The mention of the taskmaster's name brought forward the
probability of a rival.
"I can take thee back to Atsu," he said slowly. "These menials will
not remain in the hills after sunset, and under cover of night I can
slip thee, by strategy, past any sentries they may have set and get
thee to Atsu. I, by my sacrilege, and he by his insubordination, are
both under ban of the law, but danger with him will be sweeter danger
than peril with me, I doubt not."
She looked at him, and the hurt that began to show on her face gave
place to puzzlement.
"Is it not so?" he asked with a bitter smile. "The companionship of
ones beloved works wonders out of heavy straits!"
"But--. Dost thou--? Atsu is naught to me," she cried, her grave face
brightening.
The blood surged back to his cheeks and the life into his eyes. He
leaned toward her, ready to ask for more enlightenment concerning her
conduct, when she went on dreamily: "But he is wondrous kind and hath
made the camp bright with his humanity. Israel loveth Atsu."
Kenkenes turned again to the perplexity in hand.
"I came this morning to ask thy permission to give thee thy freedom. I
doubt not Israel of Masaarah, hidden in a niche in the hills, does not
dream that it is the plan of the Pharaoh--nay, the heir to the crown of
Egypt by the mouth of the Pharaoh--to exterminate the Hebrews.
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