s to the battle in which the latter was slain, how he
had warned him, against the ambition of Amusis, and advised him,
rather than risk the chances of civil war in endeavoring to assert his
rights, to collect a body of adherents and to seek a new home in the
far west. Jethro, however, was strongly of opinion that the advice,
although excellent at the time, was no longer appropriate.

"To begin with, Amuba, you were then but a boy of sixteen, and engaged
as we were in war with Egypt, the people would naturally have
preferred having a well-known and skillful general at their head to
a boy whom they could not hope would lead them successfully in war.
You are now a man. You have had a wide experience. You have an
acquaintance with the manners and ways of our conquerors, and were you
on the throne could do much for the people, and could promote their
welfare by encouraging new methods of agriculture and teaching them
something of the civilization in Egypt.

"In the second place, in the four years that have elapsed Amusis has
had time to make himself unpopular. The necessity for heavy taxation
to raise the annual tribute has naturally told against him, to say
nothing of the fact that he is said to be on friendly terms with our
foreign oppressors. Therefore the chances would be all in your favor."

"But I have no desire to be king," Amuba replied. "I want to live in
quiet contentment."

"You are born to be king, Prince Amuba," Jethro said; "it is not a
matter of your choice. Besides, it is evident that for the good of the
people it is necessary that the present usurper should be overthrown
and the lawful dynasty restored. Besides this, it is clear that you
cannot live in peace and contentment as you say; you might at any
moment be recognized and your life forfeited. As to the original plan,
I am sure that your father would not have advocated it under the
changed circumstances; besides, I think you have had your fair share
of wandering and dangers.

"Moreover, I suppose you would hardly wish to drag Mysa with you on
your journey to an unknown country, where all sorts of trials and
struggles must unquestionably be encountered before you succeed in
founding a new settlement. I suppose," he said with a smile, "you
would not propose leaving her here to whatever fate might befall her.
I fancy from what I have seen during the last six months that you have
altogether other intentions concerning her."

Amuba was silent for some