re were those who censured the prophet for his conduct at this
battle; and some even dared to charge him with deception in promising
them victory. But Mohammed told them that defeat was due to their sins:
"Verily, they among you who turned their backs on the day whereon the
two armies met at Ohod, Satan caused them to slip for some crime which
they had committed."

To quiet those who lamented for their slain friends, he brought forth
the doctrine that the time of every man's death is fixed by divine
decree, and that he must meet it at that time, wherever he be.

In the morning the majority of Abu Sofian's forces set out for Mecca.
Among them were Yusuf and Amzi, also Asru the captain; and it was with
no small sense of comfort that the half-starved prisoners sat again
about Amzi's well-stocked board.

Manasseh was with them. Kedar, scorning to desert the Moslem army, had
refused to leave Medina, and, by the earnest intercession of Yusuf and
Amzi, whose word was of some import in Meccan ears, he had been given
his freedom.

It was with deep relief that all felt the short respite from the blare
of battle; and, though they looked forward to the future with anxious
forebodings, and though their joy was clouded by the death of Dumah,
they were thankful for present blessings. Not alone prayer, but praise,
was an essential part of their religion, and their voices ascended in
song,--

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be
in thy mouth.

My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear
thereof, and be glad.

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my
fears.

They looked unto him, and were lightened; and their faces were not
ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of
all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and
delivereth them.

O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that
trusteth in him.

O fear the Lord, ye his saints; for there is no want to them that
fear him.

CHAPTER XX.

THE BATTLE OF THE DITCH.

"Blood! blood! The leaves above me and around me
Are red with blood."

In the year which followed, Mohammed's forces were more than once
directed against Syrian caravans, and the plunder divided among