 CHAPTER XIX When they neared Petra, a horn was heard to blow, and people were seen running about among the houses, they take us for a party of Arabs, one of the horsemen said, as I have often been through the town and am known to several persons here, I will, if you like, hurry on and tell them that we are peaceful travellers. The party halted for a few minutes and then moved slowly forward again. By the time they reached the town the news that the party were traders had spread, and the people were issuing from their houses, these were small and solidly built of stone. They were but one story high. The roof was flat, with a low wall running round it, and the houses had but one door opening externally. This was very low and narrow, so that those inside could offer a determined resistance against entry. As the town stood on the slope of the hill, and the roofs of the lower houses were commanded by those from above, the place was capable of offering a determined resistance against marauding tribes. The head man of the place met the travellers and conducted them to an empty house, which he placed at their disposal, and offered a present of fowls, dates, and wine. The news that a heavy defeat had been inflicted upon one of the wandering bands excited satisfaction, for the interference of these plunderers greatly affected the prosperity of the place, as the inhabitants were unable to trade with Ilana unless going down in very strong parties. Every attention was paid to the party by the inhabitants. Their wounds were bathed and oil poured into them, and in the more serious cases boiled herbs of medicinal virtue were applied as poultices to the wounds. Petra at that time was but a large village, but it afterward rose into a place of importance. The travellers remained here for a week, at the end of which time all saved two were in a fit state to continue their journey. Without further adventure the journey was continued to Moab. On their arrival here the escort was dismissed, each man receiving a present in addition to the stipulated rate of pay that they were to draw upon their return to Ilana. Moab was a settled country. It contained no large towns, but the population, which was considerable, was gathered in small villages of low stone-built houses similar to those in Petra. The inhabitants were ready to trade. Their language was strange to Jethro and Amuba, but it was closely related to that spoken by Ruth, and she generally acted as interpreter between Jethro and the natives. After travelling through Moab they took the caravan road across the desert to the northeast, passed through the oasis of Talmyra, a large and flourishing city, and then journeyed on the Euphrates. They were now in the country of the Assyrians, and not wishing to attract attention or questions, they avoided Nineveh and the other great cities, and kept on their way north until they reached the mountainous country lying between Assyria and the Caspian. They met with many delays upon the way, and it was six months after leaving Ilana before, after passing through a portion of Persia, they reached the country inhabited by the scattered tribes known by the general name of Medes, and to whom the Rebu were related. Through this country Thotmys had carried his arms, and most of the tribes acknowledged the dominion of Egypt, and paid a tribute to that country, Egyptian garrisons being scattered here and there among them. Jethro and Amuba now felt at home, but as they determined that when they reached their own country they would, until they found how matters were going on there, disguised their identity, they now travelled as Persian traders. Long before reaching Persia they had disposed of the stock of goods with which they started, and had now supplied themselves with articles of Persian manufacture. They thus passed on unquestioned from village to village, as the trade in those regions was entirely carried on by Persian merchants, that country having already attained a comparatively high amount of civilization, while the Median tribes, although settled down into fixed communities, had as yet but little knowledge of the arts of peace. The party journeyed in company with some Persian traders, and gradually worked their way north until they arrived at the first Rebu village. They had many times debated the question of the part they should hear play, and had agreed that it would be better to continue to maintain their character as Persian traders until they had learned the exact position of affairs. In order to be able to keep up their disguise they had laid in a fresh stock of Persian goods, at the last large town through which they passed. Had Jethro been alone he could at once have declared himself, and would have been received with joy as one who had made his way back from captivity in Egypt, but for Amuba there would have been danger in his being recognized until the disposition of the occupant of the throne was discovered. There would indeed have been small chance of his being recognized had he been alone. Nearly four years had elapsed since he had been carried away captive, and he had grown from a boy into a powerful young man, but had Jethro been recognized his companion's identity might have been suspected as he was known to have been the special mentor and companion of the young prince. As to Amuba he had no desire whatever to occupy the throne of the Rebu, and desired only to reside quietly in his native country. The large sum that Ameris had handed over to the care of Jethro had been much diminished by the expenses of their long journey, but there was still ample to ensure for them all a good position in a country where money was not abundant. In their journey through Persia they had picked up many of the words of that language differing from those of the Rebu, and using these in their conversation they were able to pass well as traders who in their previous journeys in the land had acquired a fair knowledge of the dialect of the people. They soon learned that an Egyptian garrison still occupied the capital, that the people groaned under the exactions necessary to pay the annual tribute, and that General Amusus, who had as Amuba's father expected he would do, seized the throne of the Rebu after the departure