u to the west was dark; the farther east likewise
storm-obscured. Taking courage, he raised his eyes for an instant.
The drifting sand would not permit a longer contemplation, but in that
fleeting glimpse he discovered the source of the supernatural radiance.
The pillar was tinged like a cloud in the sunset, with a mellow and
benign fire.

Kenkenes did not marvel and was not perplexed. The miracles no longer
amazed him, but he had not become indifferent or unthankful. Each
forward step he took was a declaration of faith; the thrill of relief
in his veins, a psalm of thanksgiving. The stones were as many and as
sharp, the way as untender, and the mighty tempest strove against him
as powerfully, but he followed the ray, trusting it implicitly.

Night fell unnoticed for it merged with the supernatural darkness of
the day.

At the summit of the slope which led down to the water's edge, he
paused. Below him was a gentle declivity ending to the south in
darkness. There was not a glimmer of radiance on the sea. Far to the
east could be heard the sound of infuriated surges, storming the rocks,
but dense darkness shrouded all the distance. Only the beach directly
under him was alight. The shadows cast were blacker than daylight
shadows, and the radiance had a touch of gold, which gilded everything
beneath it. The poorest object was enriched, the gaudiest subdued.

Had the number of Israel been ten thousand or even a hundred thousand,
Kenkenes might have had some conception of the multitude. The millions
massed below him on the sand were not to be looked on except as a vast
unit.

The tribes were divided, the herds were collected at the rear or inland
side, and the lepers were isolated, but no order in detail was
possible. Tents were down, goods were being gathered, and much
commotion was apparent. Even at a distance Kenkenes could see that
consternation and dismay were rife among Israel. The whole valley was
murmurous with subdued outcry, and a multitudinous lowing and bleating
of the herds swept up, blown wildly by the hurricane.

The senses, too, are limited in their grasp, even as the brain has
bounds upon its conception. The dimensions, movement and sound of the
multitude over-taxed the eye and ear.

Was it the storm or the army that had frightened them?

Slipping and sliding in his haste, he descended the slope without care
for the sound he made. The hillocks and hollows that interposed
irritated h