e two chiefs claiming jurisdiction over the road,
and a messenger was at once dispatched to the nearest of these with
the offer of the usual payment and a request for an escort.

A week later four wild-looking figures presented themselves at the
house and stated that they were ready to conduct the travelers through
their chief's territory. Jethro had already made arrangements with the
head man of the place to furnish him with twelve men to carry
provisions necessary for the journey, and upon the following morning
the party started, and Mysa and Ruth assumed the garb of boys, Jethro
finding that although traders might bring up the ladies of their
family to Semneh, or even take them higher up the river in boats, they
would never think of exposing them to the fatigue of a journey across
the mountains, and that the arrival of two girls at the Egyptian town
on the sea would therefore assuredly attract remark, and possibly
inquiry, on the part of the authorities.

For the first few hours the girls enjoyed the change of traveling
after the long confinement on the boat, but long before nightfall they
longed for the snug cushions and easy life they had left behind. The
bearers, heavy laden as they were, proceeded at a steady pace that
taxed the strength of the girls to keep up with after the first few
miles were passed. The heat of the sun was intense. The country after
a short distance had been passed became barren and desolate. They did
not suffer from thirst, for an ample supply of fruit was carried by
one of the bearers, but their limbs ached, and their feet, unused to
walking, became tender and painful.

"Can we not stop for awhile, Jethro?" Mysa asked beseechingly.

Jethro shook his head.

"We must keep on to the wells. They are two hours further yet. They
told us at starting that the first day's journey was six hours' steady
walking."

Mysa was about to say that she could walk no further, when Ruth
whispered in her ear:

"We must not give way, Mysa. You know we promised that if they would
take us with them, we would go through all difficulties and dangers
without complaining."

The admonition had its effect. Mysa felt ashamed that she had been on
the point of giving way on the very first day of their starting on
their real journey, and struggled bravely on; but both girls were
utterly exhausted by the time they arrived at the wells. They felt
rewarded, however, for their sufferings by the hearty commendation
Je