of the main Egyptian army, was in close intimacy with the Egyptian officials, and was in consequence extremely unpopular among the people. He had, on his accession to power, put to death all the relatives of the late king who could be considered as rival claimants for the throne, and there could be little doubt that did he suspect that Amuba had returned from Egypt he would not hesitate to remove him from his path. Amuba had several long consultations with Jethro as to his course. He repeated to him the conversation that he had had with his father on the day previous to the battle in which the latter was slain, how he had warned him against the ambition of Amusus, and advised him rather than risk the chances of civil war in endeavouring to assert his rights, to collect a body of adherence and to seek a new home in the far west. Jethro, however, was strongly of opinion that the advice, although excellent at the time, was no longer appropriate. To begin with, Amuba, you were then but a boy of sixteen, and engaged as we were in war with Egypt, the people would naturally have preferred having a well-known and skillful general at their head to a boy whom they could not hope would lead them successfully in war. You are now a man. You have had a wide experience. You have an acquaintance with the manners and ways of our conquerors, and were you on the throne could do much for the people, and could promote their welfare by encouraging new methods of agriculture, and teaching them something of the civilization in Egypt. In the second place, in the four years that have elapsed, Amusus has had time to make himself unpopular, the necessity for heavy taxation to raise the annual tribute, as naturally told against him, to say nothing of the fact that he is said to be on friendly terms with our foreign oppressors. Therefore the chances would be all in your favor. But I have no desire to be king, Amuba replied. I want to live in quiet contentment. You are born to be king, Prince Amuba, Jethro said. It is not a matter of your choice. Besides, it is evident that for the good of the people it is necessary that the present usurper should be overthrown, and the lawful dynasty restored. Besides this, it is clear that you cannot live in peace and contentment, as you say. You might at any moment be recognized and your life forfeited. As to the original plan, I am sure that your father would not have advocated it under the changed circumstances. Besides, I think you have had your fair share of wandering and dangers. Moreover, I suppose you would hardly wish to drag Miza with you on your journey to an unknown country, where all sorts of trials and struggles must unquestionably be encountered before you succeed in founding a new settlement. I suppose, he said with a smile, you would not propose leaving her here to whatever fate might befall her. I fancy from what I have seen during the last six months that you have altogether other intentions concerning her. Amuba was silent for some time. But if Amusis is supported by the Egyptians, he said at last, and is viewed by them as their ally, I should not be able to overthrow him without becoming involved in hostilities with them also. It is not, he went on, seeing that Jethro was about to speak, of the garrison here that I am thinking, but of the power of Egypt behind it. Did I overthrow Amusis and defeat the Egyptians, his friends, I should bring upon my country a fresh war with Egypt. It is, as we have found, a very long way off, Amuba. Occasionally, a war like monarch arises under whom her arms are carried vast distances, and many nations are brought under her sway. But such efforts are made but rarely, and we lie at the extremist limit of her power. Thotmiz himself has gained sufficient glory. He was absent for years from his country, and at the end of long journeyings returned home to enjoy the fruits of his victories. It is not likely that he would again start on so long an expedition merely to bring so distant a corner of the land subject to Egypt again under her sway. The land is stripped of its wealth, there is nothing to reward such vast toil and the outlay that would be required to carry out such an expedition, and it may be generations before another monarch may arise thirsting like Thotmiz for glory, and willing to leave the luxuries of Egypt for a course of distant conquest. Besides, Egypt has already learned to her cost that the rebu are not to be overcome bloodlessly, and that defeat is just as likely as victory to attend her arms against us. Therefore I do not think that the thought of the vengeance of Egypt need deter you. In other respects the present occupation by them is in your favor rather than otherwise, for you will appear before the people not only as their rightful king, but as their liberator from the hated Egyptian yoke. You are right, Jethro, Amuba said after a long silence. It is my duty to assert my rights and to restore the land to freedom. My mind is made up now. What is your advice in the matter? I should journey through the land until we reach a port by the sea frequented by Persian traders, and should there leave the two girls in charge of the family of some trader in the country, there they can remain in tranquility until matters are settled. Jebran will, I am sure, insist upon sharing our fortunes. Our long wanderings have made a man of him, too. They have not only strengthened his frame and hardened his constitution, but they have given stability to his character. He is thoughtful and prudent, and his advice will always be valuable, while of his courage I have no more doubt than I have of yours. When you have once gained your kingdom you will find in Jebran a wise counselor, one on whom you can lean in all times of difficulty. When we have left the girls behind we will continue our journey through the land, and gradually put ourselves into communication with such governors of towns and other persons of influence as we may learn to be discontented with the present state of things, so that when we strike our blow the whole country will declare for you at once. As we travel we will gradually collect a body of determined men for the surprise of the capital. There must be numbers of my old friends and comrades still surviving, and