er face this out by myself, and that my looks
will betray us. I have committed the most terrible crime an Egyptian
can commit, and I dare not keep such a secret to myself."

"Very well, Chebron, I will not try to dissuade you, and I will go and
see Jethro. Of course to him as to me the shooting of a cat is a
matter not worth a second thought; but he will understand the
consequences, and if we fly will accompany us. You do not mind my
speaking to him? You could trust your life to him as to me."

Chebron nodded, and moved away toward the house.

"For pity sake, Chebron!" Amuba exclaimed, "do not walk like that. If
the men at work get sight of you they cannot but see that something
strange has happened, and it will be recalled against you when the
creature is missed."

Chebron made an effort to walk with his usual gait. Amuba stood
watching him for a minute, and then turned away with a gesture of
impatience.

"Chebron is clever and learned in many things, and I do not think that
he lacks courage; but these Egyptians seem to have no iron in their
composition when a pinch comes. Chebron walks as if all his bones had
turned to jelly. Of course he is in a horrible scrape; still, if he
would but face it out with sense and pluck it would be easier for us
all. However, I do not think that it is more the idea that he has
committed an act of horrible sacrilege than the fear of death that
weighs him down. If it were not so serious a matter one could almost
laugh at any one being crushed to the earth because he had
accidentally killed a cat."

Upon entering the house Chebron made his way to the room where his
father was engaged in study. Dropping the heavy curtains over the door
behind him he advanced a few paces, then fell on his knees, and
touched the ground with his forehead.

"Chebron!" Ameres exclaimed, laying down the roll of papyrus on which
he was engaged and rising to his feet. "What is it, my son? Why do you
thus kneel before me in an attitude of supplication? Rise and tell me
what has happened."

Chebron raised his head, but still continued on his knees. Ameres was
startled at the expression of his son's face. The look of health and
life had gone from it, the color beneath the bronze skin had faded
away, drops of perspiration stood on his forehead, his lips were
parched and drawn.

"What is it, my son?" Ameres repeated, now thoroughly alarmed.

"I have forfeited my life, father! Worse, I have offended the gods