Peace to
thee, Caleb. To Miriam, greeting and peace."
The warrior urged his camel and, rounding the stela-guarding soldier
who had stood within ear-shot of the narrative, he was gone in a long
undulating swing up the road that led to Pa-Ramesu.
Caleb gazed after him until he was only a tall shape like the stroke of
a pen in the distance. Then the mild Israelite looked longingly at the
Egyptian, and finally returned to the litters. These in a moment were
shouldered by the bearers and moved out up the road toward Tanis.
Caleb walked before them, dotting every other footprint with the point
of his staff. He sighed gustily and sank his bearded chin on his
breast.
The soldier turned his head as soon as the attendant had passed and
gazed at the litters.
The Hebrew bearers of the foremost were four in number, dressed in the
garb of serving-men to noble Israel. The hangings of blue linen had
been thrust aside and within was the semi-recumbent figure of a woman.
One knee was drawn up, the hands clasped behind the head, but the
majesty of the august countenance belied the youth of the posture. The
eyes of the woman met those of the Egyptian and lighted with
recognition. She lowered her arms and crossed the left to the shoulder
of the right.
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