there should be no difficulty in collecting a force capable of capturing the city by a surprise. Jethro's plans were carried out, and the girls placed under the care of the wife of a Persian trader in a seaport close to the frontier of Persia. The others then started upon their journey, still traveling as Persians. Jethro had little difficulty in discovering the sentiments of the principal men in the towns through which they passed. Introducing himself first to them as a Persian trader, desirous of their protection in traveling through the country, he soon disclosed to them his own individuality. To many of them he was known either personally or by repute. He informed them that he had escaped from Egypt with Amuba, but he led them to believe that his companion was waiting in Persian territory until he learned from him that the country was ripe for his appearance, for he thought it best in no case to disclose the fact that Amuba was with him, lest some of those with whom he communicated should endeavor to gain rewards from the king by betraying him. His tidings were everywhere received with joy, and in many cases Jethro was urged to send at once for Amuba and to show him to the people, for that all the land would instantly rise on his behalf. Jethro, however, declared that Amuba would bide his time, for that a premature disclosure would enable the king to call together a portion of the army which had formerly fought under his orders, and that with the assistance of the Egyptians he might be able to form a successful resistance to a popular rising. I intend, he said, if possible to collect a small force to seize the person of the usurper by surprise, and so paralyze resistance, in which case there would only be the Egyptians to deal with, and these would be starved out of their fortress long before assistance could reach them. After visiting most of the towns Jethro and his companions journeyed through the villages remote from the capital, here the king's authority was lightly felt save when the troops arrived once a year to gather in the taxes. Lest caution was therefore necessary, and Jethro soon made himself known and began to enlist men to the service. This he had no difficulty in doing. The news that an attempt was at once to be made to overthrow the usurper, and to free the land of the Egyptians, and that at the proper time the rightful king would present himself and take the command, was received with enthusiasm. In each valley through which they passed the whole of the young men enrolled themselves, receiving orders to remain perfectly quiet and to busy themselves in fabricating arms, of which the land had been stripped by the Egyptians, until a messenger arrived summoning them to meet at a rendezvous on an appointed day. In six weeks the number of the enrolled had reached the point that was considered necessary for the enterprise, and a day was fixed on which they were to assemble among the hills a few miles distant from the town. Upon the appointed day the bands began to arrive. Jethro had purchased cattle and provisions, and receiving each band as it arrived formed them into companies and appointed their leaders. Great fires were lighted and the cattle slaughtered. Tebron aided in the arrangements, but Amuba, by Jethro's advice, passed the day in a small tent that had been pitched in the center of the camp. By the evening the whole of the contingents had arrived, and Jethro saw with satisfaction the spirit that animated them all, and the useful if somewhat rough weapons that they had fashioned. When all had assembled he drew them up in a body, and after a speech that excited their patriotic feelings to the utmost he went to the tent and leading Amuba forth presented him to them as their king. He had in his journeys through the towns procured from some of the principal men, arms and armor fitted for persons of high rank, which had been lying concealed since the conquest by the Egyptians. Amuba was accoutered in these, and as he appeared at the door of his tent a wild shout of greeting burst from the troops and breaking their ranks they rushed forward and throwing themselves on their faces round him, hailed him as their king and promised to follow him to the death. It was a long time before the enthusiasm and excitement abated, then Amuba addressed his followers, promising them deliverance from the Egyptian yoke and from the taxation under which they so long groaned. A week was spent in establishing order and discipline in the gathering, sentries being placed at a distance round the camp to prevent any stranger entering, or anyone leaving to carry the news to the city. In the meantime trusted men were sent to the town to ascertain the exact position of affairs there, and to learn whether the garrison had been placed on their guard by any rumors that might have reached the town of disaffection in the country districts. They returned with the intelligence that although reports had been received that the late king's son had escaped captivity in Egypt and would shortly appear to claim his rights, the news had been received with absolute incredulity, the king and his Egyptian allies scoffing at the idea of a captive making his escape from Egypt and traversing the long intervening distance. So complete had been the quiet throughout the country since the Egyptian occupation that the garrison had ceased to take any precautions whatever. No watch was set and the gates of the city were seldom closed even at night. The plans were now finally arranged. Jethro, with a band of two hundred men, was to enter the town in the daytime, some going down to the next port and arriving by sea, others entering singly through the gates. At midnight they were to assemble in the square round the palace, which was to be suddenly attacked, Amuba, with the main body, was to approach the city late in the evening and to station themselves near one of the gates. Jethro was before the hour named for the attack to see whether this gate was open and unguarded, and if he found that it was closed and under charge of an Egyptian guard, he was to tell off fifty men of his command to attack and overpower the Egyptians, and throw open the gate the instant they heard the trumpet, which was to be the signal for