afar. The sculptor
turned up the shingly slope toward the sun-white ridge of higher hills
inland. Here, he would hide with Rachel, till his strength returned
and the ache left his head clear to plan a safe escape. The Nubian
called on all the gods to annihilate them and started in pursuit. The
sculptor did not pause, and, emboldened by the indifference of the man
he dogged, the pursuer drew near and made menacing demonstrations.
Kenkenes had no desire to be followed. He bade Rachel wait for him and
approached the Nubian.
"Now," he began coolly, "thou art unwelcome, likewise, insolent. Also
art thou a fool, but it is an arch-idiot indeed that lacketh caution.
This maiden is beloved of all the Israelites. Thou art one man, and
alone. It would not be safe for thee to attempt to take her without
help even across that little space between Masaarah and the Nile. I
should harass thee with others within call.
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