Dye her
hair and stain her face, take the boat and go to my father's house in
Memphis. He is Mentu, the murket to the Pharaoh--a patriot and a
friend to the kings. He knows not the Hebrew, but he is generous,
hospitable and kind to the oppressed of whatever blood. Tell him
Rachel's trouble and of me. I am his only child, and my name on thy
lips will win thee the best of his board, the shelter of his roof, the
protection of his right arm. Wait for me, however, in this place till
a month hath elapsed.
"Keep the amphorae filled with water, fresh every day, and preserve a
stock of food within the tomb always to stand you in good stead if
Rachel's enemy discover her hiding-place and besiege it."
His eyes ignited and his face grew white.
"Starve within this cave," he went on intensely, approaching her, "but
deliver her not into his hands, I charge thee, for the welfare of thy
immortal soul. If thou art beset and there is no escape, before she
shall live for the despoiler--take her life!"
Deborah scanned him narrowly, and when he made an end she opened her
lips as though to speak. But something deterred her, and she moved
away from him.
"Come, spread the matting, Rachel," she said.
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