the attack of the palace. Jethro's party were, therefore, the first to start, going off in little groups, some to the neighboring ports, others direct to the city. Jethro himself was the last to set out, having himself given instructions to each group as they started, as to their behavior and entry into the city, and the rendezvous at which they were to assemble. He also arranged that if at any time they should hear his call upon the horn, which was to be repeated by three or four of his followers, who were provided with similar instruments, they were to hurry to the spot at the top of their speed. One can never tell, he said, when he told Amuba the orders he had given, what may happen. I believe that every man here is devoted to you, but there may always be one traitor in a crowd. But even without that, some careless speech on the part of one of them are quarrel with one of the king's men or with an Egyptian, and the number of armed men in the city might be discovered, for others would run up to help their comrade, and the broil would grow until all were involved. Other reasons might render it advisable to strike at an earlier hour than I arranged. I cannot think so, Amuba replied. I should say if anything were to precipitate affairs it would be most prejudicial. You, with your small force, would be certain to be overwhelmed by the large body of followers whom, as we have learned, the king keeps in his palace to say nothing of the Egyptians. In that case not only would you lose your lives, but you would put them so thoroughly upon their guard that our enterprise at night would have little chance of success. That is true, Jethro said, and I certainly do not mean to make the slightest variation from the plan we agreed upon unless I am driven to it. Still it is as well to be prepared for everything. Of course I know that you will do nothing that is rash, Jethro. After being all these years my guide and counselor, I know that you would do nothing to endanger our success now that it seemed almost assured. Jethro had in fact a reason for wishing to be able to collect his men suddenly, which he had not mentioned to Amuba. He thought it possible that, as he had said, at the last moment the plot might by some means or other be discovered, and his idea was that if that were the case he would instantly gather his followers and attack the palace, trusting to surprise and to his knowledge of the building in the endeavour to fight his way to the king's abode and slay him there, even if he himself and his men were afterwards surrounded and cut to pieces. The usurper once removed, Jethro had no doubt that the whole nation would gladly acknowledge Amuba, who would then have only the Egyptian garrison to deal with. No such accident, however, happened. The men entered the town unnoticed, those who had come by boat and who were for the most part natives of villages along the shore, remained in the lower town near the landing-place. Such of them as had friends went to their houses, those who entered the gates sauntered about the town singly or in pairs, and as their weapons were hidden they attracted no notice, having the appearance of men who had come in from the country round to dispose of their produce or the spoils of the chase, or to exchange them for such articles as were required at home. Jethro went at once to the house of an old friend with whom he had already communicated by messenger. The house was situated on the open space facing the palace. Here from time to time he received messages from his sub-leaders, and learned that all was going on well. He heard that the continual rumors from the country of the approaching return of the son of the late king had at last caused some anxiety to the usurper, who had that morning seized and thrown into prison several leading men who were known to be personally attached to the late king. Not indeed that he believed that Amuba could have returned, but he thought it possible that some imposter might be trading on his name. Several bodies of men had been dispatched from the town to the places whence these rumors had been received, to ascertain what truth there was in them, and to suppress at once any signs of revolt against the king's authority. This was highly satisfactory news to Jethro, as in the first place it showed that the king did not dream of danger in his capital, and in the second place it reduced the number of fighting men in the palace to a number but slightly exceeding the force at his own disposal. Jethro did not stir abroad until nightfall, his face being so well known in the town that he might at any moment be recognized, but as soon as it was dark he went out, and accompanied by his friend went round the town. He found that some changes had taken place since he had last been there. The Egyptians had entirely cleared away the huts toward the end of the rock furthest from the sea, and had there erected large buildings for the use of the governor, officers, and troops, and had run a wall across from the walls on either side, entirely separating their quarter from the rest of the town. Jethro's friend informed him that the erection of these buildings had greatly added to the hatred with which the Egyptians were regarded, as they had been erected with forced labor, the people being driven in by thousands and compelled to work for many months at the buildings. Jethro learned that as soon as the inner wall was completed the Egyptians had ceased altogether to keep watch at the gates of the city walls, but that they had for a long time kept a vigilant guard at the gate leading to their quarters through the new wall. For the last year, however, owing to the absence of any spirit of revolt among the Rebu, and to their confidence in the friendship of the king, they had greatly relaxed their vigilance. By nine o'clock all was quiet in the town. Jethro sent out a messenger by the road by which Amuba's force would approach to tell him that the city walls were all unguarded and that he had better enter by the gate half an hour before midnight, instead of waiting until he heard the signal for attack. He could then move his men up close to the Egyptian wall so as to attack that gate when the signal was given. Otherwise the Egyptians would be put on their