To Nehapehu,
and even deep into the Great Oasis were messengers sent, for we would
not leave a single son of Abraham behind. And the masters surrendered
them to a man! Was it the face of Miriam or the fear of Moses or the
might of the Lord that tamed them? Hath Miriam a compelling glance, or
Moses a power that came not from Jehovah? Nay, not so. Praised be His
holy name!"
The mild Israelite clasped his hands and raised his eyes devoutly. But
fearful lest his pause might furnish an opportunity for Joshua's
escape, he continued at once:
"We were descending the Nile, below Memphis; the river sang and the
hills lifted up their voices. There was rejoicing in the meadows and
clapping of hands in the valleys. We possessed the gates of our
enemies and Mizraim sat upon the shores and wept after us.
"Below Masaarah, the darkness fell; the sun perished in the morning and
the stars were not summoned in the night, for the Lord had withdrawn
the lights of heaven. But His hand was upon the waters and His glory
stood about us and we feared not.
"And lo! there came a call upon Him from the shores to the east. The
barge of Miriam paused and from the land we succored an Israelitish
maiden. But when we would have moved on, she flung herself before
Miriam and besought her:
"'Depart not yet, for there is another.
Pages:
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564