time.

"But if Amusis is supported by the Egyptians," he said at last, "and
is viewed by them as their ally, I should not be able to overthrow him
without becoming involved in hostilities with them also. It is not,"
he went on, seeing that Jethro was about to speak, "of the garrison
here that I am thinking, but of the power of Egypt behind it. Did I
overthrow Amusis and defeat the Egyptians, his friends, I should bring
upon my country a fresh war with Egypt."

"Egypt is, as we have found, a very long way off, Amuba. Occasionally
a warlike monarch arises under whom her arms are carried vast
distances and many nations are brought under her sway, but such
efforts are made but rarely, and we lie at the extremest limit of her
power. Thotmes himself has gained sufficient glory. He was absent for
years from his country, and at the end of long journeyings returned
home to enjoy the fruits of his victories. It is not likely that he
would again start on so long an expedition merely to bring so distant
a corner of the land subject to Egypt again under her sway. The land
is stripped of its wealth; there is nothing to reward such vast toil
and the outlay that would be required to carry out such an expedition,
and it may be generations before another monarch may arise thirsting
like Thotmes for glory, and willing to leave the luxuries of Egypt for
a course of distant conquest.

"Besides, Egypt has already learned to her cost that the Rebu are not
to be overcome bloodlessly, and that defeat is just as likely as
victory to attend her arms against us. Therefore I do not think that
the thought of the vengeance of Egypt need deter you. In other
respects the present occupation by them is in your favor rather than
otherwise, for you will appear before the people not only as their
rightful king but as their liberator from the hated Egyptian yoke."

"You are right, Jethro," Amuba said after a long silence; "it is my
duty to assert my rights and to restore the land to freedom. My mind
is made up now. What is your advice in the matter?"

"I should journey through the land until we reach a port by the sea
frequented by Persian traders, and should there leave the two girls in
charge of the family of some trader in that country; there they can
remain in tranquillity until matters are settled. Chebron will, I am
sure, insist upon sharing our fortunes. Our long wanderings have made
a man of him, too. They have not only strengthened his frame an