guard by the sound of fighting at the palace before he could arrive at their gate. At the time he had named, Jethro went to the gate by which Amuba was to enter, and soon heard a faint confused noise, and a minute or two later a dark mass of men were at the path at the gate. They were headed by Amuba. Jethro at once explained to him the exact position, and his companion placed himself by the side of Amuba to act as his guide to the Egyptian wall. Jethro then returned to the rendezvous, where his men were already drawn up in order. Midnight was now close at hand. Quietly the band crossed the square to the gate of the palace, then Jethro gave a loud blast of his horn, and in an instant the party of men armed with heavy axes rushed forward and began to hew down the gate. As the thundering noise rose on the night air, cries of terror and the shouts of officers were heard within the royal enclosure. Then men came hurrying along the wall, and arrows began to fall among the assailants, but by this time the work of the axmen was nearly done, and in five minutes after the first blow was struck the massive gates fell splintered, and Jethro rushed in at the head of his band. The garrison, headed by the usurper himself, endeavored to stem their inrush, but, taken by surprise, half armed and ignorant of the numbers of their assailants, they could not long withstand the determined onslaught of Jethro's men. Jethro himself made his way through the crowd of fighting men, and engaged in a hand to hand fight with the usurper, who, furious with rage and despair at the sudden capture of the palace, fought but wildly, and Jethro's heavy axe soon terminated the conflict by hewing clean through helmet and head. The fall of the usurper was for the moment unnoticed in the darkness and confusion, but Jethro shouted to his men to hold their hands and fall back, then he called upon the garrison to surrender, telling them that Amusis had fallen, and that Amuba, the son of Fraces, had arrived, and was now king of the Rebu. We do not war against our own people. The Egyptians are our only enemies. Some of you may know me. I am Jethro, and I call upon you to join us and make common cause against the Egyptians, who are even now being attacked by our young king. The garrison were but too glad to accept the terms, fear rather than love had attached them to Amusis, and they were delighted to escape the prospect of death, which had the moment before stared them in the face, and to swear allegiance to their rightful king. As Jethro ceased, therefore, shouts of Long live Amuba, king of the Rebu, rose from them. Form up in order instantly under your captains, Jethro commanded, and follow us. The fray had been so short that it was but ten minutes from the moment when Jethro's horn had given the signal for attack, to that when he led his force now increased to twice its former dimensions, to the assistance of Amuba. When he reached the wall that separated the Egyptian barracks from the rest of the town, he found that Amuba had entered without resistance, and had captured two or three buildings nearest to the gate, surprising and slaying their occupants, but beyond that he had made no progress. The Egyptians were veterans in warfare, and after the first moment of surprise had recovered their coolness, and with their flights of arrows so swept the open spaces between the buildings that the Rebu could make no progress. Jethro ordered the troops who had just joined him, all of whom carried bows and arrows, to ascend the walls and open fire upon the buildings occupied by the Egyptians, then he with his own band joined Amuba. All has gone well, he said, the palace is captured and Amusis slain. I would do nothing further tonight. The Egyptians are four thousand strong, while we have but half that number. It would be madness to risk a repulse now. I will send off messengers at once to the governors of all the towns and to our friends there, informing them that the usurper is slain, that you are proclaimed king and are now besieging the Egyptians in their quarters, and ordering them to march hither at once with every man capable of bearing arms. In three days we shall have twenty thousand men here, and the Egyptians finding their position hopeless will surrender, whereas if you attack now we may be repulsed and you may be slain, and in that case the country, left without a leader, will fall again into slavery. Amuba, whose armor had already been pierced by several arrows and who was bleeding freely, was with some difficulty persuaded by Jethro to adopt his council. He saw at last that it was clearly the wisest plan to adopt, and orders were at once issued to the men to desist from further assaults, but to content themselves with repelling any attacks the Egyptians might make. These, however, were too ignorant as to the strength of their assailants to think of taking the offensive, and until morning both sides contented themselves with keeping up an incessant fire of arrows against the openings in the buildings occupied by their foes. In the morning Amuba ordered some green branches to be elevated on the flat terrace of the house he occupied. The signal was observed and the fire of the Egyptians ceased. As soon as it did so Jethro presented himself on the terrace, and a minute or two later the Egyptian governor appeared on the terrace of the opposite building. Not a little surprised was he to hear himself addressed in his own language. In the name of King Amuba, son of King Frazies, and lawful ruler of the Rebu, I, Jethro his general, summon you to surrender. The usurper Amusis is dead, and the whole land has risen against you. Our force is overpowering. Resistance can only result in the death of every Egyptian under your orders. Did we choose we could starve you out, for we know that you have no more than a week's provisions in your magazines. There is no possibility that assistance can reach you. No messenger could pass the watchers in the plain, and could they do so your nearest force is hundreds of miles away, and is of no strength to fight its way hither. In the name of the King I offer to allow you to depart, carrying with you your arms and standards. The King has been in your country. He knows how great and powerful is your