the open space yonder with a slave, making pretence to re-bind a burst
bundle of merchandise. Then come down and admit me without fear."

When the Phœnician had gone Nehushta sat by her sleeping mistress, and
waited with an anxious heart. Had she done wisely? Would Amram betray
them and send soldiers to conduct them, not to the ship, but to some
dreadful death? Well, if so, at least she would have time to kill her
mistress and herself, and thus escape the cruelties of men. Meanwhile
she could only pray; and pray she did in her fierce, half-savage
fashion, never for herself, but for her mistress whom she loved, and for
the child that, she remembered thankfully, Anna had foretold would be
born and live out its life. Then she remembered also that this same holy
woman had said that its mother's hours would be few, and at the thought
Nehushta wept.



CHAPTER IV

THE BIRTH OF MIRIAM

The time passed slowly, but none came to disturb them. Three hours after
noon Rachel awoke, refreshed but hungry, and Nehushta had no food to
give her except raw grain, from which she turned. Clearly and in few
words she told her mistress all that had passed, asking her consent to
the plan.

"It seems good as another," said Rachel with a little sigh, "and I thank
you for making it, Nou, and the Phœnician, if he is a true man. Also I
do not desire to meet my father--at least, for many years. How can I,