y man and his three sons. These men
worshiped the God of Abraham, who was the father of Israel. One of the
sons founded thy race, saith Moses, and one established mine. The
tribes that went into Egypt worshiped the same God. Lo, is it not
written in the early tombs? So Moses testifieth, but if thou doubtest,
go question thy historians. And some of the tribes called that God Ra,
others, Ptah, and yet others, Amen. But in time they quarreled and
each tribe refused to admit the identity of the three-named One God,
saying, 'Thy god sendeth plague and affliction, and ours sendeth rich
harvests and the Nile floods.' Did not the same God do each of these
things in His wisdom? Even so. But when they were at last united into
one great people, they had forgotten the quarrel, forgotten that in the
beginning they had worshiped one God, and they bowed down to three
instead. Nay, if there were but one among you who dared, there are
loose threads fluttering, which, if drawn, might unravel the whole
fabric of idolatry and disclose that which it hides--the One God--the
God of Abraham."

Kenkenes had walked in silence, looking down into the luminous eyes,
lost in wonder. Rachel suddenly realized at what length she had talked
and stopped abruptly, dropping back to her place again as if chidden.

"Come," said Kenkenes, noting her action, "walk beside me, priestess.
I would hear more of this. It is like all forbidden things--wondrously
alluring."

"I did forget," she answered stubbornly. "There is nothing more."

Kenkenes stopped.

"Come," he insisted. "The teacher rather precedes the pupil. At
least, thou shalt walk beside me."

"I pray thee, let us go on. We are not yet at the camp--we have walked
so slowly," she answered. At that moment several fragments of rock,
loosening, slid down in the dark just behind her. She caught her
breath and was beside the young artist in an instant. He laughed in
sheer delight.

"Thou hast assembled the spirits by thy blasphemy," he said. "And
remember, I must soon return to this haunted place alone."

"Thou canst get a brand of fire or a cudgel at the camp," she said with
some remorse in her voice, "and run for the river bank." With that she
resumed her place behind him.

Kenkenes laughed again. It gave him uncommon pleasure to know that his
model was concerned for him. He put out his hand and deliberately drew
her up to his side. Not content with that he bent his arm an