nation, and feign would be on terms of friendship with it. Therefore he would inflict no indignity upon you. The tribute which your King laid upon the land is far more than it can pay, but the King will be willing to send every year to the nearest garrison to his frontiers, a tribute of gold and precious stones of one-fifth the value of that which has been until now rung from the land. This he will do as a proof of the honour in which he holds your great nation, and as a recognition of its power. The King ordered me to say that he will give you until tomorrow morning to reflect over his offer. If it is refused, the whole garrison will be put to the sword. So saying, Jethro descended from the terrace, leaving the Egyptians to consider the terms he proposed. CHAPTER XXI. The offer that Amuba had made through Jethro was a politic one, and he was influenced by two motives in granting a delay of twenty-four hours before receiving the answer. In the first place he felt sure that his own force would, before the conclusion of that time, be trebled in strength, and that should the Egyptians refuse he would be able to repel any efforts they might make to cut their way out until he would be at the head of such a force that he could at will either storm their positions or, as he intended, beleaguered them until starvation forced them to surrender. In the second place he thought that the Egyptian answer, if given at once, would probably be a refusal, but the time for reflection would enable them to look their position in the face and to recognize its hopelessness. On the one side would be certain defeat and death, on the other their general would lead out his command intact and without dishonor. Although he had threatened to put the garrison to the sword in case they refused, Amuba had no intention to carry out his threat, but on the contrary had determined that even were the Egyptians forced to surrender by famine he would freely grant them the same terms he now offered. He knew the proud and haughty nature of the Egyptians, and that the news of the massacre of a great garrison and the successful rising of a tributary province would excite such deep feeling that sooner or later an army would be dispatched to avenge the disaster. If however the garrison left the country with their arms and standards no disgrace would be inflicted upon the national arms, and as a tribute however much reduced would still be paid they could still regard the rebu as under their domination. The reduction of the tribute indeed would be an almost imperceptible item in the revenue of Egypt. Leaving Jethro in command of the beleaguering force, Amuba, accompanied by Chabron, who had been at his side during the fighting, and a small bodyguard went back into the town, the news of his coming had already spread, and the inhabitants who had remained in their houses in terror during the, to them, unaccountable tumult of the night had now poured out into the streets, the great space in front of the palace being densely packed with people. As Amuba approached a deafening shout of welcome was raised, the gates of the prisons had been thrown open, and those arrested the previous day and many others of the principal captains of his father's army throng ground him and greeted him as their king. With difficulty away was cleared to the gate of the royal enclosure. Amuba, after entering, mounted the wall and addressed a few words to the people. He told them that in defiance of all probability he had escaped from his captivity in Egypt and had made his way back to his native land, intent not so much on claiming his rightful position there, as a freeing them from the power of their oppressors. He promised them that he would always respect their rights and usages, and should endeavor to follow in the footsteps of his father. Then he retired to the palace, where he held a council with the captains and leading men in the city. Orders were at once issued for every man capable of bearing arms, to provide himself with some kind of weapon, and to assemble at noon in the great square. Lists were drawn up of all the officers of the late army still living in the town, and when the gathering took place at noon, these were appointed to form the men into companies, to appoint sub-officers, to see to the state of the arms, and, as far as possible, to supply deficiencies. A larger proportion than was expected of the three thousand men that assembled were found to be provided with weapons. Although nominally all arms had been surrendered to the Egyptians, great numbers of spear and arrowheads, swords and axes had been buried, shafts had been hastily made for the spears, and bows used for the purposes of the chase were now brought out to do service as fighting weapons. Many hundreds of spears and swords had been found in the stores at the palace, and when these were served out most of the men had a weapon of some sort. They were at once marched up to the Egyptian enclosure. Those with bows and arrows were placed upon the walls, the rest were massed near the gate in readiness to advance to the assistance of the band within, should the Egyptians make an attempt to cut their way out. In point of numbers, Amuba's forces were now superior to those of the Egyptians, but he was well aware that the superior arms and discipline of the latter would enable them to make a successful sortie should they determined to do so. The women of the town were ordered to set to work to grind the grain served out from the magazine in the palace, and to bake bread both for the fighting men present and for those expected to arrive. By noon the latter began to flock in, the contingents from the towns arriving in regular order, while the shepherds and villagers straggled in irregularly as the news reached them of the events of the previous night. By evening fully ten thousand men had arrived, and as the Egyptians had remained quiet all day, Amuba had every hope that they had decided to accept the terms he offered, and that there would be no occasion for further fighting. The troops, however, remained under arms all night, ready to repel an attack, and in the morning Amuba and Jethro mounted together on to the terrace of the building from which the parley had taken place on the