were rolled up now to allow a
free passage of air, and as they sat on the cushions they could look
out on both sides.

Day after day passed quietly and smoothly. The men generally towed the
boat from sunrise until eleven o'clock in the day; then they moored
her to the bank, prepared a meal, and after eating it went ashore if
there were trees that afforded a shade there, or if not, spread out
some mats on poles over the boat and slept in their shade till three
o'clock. Then they towed until sunset, moored her for the night,
cooked their second meal, talked and sang for an hour or two, and then
lay down for the night. Sometimes the wind blew with sufficient
strength to enable the boat to stem the stream close inshore by means
of the sail alone; then the boatmen were perfectly happy and spent
their day in alternate eating and sleeping. Generally the passengers
landed and walked alongside of the boat for an hour or two after they
had had their early breakfast, and again when the heat of the day was
over; it made a change, and at the same time kept their muscles in a
state of health and activity.

"We may have to make long journeys on foot," Jethro said, "and the
more we can accustom ourselves to walking the better."

The time passed so quietly and pleasantly that both Mysa and Chebron
at times blamed themselves for feeling as light hearted as they did;
but when the latter once said so to Jethro he replied:

"Do not be uneasy on that score. Remember that in the first place it
is a comfort to us all that you and your sister are cheerful
companions. It makes the journey lighter for us. In the next place,
good spirits and good health go together; and although, at present,
our life is an easy one, there will be need for health and strength
presently. This flight and exile are at present blessings rather than
misfortunes to you. Just as Amuba's captivity following so closely
upon the death of his father and mother was to him."

"I can hardly believe," Mysa said, "that we are really going upon a
dangerous expedition. Everything is so pleasant and tranquil. The days
pass without any care or trouble. I find it difficult to believe that
the time is not very far off when we shall have to cross deserts, and
perhaps to meet savage beasts and wild people, and be in danger of our
lives."

"It will be a long time first, Mytis. It will be months before we
arrive at Meroe, the capital of the next kingdom, which lies at the
junction