previous day. A few minutes later the Egyptian governor and a group of his officers appeared on the opposite house. This is King Amuba, Jethro said in a loud voice. He is here to confirm the terms offered yesterday, and to receive your answer. We are ready, the Egyptian governor said, to retire beyond your frontier, carrying with us our arms, standards and valuables, it being understood that we make no surrender whatever, but that we march out on equal terms, holding as we do that we could, if we chose, cut our way out in spite of any resistance. You may hold that belief, Amuba said, and the Egyptian was astonished at finding that the king, as well as his general, was capable of conversing in the Egyptian tongue, and indeed, knowing and honoring the valor of the Egyptian troops, I admit it is possible that, although with great loss, you might make your way out, but more than that you could not do. You could not hold the country, for you have a nation against you. It is doubtful whether you could reach the frontier. Surely it is better then that you should leave with honor and without loss. As to the tribute that you offer, the Egyptian commander said, I have no power to agree to any diminution of the terms imposed by the king, and if it be his will that an army invade your country to enforce the former terms, I, with the troops here, must march as ordered, without imputation of having behaved treacherously. That is quite understood, Amuba said, but I trust, my lord, that you, having seen for yourself how poor is our country, how utterly unable to continue to pay the tribute formerly demanded from us, which has already impoverished us to the last degree, will represent the same in your dispatches to the king, and will use your good offices in obtaining his favorable consideration of our case. I can promise you that the tribute shall be paid regularly. I regard Egypt as the greatest power in the world, and I am most desirous to continue in friendly relations with it, and I swear to you that it will be no fault of mine if any complaint reach you of trouble on our part. Amuba's speech was well calculated to soothe the pride of the Egyptian. The latter was perfectly conscious, although he spoke confidently, that it would be no easy matter for his troops to cut their way through the narrow gateway held by the masses of the Rebu, still less to make their way harassed as he was to their frontier. If he returned with his troops intact and in good condition, he could so represent circumstances that no blame or discredit would fall upon him, and personally he was exceedingly pleased at the prospect of the termination of his soldiering at a post so far removed from Egypt and civilization. He therefore agreed to the terms Amuba proposed, and after a short parley the conditions of the evacuation of the town by the Egyptians were arranged. Amuba agreed to withdraw his men from the buildings that they occupied, and also from the gate, and to place them all upon the walls, thus saving the Egyptians the humiliation of passing through lines of armed men, and avoiding the risk of a broil arising between the soldiers. He at once issued the necessary orders, and the Rebu retired to the walls, where they could defend themselves in case of any treachery on the part of the Egyptians, and the inhabitants of the city were all ordered back from the road leading from the entrance to the Egyptian enclosure to the gate in the city walls. An hour later the Egyptians drew up in order in their enclosure. Each man carried with him food sufficient for a week's subsistence, and Amuba had arranged that a certain number of bullocks should be sent forward at once to each halting place on the way to the frontier, and that there a herd sufficient for their subsistence during their march to the nearest Egyptian garrison should be awaiting them. In firm and steady order the Egyptians marched out. The images and symbols of the gods were carried aloft, and the bearing of the soldiers was proud and defiant, for they too were doubtful whether the Rebu might not intend to make an attack upon them. The terms granted them seeming to be almost too good to be trusted. No sooner had the rear of the column passed out through the city gate than the Rebu with shouts of joy flocked down from the walls, and the city gave itself up to rejoicing. Jethro had at once sent out messengers to see that the oxen were collected at the points agreed upon, and to issue orders that the population along the line of march should all retire before the arrival of the Egyptians, who might otherwise have been tempted to seize them and carry them off as slaves with them in their retreat. For the next few days Amuba's time was wholly occupied in receiving deputations from the various towns and districts, in appointing fresh officials, and in taking measures for the re-arming of the people and their enrollment in companies, so that the country should be in a position to offer a desperate resistance should the Egyptians determined to recapture it. It was certain that many months must elapse before any force capable of undertaking their invasion could march from Egypt, but Amuba was determined that no time should be lost in making preparations, and he decided that something of the tactics and discipline of the Egyptians should be introduced into the Rebu army. He had on the very night of the surprise of the town sent on a message to inform the girls of his success, and that neither Chebran nor himself was hurt. Having by unremitting work got through his most pressing business, he left Jethro, who was now formally appointed General-in-Chief, to carry on the work, and started with Chebran to fetch the girls to his capital. But he was now obliged to travel with a certain amount of state, and he was accompanied by twenty of the leading men of the Rebu in chariots, and by an escort of light-armed horsemen. At each town through which he passed he was received with rapturous greetings and hailed as king and deliverer of the nation. Two days after starting he arrived at the little seaport, and after receiving the usual greeting from the inhabitants, and holding an audience at which he received the principal inhabitants who came to tender their allegiance, he made his way to the house of the Persian merchant where he had placed the girls. As his chariot stopped at the door the merchant appeared on the threshold, and made a profound prostration. He had until the arrival of Amuba at the town been an entire ignorance that those who had placed the girls under his charge were other than they seemed. He knew indeed from their ignorance of his language that the girls were not Persians, but supposed that they were female slaves who had been brought from a distance with a view perhaps of being presented as an offering to the king. After a word or two with him, Amuba and Chebran entered the house and ascended to the apartment which had been set aside for the girls. They were standing timidly at one end of the room and both bent profoundly as he entered. Amuba for a moment paused in astonishment, and then burst into a fit of laughter. Is this your sister, Chebran, who thus greets her old friend in such respectful fashion? Am I myself or someone else? You are king Amuba! Miza said, half smiling, but with tears in her eyes. That is true enough, Miza, but I was always Prince, you know, so there is nothing very surprising in that. There is a great difference, Miza said, and it is only right where there is such a difference of rank, the difference of rank need not exist long, Miza. Amuba said, stepping forward and taking her hand. Chebran, who is your brother and like a brother to me, has given me his consent, and it rests only with you whether you will be Queen of the Rebu and Amuba's wife. You know that if I had not succeeded in winning a throne, I should have asked you to share my lot as an exile, and I think you would have said yes. Surely you are not going to spoil my triumph now by saying no. If you do, I shall use my royal power in earnest and take you whether you will or not. But Miza did not say no, and six weeks later there was a royal wedding in the capital. Amuba had at once allotted one of the largest houses in the royal enclosure to Chebran, and to this he took Miza while Amuba was making the tour of his country, receiving the homage of the people, hearing complaints, and seeing that the work of preparation for the defense of the country was being carried on, after which he returned to the capital. The wedding was celebrated in great state, though it was observed that the religious ceremonies were somewhat cut short, and that Amuba abstained from himself offering sacrifice on the altars of the gods. The ceremony was a double one, for at the same time Chebran was united to Ruth. For the next year the preparations for war went on vigorously, and the Rebu army was got into a state of great efficiency. Amuba and Jethro felt confident that it could successfully withstand any invading force from Egypt, but as they had hoped, Egypt made no effort to regain her distant conquest, but was content to rank the land of the Rebu among the list of her tributary nations, and to accept the diminished tribute. Once prepared for war, Amuba turned his attention to the internal affairs of the country. Many of the methods of government of Egypt were introduced. Irrigation was carried out on a large scale, and the people were taught no longer to depend solely upon their flocks and herds. Stone took the place of mud in the buildings of the towns, rigorous justice was enforced throughout the land, wagons and carts similar to those of Egypt took the place of pack animals, which had hither tube and used for transport, improved methods of agriculture were taught, and contentment and plenty reigned in the land. Chebran remained Amuba's chief minister, advisor, and friend, and under their joint efforts the Rebu rose from the condition of a mere settled tribe to that of a small but flourishing nation. Another change was made, but more slowly. Soon after his ascension, Amuba assembled many of the leading men and chief priests in the country, and explained to them the convictions held by himself and Chebran and their wives, that there was but one god who ruled over the world, and that this knowledge was the highest wisdom of the Egyptians. He explained to the priests that he did not wish to overthrow the temples or disturb the worship of the former gods, but that he desired that the people should not remain in ignorance, but should be taught that the gods as they worshipped them were but symbols or images of the one great god. He said he had no thought of enforcing his convictions upon others, but that all would be free to worship as they pleased, and that at all times he and Chebran would be ready to confer with those who wished to inquire into these matters. In this matter alone Amuba met with much opposition in carrying out his plans, and had he been less popular than he was with the people, his efforts might have cost him his throne and his life. But the rebu were devoted to him, and as the priests came gradually to see that the change would not diminish their power, their opposition died away, especially as many of the younger men were soon convinced by the arguments of the king and his minister, and preached the new religion with enthusiasm among the people. But it was not until many years after that Amuba had the satisfaction of knowing that the one god was worshipped among his people. He was well aware that the success of the work was to no small extent due to the earnestness with which Miza and Ruth had labored among the wives and daughters of the nobles. How strangely things turn out, Chebran said one day, ten years after their arrival in the land, when the little party who had travelled so long together were gathered in a room in the palace. At one time it seemed that that unlucky shot of mine would not only bring ruin on all connected with me, but be a source of unhappiness to me to the end of my life. Now I see that, except for the death of my father, it was the most fortunate event of my life. But for that I should all my life have gone on believing in the gods of Egypt. But for that, although you, Amuba and Jethro, might someday have made your escape, Miza and I would assuredly never have left Egypt, never have known anything of the life of happiness and usefulness that we now enjoy. All this I consider I owed to the fortunate shot that killed the cat of Bubastis.